Oasis Academy Welcomes Tori Sleight as New K-12 School Leader

As Oasis Academy prepares to welcome students back to campus in August, the school is also welcoming a new K-12 School Leader dedicated to building relationships, supporting students and staff, and continuing the school's commitment to excellence.

Tori Sleight was selected as Oasis Academy's new K-12 School Leader earlier this year, bringing with her 26 years of experience in education and a passion for student success. Throughout her career, Sleight has focused on creating positive learning environments where students, teachers, and families work together to help every child reach their full potential.

Sleight holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, along with two master's degrees—one in early literacy from Nova Southeastern University and another in educational administration from Sierra Nevada University.

Sleight said the opportunity to lead Oasis Academy was one she couldn't pass up.

"I applied for the leadership position at Oasis Academy because I want to have a broader impact on student success," she said. "I enjoy supporting both students and teachers, building strong relationships, and helping create a school culture where everyone can succeed. What drew me to Oasis Academy is its commitment and dedication to students, families, and the community."

Oasis Academy has consistently been one of Nevada's top-performing charter schools. Serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), career readiness, and project-based, hands-on learning opportunities. The high school maintains a 100 percent graduation rate, dual-credit opportunities, career and technical education pathways, and a wide variety of successful athletics and co-curricular programs.

Sleight officially began her contract with Oasis Academy on July 1. During her first year, she plans to focus on listening, learning, and becoming an active part of the Oasis Academy community.

"This school year, I hope to get to know our students, staff, and families, build strong relationships, and create a school where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected," she said. "I'm excited to build on the great work already happening at Oasis Academy and help create opportunities for every student and teacher to learn, grow, and be successful together."

Looking further ahead, Sleight envisions a school that continues to grow while remaining true to its core values.

"Five years from now, I hope the school is known for its strong sense of community, high expectations, and continuous growth," she said. "I'd like to see students thriving academically and personally, teachers feeling supported and empowered, and families viewing the school as a trusted partner in their children's education."

Rather than making sweeping changes, Sleight said her leadership philosophy centers on preserving the strengths that have made Oasis Academy successful while finding opportunities to make an already exceptional school even stronger.

"My plan is to honor what makes the school so successful by listening, learning, and working closely with students, staff, and families," she said. "I want to build on the great work already happening, support our teachers, and continue creating opportunities for every student to thrive."

She also hopes to expand opportunities for student recognition and family engagement.

"Even great schools can keep growing," Sleight said. "I'd love to find more ways to celebrate our students, get families even more involved, and continue to create fun opportunities for students to learn, lead, and discover their interests. I also want to make sure our teachers feel supported and have time to learn from one another so we can keep building on everything that already makes Oasis Academy such a special place."

Building trust through open communication will also be a priority.

"I want to create opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and staff to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback," she said. "My goal is to be present and approachable, and to make sure everyone feels heard. A strong school community is built when people feel valued and respected."

Students and staff can also expect to see their new school leader throughout campus each day.

"I plan to stay connected by being visible around campus, greeting students and staff, visiting classrooms, attending activities, and taking time to have meaningful conversations throughout the day," Sleight said. "I want students and staff to know that I am available, that I care about their experiences, and that I am part of the school community."

Originally from a small town in northern Wisconsin, Sleight said family has always been an important part of her life. She is married to a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer and is the proud mother of two daughters. Her oldest graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, and lives in Sparks, while her younger daughter is currently attending UNR.