Basic Academy of International Studies

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Basic Academy of International Studies
Front of Basic Academy of International Studies (Basic High School) August 2020.jpg
Front of the school
Location
Basic Academy of International Studies
400 Palo Verde Dr

Henderson
,
Nevada
89015

United States
Coordinates 36°02′01″N114°57′44″W / 36.0337°N 114.9621°W / 36.0337; -114.9621
Information
School type Public School
Established1942
School district Clark County School District
PrincipalTati Hadavi (since 2025)
Staff200
Faculty108.00 (FTE) [1]
Grades9-12
Enrollment2,605 (2022-23) [1]
Student to teacher ratio24.12 [1]
Colour(s)Blue and silver
  
Athletics conference Sunrise 4A Region
RivalFoothill/Green Valley
PublicationEl Lobo yearbook, Lone Wolf newspaper
Website https://www.basicacademy.org

Basic Academy of International Studies (also Basic Academy, previously Basic High School) is a public high school with a magnet program. It is part of the Clark County School District. It was the first high school in Henderson, Nevada, United States. [2] [3]

Contents

School name

The "B" on the side of the River Mountain Range. Paint the B 2022 Basic Seniors Paint the B on the side of the River Mountains Range Overlooking Henderson.jpg
The "B" on the side of the River Mountain Range.

Along with Basic Road and a few businesses with "Basic" in the name, Basic High School was named after the World War II-era Basic Magnesium refinery, which then employed nearly all the town-site's residents. [4] Henderson was originally referred to as the "Basic town site" [5] until 1946 when it took on the name Henderson. [6]

In 2015, the Clark County School District Trustees approved a name change sought by then-principal David Bechdel to "Basic Academy of International Studies." This was to reflect the addition of its International Baccalaureate magnet program, which are typically referred to as academies. [7] [4]

Visible from most of the southeast part of the Las Vegas Valley, a large "B" and smaller "Q" are painted over boulders on side of the River Mountains range that surrounds that corner of Henderson. The "B" is repainted every year by that year's senior class. [8] The "Q" memorializes Quinton Robbins, an alumnus of the school who was a victim of the 2017 Route 91 festival mass-shooting. [9]

History and traditions

Basic's current campus (upper right) including Lake Mead Parkway (left) along with Palm Mortuary and Boulder Highway (bottom) in May 1972. FUNERAL HOME AT HENDERSON - NARA - 549067.jpg
Basic's current campus (upper right) including Lake Mead Parkway (left) along with Palm Mortuary and Boulder Highway (bottom) in May 1972.

Predating the city of Henderson, the Railroad Pass School District (now defunct) had a one room school house built in 1932. [10] As thousands moved to the area to work at the Basic Magnesium Inc. plant, the World War II magnesium refinery responsible for a quarter of metal need to build the Allied Forces' war efforts supply, like bomb casings, aircraft and tank parts, and engines. In 1942, the one room schoolhouse became a high school. It graduated its first class of ten students in 1943. [10]

In 1954 it moved to a site near the Water Street District off of Van Wagenen Street and Pacific Avenue, the current site of Lyal Burkholder Academy, a middle school. [10] Since, 1973 Basic High School has been located at 400 Palo Verde Drive. [11]

The school received IB accreditation for the Middle Years Programme in 2016 and the Diploma Programme in 2017. [12]

From 1942 until 1991 when Green Valley High School opened its doors, Basic was the only high school in Henderson. [11] Since then, the two schools have developed a rivalry. During the fall football season, the varsity football teams face off in the Henderson Bowl, which is aired on local television. The winner of the game wins the eponymous Bowl, covered with plaques inscribed with each year's winner. [13]

The Henderson Bowl during the 2022 game against Green Valley High School. The Henderson Bowl on Display During the 2022 Game.tif
The Henderson Bowl during the 2022 game against Green Valley High School.

In addition to Green Valley, Basic is also rivals with Foothill High School, against whom they play each year in the "Battle for Boulder Highway," as each school sits on either side of the major road that divides old Henderson. [14]

A large, white letter "B" representing the school sits on the side of River Mountain peak from which a large part of southeastern Las Vegas Valley can see it. [15] The original "B" was painted on the side of a mountain near the Water Street Lyal Burkholder Middle School, which was also maintained for many years, long after Basic relocated to its current campus. [10]

Academics

Basic is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Middle Years Program for freshmen and sophomores (9–10th grade) and both the IB Diploma Program and IB Career-related Programme for juniors and seniors (11–12th grade). The IB Career-related pathways include automotive technology, early childhood development, entrepreneurship, fashion design, forensic science, teaching and training, and video production. Students in these programs take specialized courses in their field alongside their IB core classes. [16]

While all underclassmen classes are part of the Middle Years Programme, students are not required to participate in the IB Diploma or IB Career programs as upperclassmen. [16]

As a comprehensive school, Basic's course catalog includes all core subjects, English, mathematics through calculus, sciences, social studies) as well as world languages (Spanish and Chinese), fine arts, technology, and physical education. All students, regardless of magnet program enrollment, must fulfill the credit requirements set by CCSD and the Nevada Department of Education. The school also offers dual-enrollment courses for college credit through the College of Southern Nevada. [17]

Activities and clubs

Activities

1951 El Lobo Yearbook Cover Basic HIgh School.tif
The cover of the 1951 El Lobo yearbook.
Lone Wolf Newspaper Cover October 15, 1948 Basic High School.png
The front page of the Lone Wolf newspaper from 1948.

Basic has a number of award-winning activities classes including student council, yearbook, journalism, and Marine Corps JROTC. Each program is supervised by a faculty member and counts as an elective class while the daily operations of each are carried out by student leadership. [16]

The school's Lone Wolf is the oldest continuously printed newspaper in Henderson. In the regional annual high school journalism contest, the Las Vegas Review-Journal awarded the Lone Wolf best newspaper in the reduced format category in 2009. [18] In 2023, it won second place for best high school newspaper. [19]

Recognized by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the school's El Lobo yearbook won the organization's Crown Award five times, in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 2005. [20] It has also won the National Pacemaker Award for yearbooks in 1998 [21] and 2000. [22]

The Marine Corps JROTC program is currently headed by SgtMaj Bradley Kasal and LtCol Bradley Van Slyke. [23] won the championship 16 out of 18 times between 1996–2014 at the Bear West Coast National Drill meet and 16 of the prior 18 years. [24]

Clubs

The school hosts several academic and community-service clubs including Model United Nations, robotics, speech and debate, chess, FCCLA, DECA, Key Club, Success Street (community service), National Honor Society, Best Buddies, and IB student council. [25]

Clubs centered on identity or religion include the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible Club, Empower Her, Native American Club, 9th Island Polynesian Club, Black Student Union, Gay-Straight Alliance, Filipino Club. [25]

Numerous other clubs focus on a variety of activities or interests, including Dungeons and Dragons, cinema, photography, creative writing, theater, true crime, crochet, and anime. [25]

Athletics

Basic Academy NIAA State Championships
SportDivisionYears
Baseball5A MountainWon: 1955, 1956, 1982, 1987, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2025

Appearances:1955, 1956, 1958, 1962, 1982, 1987, 2001, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 [26]

Basketball (B)4A MountainWon: 1947, 1956, 1959 [26]

Appearances: 2022, 2023 [27]

Basketball (G)4A DesertAppearances: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2023 [28]
Cross country (B)Team: 1998, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1987

Individual: 1988/1987 Pat Hubbard Appearances: 2016 (6th), 2015 (5th), 2014 (6th), 2004 (6th), 2003 (4th), 2002(7th), 2001 (8th), 2000 (7th), 1999 (2nd), 1998 (W), 1997 (2nd), 1996 (W) [29]

Cross Country (G)Individual: 1998 Cindy Craig

Team appearances: 2017 (eighth), 2002 (ninth), 2001 (ninth), 1999 (seventh), 1998 (third), 1997, 1996 [30]

Football5A S./LakeState won: 1960, 1958

League won: 2015, 2008, 2000 [31]

Golf (B)5A SoutheastTeam: 1986, 1979 [32]
Volleyball (B)Won: 1998, 2002, 2024, 2025

Appearances: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 [33]

Volleyball (G)Won: 1981, 1980, 1977, 1976

Appearances: 2022, 2021, 1985 [34]

Softball4A SkyWon: 2024, 2025

Appearances: 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025 [35]

SwimmingIndividual: 2000, Riva Davidson (50 freestyle); 1998, Julie Whitehead (1m diving) [36]
Tennis (B)Sunrise LeagueAppearances: 2004

Playoff appearances: 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001 [37]

Tennis (G)Sunrise LeagueRecent playoff appearances: 2017, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000 [38]
Wrestling (B)Team: 1984, 1979, 1976 [39]

Individual: 1998, Kevin Lochner (171); 2002, Duane Gonzales (103); [39] 2025,Jaxon Mackey (150) [40]

Notes: (B): boys sports, (G): girls sports. For wrestling, the weight class is indicated for the wrestler who won first place.

Notable alumni

Feeder schools

Elementary

Middle school/junior high school

Controversies

In April 2024, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association stripped Basic's baseball team of all league wins for using ineligible players, eliminating it from playoff contention. Head coach Scott Baker was dismissed the same day. [47] In 2025, parents of a former player accused Baker of bullying and defamation; a claim was partly substantiated by then-principal Gerald Bustamante, though Baker denied wrongdoing. The district said the eligibility probe began with an anonymous tip, prompting a review of school and district actions. [48]

In December 2008, 32-year-old choir teacher Basic choir teacher Matthew Cox was killed by two teenage brothers, Jose Delatorre and Juan Aguirre, one of whom was Cox’s student. The Henderson Police Department reported the brothers strangled Cox after he gave them a ride home, then stole electronics and his vehicle. In 2012, both pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy. Delatorre was sentenced to 18 years to life, and Aguirre to 13 to 25 years in prison. [49]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Basic Academy of Int'l Studies HS". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Ilene Bittle Collection on Basic High School (MS-00331)". Special Collections, University Libraries. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 1993. Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  3. ↑ Meyer, Alex (June 20, 2017). "Graduate returns as Basic High School principal". Review-Journal . Archived from the original on September 8, 2018.
  4. 1 2 Carl, Kay; Carpenter, Jami, eds. (2009). Education in the Neon Shadow: The First Fifty Years of the Clark County School District. Stephens Press. ISBN   978-1-932173-83-3.
  5. ↑ "Basic Magnesium, Inc". Special Collections, University Libraries. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  6. ↑ Credico, Mark (June 14, 2023). "Why Is Henderson Called Henderson?". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on September 14, 2024.
  7. ↑ Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees (Report). Las Vegas: Clark County School District. August 13, 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 27, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Ask Mr. Sun: The letter B on the mountain in Henderson". Las Vegas Sun. December 2, 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  9. ↑ "What does the 'Q' on 'B' Mountain in Henderson stand for?". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 6, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Staff (n.d.). "Our School's History". Lyle Burkholder Academy of Environmental Science. Clark County School District. Archived from the original on March 20, 2025.
  11. 1 2 Koch, Ed (October 3, 2005). "Getting back to Basic High School". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Basic Academy of International Studies". International Baccalaureate®. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  13. ↑ Contreras, Evelio. "Henderson Bowl Showdown - Las Vegas Sun News". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  14. ↑ Wright, Alex (August 29, 2024). "'Energy is up': Prep football rivalry games still have meaning". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on August 30, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Ask Mr. Sun: The letter B on the mountain in Henderson". Letters to the Editor. Las Vegas Sun . December 2, 2008.
  16. 1 2 3 Graduation Requirements, 2024–2025 School Year (PDF). Las Vegas: Clark County school district. 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 31, 2025.
  17. ↑ Basic Academy Course Catalog 2025–2026. Henderson: Basic Academy of International Studies. 2025. Archived from the original on August 13, 2025.
  18. ↑ Thevenot, Carri Geer (May 15, 2009). "Green Valley High School's newspaper judged the best". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  19. ↑ Wilson, David (May 8, 2023). "Review-Journal honors Clark County's best high school journalists". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on May 9, 2023.
  20. ↑ 1983–2023 Awards for Student Work, Crown Awards: Scholastic Recipients (PDF). New York: Columbia Scholastic Press Association. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 26, 2024.
  21. ↑ "1998 Yearbook Pacemaker Winners". National Scholastic Press Association . Archived from the original on July 15, 2020.
  22. ↑ "2000 Yearbook Pacemaker Winners". National Scholastic Press Association . Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Staff -". Basic Academy of International Studies. Archived from the original on August 13, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  24. ↑ Belcher, Caitlyn (October 9, 2014). "Basic High School JROTC Among the Best in the Nation". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on November 28, 2020.
  25. 1 2 3 "Clubs". Basic Academy of International Studies.
  26. 1 2 "Nevada Preps: Basic Baseball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Basketball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on March 22, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Basketball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on May 18, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Cross Country". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Basic Girls Cross Country". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Football". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Boys Golf". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Volleyball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Volleyball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Softball". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on May 18, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Basic Girls Swimming and Diving". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Tennis". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Tennis". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025.
  39. 1 2 "Nevada Preps: Basic Wrestling". Las Vegas Review-Journal . n.d. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025.
  40. ↑ Wright, Alex (March 12, 2025). "Meet the 2025 Nevada Preps All-Southern Nevada boys wrestling team". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on March 12, 2025.
  41. ↑ Emerson, Justin (May 30, 2019). "Three years after graduating from local high schools, Las Vegans poised to go high in MLB Draft". Las Vegas Sun . Archived from the original on May 31, 2019.
  42. ↑ "Chris Latham". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025.
  43. ↑ Koch, Ed (October 3, 2005). "Getting back to Basic High School". Las Vegas Sun . Archived from the original on September 29, 2012.
  44. ↑ Evans, K. J. (February 7, 1999). "Harry Reid". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on August 14, 2013.
  45. ↑ Congress, United States (2008). Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the ... Congress. U.S. Government Printing Office.
  46. ↑ "The All-Vegas Team". Vegas Seven. August 28, 2013. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  47. ↑ Wright, Alex (April 30, 2024). "Basic baseball forfeits all league games for ineligible players". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on May 1, 2024.
  48. ↑ Wright, Alex (March 7, 2025). "Family alleges fired high school baseball coach bullied, smeared son". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on March 7, 2025.
  49. ↑ McCabe, Francis (December 11, 2012). "Brothers sentenced to prison in teacher's slaying". Las Vegas Review-Journal . Archived from the original on August 13, 2025.
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