Bighorn Bulletin

Open Enrollment for Oasis Academy’s 2026–27 School Year Opens December 1

Oasis Academy is preparing to welcome new students for the 2026–27 school year, with Open Enrollment officially beginning December 1 and running through February 28. Families interested in joining one of Nevada’s top-performing schools are encouraged to apply online at oanv.org during the enrollment window.

As a consistently high-achieving public charter school, Oasis Academy middle and high schools have received recognition as 5-Star Schools and the elementary a 4-Star School under the Nevada School Performance Framework. Oasis is widely known for its exceptional academic results. 

Oasis Academy’s kindergarten through eighth grade offers a wide range of enriching experiences that help students build a strong academic foundation. Highlights include:

• Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and stronger relationships with teachers.
• Hands-on learning opportunities, including STEM activities, science labs, and project-based learning.
• Robust literacy and math intervention program to support students at all levels.
• A variety of electives and enrichment classes such as art, music, technology, drama, and PE.
• A welcoming school culture that emphasizes character development, responsibility, and community involvement.
• Extracurricular opportunities such as robotics, student leadership, and after-school activities that help students explore their interests.

The high school proudly maintains a 100% graduation rate, offering students a supportive environment focused on both rigor and opportunity. It also stands out for its dual-enrollment partnership with Western Nevada College, allowing many students to graduate with not only their high school diploma but also an associate degree with no cost to their families. 

In addition, the school is known for its strong community culture, dedicated staff, and a wide range of student opportunities across grade levels—from thriving STEM and arts programs to leadership, FFA, athletics, and hands-on learning at all grade levels.

Senior Spotlight: Olivia Kutansky

Oasis Academy senior Olivia Kutansky is eager to take her artistic talents to the next level as she heads to college after graduation in May. In addition to being a gifted artist, she has also been an exceptional student in the classroom and a dedicated member of the school’s golf team, balancing academics, creativity, and athletic commitment.

After graduation, Kutansky plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in graphic design with the possibility of adding a minor in ceramics. 

“My plan after I graduate from Oasis Academy is to attend UNR to major in graphic design and possibly get a minor in ceramics,” she shared. 

The art classes she has taken along the way have helped lead her to this path. Throughout high school, art became an important outlet. She took dual enrollment college classes ranging from watercolor to ceramics—experiences she found both fulfilling and refreshing. 

“They were the classes I not only enjoyed the most but also felt like a refreshing break from my other classes,” she said.

Her journey at Oasis began in the middle of second grade—and admittedly, she wasn’t thrilled at first. 

“To be honest, I hated school… I wasn’t thrilled and I honestly wanted to go home,” she recalled. 

But everything changed in seventh grade when she met her closest friends. From that point on, her experience transformed. 

“I’ve made new connections, been more involved in my school, and it’s helped me grow as a student,” Kutansky said.

Looking back, one of her favorite memories comes from an 8th-grade math project that turned into an unforgettable experience. 

“One of my favorite memories was our hot chocolate stands we had to do for a math project. We had custom made aprons and a poster I designed that I was really proud of,” she said, “Running a stand with my friends was so much fun and it’s definitely a memory that has stuck with me this whole entire time.”

Kutansky has excelled in the classroom and on the golf course. She has competed in state every year and has finished in the top six every year as well. This year she helped the girls’ golf team place second at state and finished sixth individually. During the duration of her high school golf career, she has also been named team MVP, team captain, and received the NIAA Academic Athlete Award.

She also expressed deep appreciation for the mentors who helped shape her time at Oasis, especially her golf coaches. 

“Coaches David Halloran, Mike Browning, Tomas Kutansky, and Gabriella Madraso were the ones who made my wish into an actual reality,” she said. “The time, effort, and dedication they put into the girls on the team paid off. And I could not have asked for better coaches.”

The dual enrollment student athlete has done more than excel in the classroom as well. Kutansky was consistently named to the Western Nevada College Dean’s List during her high school years.

The senior has stayed involved outside the classroom as well, participating in Oasis Girls Golf every year and spending her freshman year in Student Council.

“It was nice being in student council for a year at least to learn the ropes of high school… But I enjoyed most of my time during my golf seasons,” Kutansky explained.

As she prepares for this next exciting chapter, she leaves future students with heartfelt advice.

“Enjoy your time being at school, even during high school. Make sure to work hard but enjoy the little moments when you can. Do not worry about what others think or say about you. As long as you keep being the best version of yourself and you do what you love, that is all you can do,” she closed.

Along with her high school diploma, Kutansky will also earn her Associate of Art from Western Nevada College.