Mr. Gary Waters
Executive Director
Beacon Academy of Nevada

Dear Parents and Students: I am very excited to introduce you to Nevada's Online High School – Beacon Academy of Nevada. Our school is designed to fit the lifestyle and needs of our students and not be a cookie cutter approach to education. At Beacon Academy of Nevada, students receive a high-quality, personalized education that prepares them for life beyond high school. We accomplish this by offering a complete learning package which includes an innovative virtual learning environment and an extensive support system involving teachers, learning coach, guidance counselor, student outreach coordinator and staff who are personally committed to helping students realize their greatest potential. From competitive athletes, award-winning performers, and budding actors, to kids taking care of family members or dealing with their own personal or health issues, to students seeking more academic rigor in their curriculum, or kids simply wanting to avoid the drama and distractions of a regular school - Beacon Academy of Nevada provides a flexible, individualized, high-quality education for any student! I encourage you to learn more about Beacon Academy of Nevada by exploring our website or calling our admissions team. My Background Mr. Waters was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended schools there. Many of his family still live in Iowa. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado and served six years in the United States Navy. He further graduated from the University of Iowa and University of Nevada-Reno with graduate degrees in clinical social work, educational psychology/counseling and educational administration. He is licensed/certified in five mental health disciplines. He has taught education and psychotherapy at both Nevada Universities (UNLV - UNR) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). He is a career active reserve military officer holding the rank of Lt. Colonel. He completed Command and General Staff College and has had multiple deployments both within the United States and abroad. He served twelve years on the Nevada State Board of Education and nine years on the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. He has lived in Nevada his entire civilian career having resided in both Carson City and Las Vegas. He is one of the founders of Beacon Academy of Nevada.