Priscilla Alonzo Named Winner of EdTech Chronicle’s Best in Education Awards
- Heather Harman
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 25
Las Vegas, NV — EdTech Chronicle has named Priscilla Alonzo, Director of Clark County Acceleration Academies East, as a 2024 Best in Education Award winner for Best Leader of a K-12 School. This recognition honors her decades-long commitment to transforming education and expanding access for all students.
A first-generation college graduate and lifelong advocate for student-centered learning, Alonzo has spent more than 25 years working across the educational spectrum — from early childhood programs in Texas to cutting-edge EdTech initiatives in Nevada. Her innovative leadership in progressive, project-based schools and her deep experience in admissions, teacher training and program design have earned her recognition as a changemaker in education.
“As an administrator … I helped push the boundaries of traditional education — building wonder and a love of learning for students who struggled to fit into conventional schools.” Alonzo said. “Our work revitalizing education in Las Vegas reinforced my belief that schools should inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence in every student.”
Since 2023, Alonzo has led Clark County Acceleration Academies (CCAA) East, a Clark County School District partner in education.
Under her direction, the Las Vegas, Nevada, alternative education program has continued its mission to support students who’ve disengaged from traditional high school and help them reclaim their path to graduation. Tuition-free and Cognia-accredited, CCAA provides students a blend of in-person support and a web-based curriculum, flexible scheduling, personalized learning plans and career and life coaching to help students overcome real-life challenges that impede their success.
“Priscilla embodies the mission of Acceleration Academies in every way. Her recognition as a Best in Education Award winner is not only a personal achievement, but a testament to the transformative work happening at Clark County Acceleration Academies,” said Kelli Campbell, Acceleration Academies Chief Executive Officer. “Priscilla leads with vision and deep empathy — lifting up her students and empowering her team to do their best work. Her leadership and dedication to innovation in education, collaboration and equity are helping to reshape the educational landscape in Clark County. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she continues to make every day.”
CCAA has helped more than 1,200 students earn their diplomas, creating an economic impact of $787M in additional earnings and societal savings.
Her experience also includes serving as a Nevada trainer of teachers, school director for Goddard Early Childhood Program, director of admissions for 9th Bridge School and marketing director and program director at Code Ninjas Henderson, where she merged education with technology to prepare students for the future. Alonzo’s work has been featured in the book “Design in Mind,” which explores how design thinking can be applied to reimagine education.
Alonzo’s advocacy in education is also deeply personal. As a parent of two children — one with a rare medical condition — in the Henderson, Nevada, public school system, she brings a fierce dedication to making education equitable and inclusive for all learners.
“I have spent my career ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, abilities or economic status, have access to the best opportunities,” Alonzo said. “I am committed to shaping the future of education so that every student can thrive in a way that meets their unique needs.”
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