Basic Academy of International Studies

{{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox school | name = Basic Academy of International Studies | image = Front of Basic Academy of International Studies (Basic High School) August 2020.jpg | image_size = 280px | caption = Front of the school | motto = Once a wolf, always a wolf. | address = 400 Palo Verde Dr | city = Henderson | state = Nevada | zipcode = 89015 | country = United States | coordinates = {{coord|36.0337|-114.9621|type:edu_region:US-CA|display=inline,title}} | former_name = Basic High School | schooltype = Public School | established = 1942 | district = Clark County School District | us_nces_district_id = | trustee = Linda Cavazos<br>(District G) | us_nces_school_id = 320006000007 | principal = Tati Hadavi | staff = 200 | faculty = 102.00 (FTE)<ref name="NCES" /> | grades = 9–12 | enrollment = 2,514 (2023-2024)<ref name="NCES">{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3200060&ID=320006000007|title=Basic Academy of Int'l Studies HS|website=National Center for Education Statistics|publisher=United States Department of Education|access-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref> | ratio = 24.65<ref name="NCES" /> | colors = Blue and silver<br>{{Color box|blue|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|silver|border=darkgray}} | athletic_conference = NIAA: Sunrise 4A Region | rival = Foothill High School<br> Green Valley High School | publication = | newspaper = ''Lone Wolf'' | yearbook = ''El Lobo'' | website = {{official website|https://www.basicacademy.org}} }}

'''Basic Academy of International Studies''' (also '''Basic Academy''', previously '''Basic High School''') is a public high school with an accredited International Baccalaureate magnet program in Henderson, Nevada. It is part of the Clark County School District. Established in 1942, 11 years before the city of Henderson was incorporated, Basic is named after Basic Magnesium Inc, a critical World War II munitions materials factory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1993 |title=Ilene Bittle Collection on Basic High School (MS-00331) |url=https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%3A/62930/f1f606 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212043917/https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%3A/62930/f1f606 |archive-date=December 12, 2024 |access-date=December 11, 2024 |website=Special Collections, University Libraries |publisher=University of Nevada, Las Vegas}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Alex |date=June 20, 2017 |title=Graduate returns as Basic High School principal |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/graduate-returns-as-basic-high-schools-principal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908160800/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/graduate-returns-as-basic-high-schools-principal/ |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |work=Review-Journal}}</ref>

== School name == left|thumb|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.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Education in the Neon Shadow: The First Fifty Years of the Clark County School District |date=2009 |publisher=Stephens Press |isbn=978-1-932173-83-3 |editor-last=Carl |editor-first=Kay |editor-last2=Carpenter |editor-first2=Jami}}</ref> Henderson was originally referred to as the "Basic town site"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basic Magnesium, Inc. |url=https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/1882 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122093118/https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/1882 |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |access-date=December 11, 2024 |website=Special Collections, University Libraries |publisher=University of Nevada, Las Vegas}}</ref> until 1946 when it took on the name Henderson.<ref name="Credico">{{Cite news |last=Credico |first=Mark |date=June 14, 2023 |title=Why Is Henderson Called Henderson? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/why-is-henderson-called-henderson-2793995/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914135912/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/why-is-henderson-called-henderson-2793995/ |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>{{Sfn|Carl|Carpenter|2009|p=42}}

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''.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://ccsd.net/trustees/pdf/minutes/minutes-08-13-15-pdf |title=Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees |date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=Clark County School District |location=Las Vegas |access-date=December 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027084127/https://ccsd.net/trustees/pdf/minutes/minutes-08-13-15-pdf |archive-date=October 27, 2015 |format=PDF}}</ref>

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.<ref name="AskMrSun">{{Cite news |date=December 2, 2008 |title=Ask Mr. Sun: The letter B on the mountain in Henderson |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/02/ask-mr-sun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205105451/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/02/ask-mr-sun/ |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |work=Las Vegas Sun |language=en}}</ref> The "Q" memorializes Quinton Robbins, an alumnus of the school who was a victim of the 2017 Route 91 festival mass-shooting.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-06 |last=Lane |first=Taylor |title=What does the 'Q' on 'B' Mountain in Henderson stand for? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/what-does-the-q-on-b-mountain-in-henderson-stand-for-2789578/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History and traditions == [[File:FUNERAL HOME AT HENDERSON - NARA - 549067.jpg|left|thumb|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.<ref name="Burkholder">{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=n.d. |title=Our School's History |url=https://www.burkholderms.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=569180&type=d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320214354/https://www.burkholderms.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=569180&type=d |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |website=Lyle Burkholder Academy of Environmental Science |publisher=Clark County School District}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Burkholder" />

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.<ref name="Burkholder" /> Since, 1973 Basic High School has been located at 400 Palo Verde Drive.<ref name="Koch">{{Cite news |last=Koch |first=Ed |date=October 3, 2005 |title=Getting back to Basic High School |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/oct/03/getting-back-to-basic-high-school/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929210152/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2005/oct/03/getting-back-to-basic-high-school/ |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |work=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref>

From 1942 until 1991 when Green Valley High School opened its doors, Basic was the only high school in Henderson.<ref name="Koch" /> 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.<ref name=Contreras>{{Cite news |last=Contreras |first=Evelio |title=Henderson Bowl Showdown |url=https://lasvegassun.com/videos/2008/oct/29/1012/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008154648/https://lasvegassun.com/videos/2008/oct/29/1012/ |archive-date= 2021-10-08 |url-status=live |work=Las Vegas Sun |language=en}}</ref> left|thumb|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.<ref name=Wright>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Alex |date=August 29, 2024 |title='Energy is up': Prep football rivalry games still have meaning |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/energy-is-up-prep-football-rivalry-games-still-have-meaning-3150617/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830022122/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/energy-is-up-prep-football-rivalry-games-still-have-meaning-3150617/ |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>

The school received IB accreditation for the Middle Years Programme in 2016 and the Diploma Programme in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Basic Academy of International Studies |url=https://www.ibo.org/en/school/050613 |website=International Baccalaureate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129212115/https://www.ibo.org/en/school/050613?__cf_chl_rt_tk=cFKt7GNzWyhTBUp1w5kHucX9sWrJX94KfR3RTMv_Ow0-1764451275-1.0.1.1-gPsbCGyBspKilUI.w6T5dLv0fmya2O.JWWtHaCNynJY |archive-date=2025-11-29|language=en |access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref>

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.<ref name="AskMrSun" /> The original "B" was painted on the side of a mountain near the Lyal Burkholder Middle School near the Water Street District, which was also maintained for many years, long after Basic relocated to its current campus.<ref name="Burkholder" />

== 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.<ref name=GraduationRequirements>{{Cite book |url=https://ccsd.net/resources/guidance-counseling/GraduationRequirementsBrochure2024%E2%80%932025.pdf |title=Graduation Requirements, 2024–2025 School Year |publisher=Clark County school district |year=2024 |location=Las Vegas |format=PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531211437/https://ccsd.net/resources/guidance-counseling/GraduationRequirementsBrochure2024%E2%80%932025.pdf |archive-date=May 31, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="GraduationRequirements" />

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.<ref name="2025CourseCatalog">{{Cite book |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UjSoYv6ZD5p7LIIQ5RSU-mL1ojQpcbDrtR6_pG06g6k/edit?tab=t.0 |title=Basic Academy Course Catalog 2025–2026 |publisher=Basic Academy of International Studies |year=2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813003644/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UjSoYv6ZD5p7LIIQ5RSU-mL1ojQpcbDrtR6_pG06g6k/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=August 13, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Activities and clubs == === Activities === {{Multiple image | image1 = 1951 El Lobo Yearbook Cover Basic HIgh School.tif | caption1 = The cover of the 1951 ''El Lobo'' yearbook. | image2 = Lone Wolf Newspaper Cover October 15, 1948 Basic High School.png | caption2 = The front page of the ''Lone Wolf'' newspaper from 1948. | total_width = 300 | align = | width = }} 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.<ref name="GraduationRequirements" />

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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thevenot|first=Carri Geer|title=Green Valley High School's newspaper judged the best|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/green-valley-high-schools-newspaper-judged-best|access-date=19 October 2011|newspaper=Las Vegas Review Journal|date=15 May 2009}}</ref> In 2023, it won second place for best high school newspaper.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=David |date=May 8, 2023 |title=Review-Journal honors Clark County's best high school journalists |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/review-journal-honors-clark-countys-best-high-school-journalists-2774127/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509034535/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/review-journal-honors-clark-countys-best-high-school-journalists-2774127/ |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2023-12/scholastic-crown-awards.pdf |title=1983–2023 Awards for Student Work, Crown Awards: Scholastic Recipients |publisher=Columbia Scholastic Press Association |location=New York |publication-date=2023 |format=PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326031415/https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2023-12/scholastic-crown-awards.pdf |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> It has also won the National Pacemaker Award for yearbooks in 1998<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Yearbook Pacemaker Winners |url=https://studentpress.org/nspa/awards/1998-yearbook-pacemaker-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715234336/http://studentpress.org/nspa/awards/1998-yearbook-pacemaker-winners/ |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |website=National Scholastic Press Association}}</ref> and 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Yearbook Pacemaker Winners |url=https://studentpress.org/nspa/awards/2000-yearbook-pacemaker-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715234325/http://studentpress.org/nspa/awards/2000-yearbook-pacemaker-winners/ |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=National Scholastic Press Association |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Marine Corps JROTC program was led by SgtMaj Bradley Kasal until his retirement in 2025 <ref>{{cite web |title=United States Marine Corps 247th Birthday |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108045558/https://www.1stmlg.marines.mil/Portals/123/Nov17_CLB_11.pdf |date=2022-11-18 |format=PDF |publisher=Combat Logistics Battalion 11}}</ref> and currently by LtCol Bradley Van Slyke.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Staff |url=https://www.basicacademy.org/apps/staff/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813011344/https://www.basicacademy.org/apps/staff/ |archive-date=August 13, 2025 |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=Basic Academy of International Studies}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Belcher |first=Caitlyn |date=October 9, 2014 |title=Basic High School JROTC Among the Best in the Nation |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/basic-high-school-jrotc-among-best-in-nation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128221655/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/basic-high-school-jrotc-among-best-in-nation/ |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name="BasicClubs">{{Cite web |title=Clubs and Activities |url=https://www.basicacademy.org/apps/departments/clubs.jsp |website=Basic Academy of International Studies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202144047/https://www.basicacademy.org/apps/departments/clubs.jsp |archive-date=2025-12-02 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref name="BasicClubs" />

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.<ref name="BasicClubs" />

== Athletics == {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" ! colspan="3" |'''Basic Academy NIAA State Championships''' |- !Sport !Division !Years |- | '''Baseball''' | 5A Mountain | Won: '''1955, 1956, 1982, 1987, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2025''' Appearances:1955, 1956, 1958, 1962, 1982, 1987, 2001, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022<ref name="Baseball">{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Baseball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/baseball-basic/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322014521/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/baseball-basic/ |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Basketball (B)''' | 4A Mountain | Won: '''1947, 1956, 1959'''<ref name="Baseball" /> Appearances: 2022, 2023<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Basketball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/basketball-boys-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322014510/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/basketball-boys-basic/ |archive-date=2025-03-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Basketball (G)''' | 4A Desert | Appearances: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2023<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Basketball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/basketball-girls-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518090223/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/basketball-girls-basic/ |archive-date=May 18, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''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)<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Cross Country |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/cross-country-boys-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322032246/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/cross-country-boys-basic/ |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Cross Country (G)''' | | '''Individual: 1998''' Cindy Craig Team appearances: 2017 (eighth), 2002 (ninth), 2001 (ninth), 1999 (seventh), 1998 (third), 1997, 1996<ref>{{Cite news|date=n.d. |title=Basic Girls Cross Country |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/cross-country-girls-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513104714/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/cross-country-girls-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Football''' | 5A S./Lake | State won: '''1960, 1958''' League won: 2015, 2008, 2000<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Football |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/football-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513105924/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/football-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Golf (B)''' | 5A Southeast | Team: '''1986, 1979'''<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Boys Golf |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/golf-boys-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513110038/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/golf-boys-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Volleyball (B)''' | | Won: '''1998, 2002, 2024, 2025''' Appearances: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Volleyball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/volleyball-boys-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513102320/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/volleyball-boys-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Volleyball (G)''' | | Won: '''1981, 1980, 1977, 1976''' Appearances: 2022, 2021, 1985<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Volleyball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/volleyball-girls-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513102654/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/volleyball-girls-basic/#team-history |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Softball''' | 4A Sky | Won: '''2024, 2025''' Appearances: 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Softball |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/softball-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518090614/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/softball-basic/ |archive-date=May 18, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Swimming''' | | Individual: '''2000,''' Riva Davidson (50 freestyle); '''1998,''' Julie Whitehead (1m diving)<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Basic Girls Swimming and Diving |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/swimming-girls-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513104307/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/swimming-girls-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Tennis (B)''' | Sunrise League | Appearances: 2004 Playoff appearances: 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Boys Tennis |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/tennis-boys-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513103626/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/tennis-boys-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Tennis (G)''' | Sunrise League | Recent playoff appearances: 2017, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000<ref>{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Girls Tennis |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/tennis-girls-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513103740/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/tennis-girls-basic/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | '''Wrestling (B)''' | | Team''':''' 1984, 1979, 1976<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=n.d. |title=Nevada Preps: Basic Wrestling |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/wrestling-basic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322031652/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/teams/wrestling-basic/ |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> Individual: '''1998''', Kevin Lochner (171); '''2002,''' Duane Gonzales (103);<ref name=":1" /> '''2025,'''Jaxon Mackey (150)<ref name=Wright3>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Alex |date=March 12, 2025 |title=Meet the 2025 Nevada Preps All-Southern Nevada boys wrestling team |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/meet-the-2025-nevada-preps-all-southern-nevada-boys-wrestling-team-3319072/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312211840/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/meet-the-2025-nevada-preps-all-southern-nevada-boys-wrestling-team-3319072/ |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> |- | Colspan="3" |'''Notes: (B):''' boys sports, '''(G)''': girls sports. For wrestling, the weight class is indicated for the wrestler who won first place. |}

== Notable alumni == * Ryne Nelson – professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks<ref>{{Cite news |last=Emerson |first=Justin |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Three years after graduating from local high schools, Las Vegans poised to go high in MLB Draft |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/may/30/three-of-a-kind-three-years-after-graduating-from/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531003411/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/may/30/three-of-a-kind-three-years-after-graduating-from/ |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref> * Glen and Les Charles – television writers and producers, notably of ''Taxi'' and ''Cheers''<ref name="Hynes">{{cite news |last1=Hynes |first1=Mary |title=We have CCSD grads to thank for 'Cheers,' and here's what else |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/we-have-ccsd-grads-to-thank-for-cheers-and-heres-what-else-3106516/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802163332/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/we-have-ccsd-grads-to-thank-for-cheers-and-heres-what-else-3106516/ |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> * Chris Latham – former MLB player<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chris Latham |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lathach01.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213052254/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lathach01.shtml |archive-date=2025-02-13 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref> * Harry Reid – former United States Senator and Senate Majority Leader<ref name="CongRec2008">{{USCongRec|2008|S506|January 31, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Koch"/><ref name=Evans>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=K. J. |date=February 7, 1999 |title=Harry Reid |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/harry-reid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814015421/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/harry-reid |archive-date=August 14, 2013 |access-date= |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> * Henry Rolling – former NFL player.<ref name="CongRec2008"/> * Don Smerek – former NFL player<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 August 2013 |title=The All-Vegas Team |url=http://vegasseven.com/2013/08/28/all-vegas-team-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520040519/http://vegasseven.com/2013/08/28/all-vegas-team-2/ |archive-date=20 May 2018 |access-date=2018-05-20 |work=Vegas Seven |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Feeder schools == === Elementary === * Robert L Taylor Elementary School * Sister Robert Joseph Bailey Elementary School * C. T. Sewell Elementary School * John Dooley Elementary School * Edna F. Hinman Elementary School * Sue H. Morrow Elementary School * Josh Stevens Elementary School * Jim Thorpe Elementary School * Harriet Treem Elementary School

=== Middle and junior high === * B. Mahlon Brown Junior High School * Francis H. Cortney 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.<ref name=Wright1>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Alex |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Basic baseball forfeits all league games for ineligible players |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/basic-baseball-forfeits-all-league-games-for-ineligible-players-3042784/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501104854/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/basic-baseball-forfeits-all-league-games-for-ineligible-players-3042784/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Wright2>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Alex |date=March 7, 2025 |title=Family alleges fired high school baseball coach bullied, smeared son |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/family-alleges-former-high-school-baseball-coach-bullied-son-3316647/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307225744/https://www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-preps/family-alleges-former-high-school-baseball-coach-bullied-son-3316647/ |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>

In December 2008, 32-year-old choir teacher Matthew Cox was killed by one of his students and his brother. According to the investigation done by the Henderson Police Department, Jose Delatorre and Juan Aguirre 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCabe |first=Francis |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Brothers sentenced to prison in teacher's slaying |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/courts/brothers-sentenced-to-prison-in-teachers-slaying/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813025010/https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/courts/brothers-sentenced-to-prison-in-teachers-slaying/ |archive-date=August 13, 2025 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>

On September 4th, 2025, 30-year-old band teacher Cole Horton was arrested by CCSD police after an anonymous tip in August alleged that Horton was in a relationship with a student. According to police, the victim was a student from the 2024-2025 school year. Detectives reviewed the phone of the student and uncovered nearly 20,000 shared messages. The messages suggested that Horton and the student engaged in a sexual act prior to the students' graduation. Horton was booked into the Clark County Detention Center with a $15,000 bail. Horton had been an employee of CCSD since November 2019 and was placed on paid leave following his arrest.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Arrest report: Henderson teacher, student exchanged thousands of texts in relationship|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/arrest-report-henderson-band-teacher-started-relationship-with-student-basic-academy-ccsd-police-cops-court-crime/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Overton |first=Stephanie |date=September 4, 2025 |title=Las Vegas band teacher arrested for inappropriate relationship with student |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/crime/las-vegas-band-teacher-arrested-for-inappropriate-relationship-with-student/}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal||Schools}} * List of high schools in Nevada * Clark County School District * International Baccalaureate

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Basic High School}} * [http://www.basicacademy.org Basic Academy of International Studies] * [http://www.ccsd.net/ Clark County School District]

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Category:Buildings and structures in Henderson, Nevada Category:Clark County School District Category:Education in Henderson, Nevada Category:Educational institutions established in 1942 Category:High schools in Clark County, Nevada Category:School buildings completed in 1972 Category:Public high schools in Nevada Category:1942 establishments in Nevada