Sep. 4, 2006 - Home Town Hero

A Real American Hero

Andre Agassi may have lost his bid yesterday to win his final US Open, but to the people of Las Vegas he is a real honest to goodness hometown hero.

Born in Las Vegas in 1970, Agassi has long been known for his giving back to the community.  He started the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation which raises money for the at risk children of Las Vegas.  In May of 2009 the first students that have been all the way through Andre's prep school will graduate.  That will be a very proud day for him.

About Agassi Prep

The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (AACPA) is a model charter school whose goal is to offer academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, respect, motivation and self-discipline. Located in the heart of Las Vegas' most at-risk neighborhood, AACPA was created specifically to improve skill levels and combat lowered academic expectations while creating a climate of hope among this community's most challenged children. Advanced technology, smaller class sizes and extended school hours are just some of the practices the AACPA utilizes to achieve a higher standard of education.

AACPA creates an environment that rewards students for positive behavior and disciplines unacceptable conduct. Teachers, parents and students each follow a Commitment to Excellence and a Code of Respect. Community leaders, educators and parents work together to establish high expectations for all students. 

Our History

The school was founded by Andre Agassi in 2001 and conceived on his belief that nothing has a greater impact on children's lives than the education they receive. "Early on, we concluded that the best way to change a child's life was through education," said Andre Agassi, a native of Las Vegas dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth in his hometown. Thus, the idea to establish Agassi Prep was born.

AACPA opened in August 2001 in West Las Vegas, one of the most economically depressed parts of the city. It was later named a National Model Charter School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Charter schools must provide their own facilities, so the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation became a fund raising powerhouse, raising funds to construct the school. Designed to improve educational opportunities in Las Vegas, AACPA is currently home to students in grades K, 1 and 3-9 with grades 2 and 10-12 opening through 2008.

The students attending AACPA are selected by lottery. The majority are African-American from undeserved West Las Vegas. Tuition is free, maximum class size is 25, and there is a long waiting list for admission.

Mary Carillo of CBS Sports pointed out when Andre in 1997 had a horrible year and almost fell into oblivion that he had a choice to make at that time.  She defined his choice as he could coast along for a few more years and never hurt himself.  Or as he chose to do take the harder road and prove himself as the champion he became.  After 21 years of winning, Andre hung up his racket yesterday.  Las Vegas can't wait to see what he does next.  A true Hometown Hero.