Growing Minds Preschool Closes in Las Vegas
The facility shut down October 29 after falling behind on payroll and rent at its Buffalo and Vegas drives campus.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
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Families at Growing Minds Preschool & Academy near Buffalo and Vegas drives are facing the sudden loss of child care after the facility closed on October 29. The school, which opened in January 2025 on the campus of Shadow Hills Church, ceased operations following a breakdown in payroll and rent obligations.
Why it matters
The closure highlights the volatility of private preschool operations in the valley as the facility struggled with high lease costs and insufficient enrollment growth. Families and staff are now left navigating the fallout, with tuition refunds and outstanding teacher wages currently unfunded.
Families and supporters raised $50,000 toward an $85,000 goal to cover teacher payroll before the school shut its doors. It is unclear if any further funds will be available for tuition refunds or unpaid salaries.
The players
Growing Minds Preschool & Academy
A private preschool that operated on the campus of Shadow Hills Church until its closure.
Shadow Hills Church
The landlord that hosted the preschool campus during its period of operation.
The details
The owner of Growing Minds Preschool & Academy pointed to high lease costs at the Shadow Hills Church campus and stalled enrollment as primary drivers for the collapse. After staff resigned following multiple missed paychecks, the facility officially ended operations on October 29. The school had attempted to bridge its financial gap by requesting $85,000 from the community, but the $50,000 raised fell short of the requirements to keep the academy running.
Timeline
January 2025: Growing Minds Preschool & Academy opened.
October 23, 2026: The school held a meeting to address payroll shortages.
October 29, 2026: The school announced its permanent closure.
Beyond the Strip
This closure tracks with the documented trend of staffing and financial instability facing small private child care providers across the valley. It highlights the difficulty independent academies face when trying to balance high commercial lease costs with enrollment-driven revenue.
Families who utilized the Buffalo and Vegas drives location must now secure immediate alternative child care arrangements. Those seeking tuition refunds should monitor future communications from the school ownership, as current funds are insufficient to cover these obligations.
The takeaway
The closure serves as a reminder for families to keep copies of all tuition payment records in the event of an abrupt program shutdown. Residents should watch for any future updates regarding the potential liquidation of assets that could be used to satisfy outstanding wage or tuition debts.
Further reading
For more information on finding alternative care, visit the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTNV.
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