Standardized tests and academic performance alone take center stage in today’s educational landscape. Success is often measured by these scores, with everything from college applications to job opportunities hanging in the balance. But there has been a growing realization that this approach misses the bigger picture and that education should be delivered in a more well-rounded way.

That is where Signature Preparatory offers a refreshing alternative.

Located in Henderson, Nevada, this charter school is built on the premise that education should serve the entire child, not just the intellect, but also character, behavior, and preparedness for the real world.

“We have set a new standard for holistic education by prioritizing values alongside academics and fostering real-world skills from an early age,” says Gabe Shirey, the school’s founder and executive director.

Setting a New Standard for Holistic Education

The focus on whole-child development is what sets Signature Preparatory apart from many other schools. It is also a reflection of its leadership. Shirey’s journey to founding the school was not rooted in a traditional education background, but in a desire to provide his own children with a better educational experience. As a father dissatisfied with the public school system, he decided to take matters into his own hands and create a school that prioritized both academics and life skills.

“I built this for my children,” he says. “And because of that, the entire community benefits today.”

At the heart of Signature Preparatory’s success is its commitment to character development. This is embodied in the school’s P.R.A.I.S.E. program, an acronym that stands for Purpose, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Empathy. These values are not merely theoretical concepts. They are woven into the fabric of daily school life.

Every month, a new value is highlighted, influencing lessons, activities, and even student interactions. Students are encouraged to embody these principles as they explore subjects ranging from history to mathematics, learning not only facts but also how to apply them in meaningful ways.

This holistic approach to education has led to remarkable success. Despite the middle school starting with a zero percent proficiency rate when it opened its doors in 2019, students at Signature Preparatory are growing faster than about two-thirds of similar peers nationally. This progress stands as a strong testament to the effectiveness of the school’s leadership and its distinctive educational model.

Endowing a Culture of High Academic and Behavioral Expectations

Shirey explains that the goal is to help students develop a clear sense of values, empowering them to make responsible decisions. For example, as students study historical figures such as George Washington or Martin Luther King Jr., they are encouraged to examine how these individuals exemplified values like respect or service. The aim is not simply to memorize dates or events, but to understand how values shaped these leaders’ actions and their impact on the world.

While character development plays a pivotal role, Signature Preparatory also places a strong emphasis on real-world skills. One of the school’s most distinctive features is its curriculum, which introduces financial literacy and entrepreneurship as early as sixth grade, well before these topics typically appear in public school classrooms.

Students learn about business management, stocks, bonds, compound interest, and even how to start an LLC. This early exposure provides practical knowledge that serves them far beyond the classroom. Shirey, who recalls his own struggles with financial literacy in his youth, sees the curriculum as a way to ensure students do not repeat the same mistakes.

“I remember bouncing my first check and facing $40 in fees,” he reflects. “I don’t want my students to go through the same thing.”

These real-world lessons are reinforced by a culture of high academic and behavioral expectations. Signature Preparatory’s leadership sets the tone, and the staff follows suit. Teachers are committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing students’ growth as individuals. A teacher retention rate of 98 percent speaks volumes about a school culture focused on building lasting relationships among educators, students, and parents.

Fostering a Better School Culture

The school’s commitment to creating a positive learning environment extends beyond academics. It centers on building an atmosphere where students feel valued and respected. One example of this commitment is “Dress for Success Friday,” an initiative in which students wear formal attire. This seemingly small change has had a noticeable impact on student behavior. Fridays, traditionally more challenging days, have become more structured and respectful. Dressing professionally encourages students to adopt a mindset of responsibility and discipline.

“When you dress up, you act differently,” says Shirey. “It’s just one of the small things we do to help foster a better school culture.”

Signature Preparatory’s focus on character, behavior, and academic success also extends into the broader community. Parental involvement is integral to the school’s mission. Shirey and his team encourage parents to be active participants in their children’s education through events such as the Signature Scream Halloween celebration and the Signature Social. These gatherings, which draw thousands of families, help strengthen the school’s connection to the community.

In addition, Signature Preparatory’s One Child Challenge ensures that teachers regularly reach out to parents with updates on their children’s progress. This approach fosters open communication and builds trust between home and school.

Although the school has become a household name, Shirey and his team are not content to rest on their accomplishments. With plans to expand into other areas of Nevada and eventually open a high school, Signature Preparatory’s future looks bright. For Shirey, the mission remains clear: to provide a comprehensive, real-world education that equips students with the skills, values, and knowledge they need to succeed not just in school, but in life.

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