John Ercan Aydogdu is executive director and chief executive officer of Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, a public charter school network serving more than 5,500 students across seven campuses in Southern Nevada. Since 2012, John has led the organization’s strategic growth, expanding from one campus to seven and securing $97 million in bonds to construct two new campuses, build a high school gymnasium, and acquire three additional facilities. Under his leadership, Coral Academy has earned 5-Star School recognition and national distinction from U.S. News & World Report as the top high school in Nevada, as well as recognition from The Washington Post as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools.
John brings more than three decades of experience in education. Throughout his career, he has served as mathematics teacher, mathematics department chair, dean of students, dean of academics, principal, special education director, and new school projects coordinator across multiple school districts. He has taught courses ranging from algebra to Advanced Placement calculus.
Beyond Coral Academy, John serves as president of the board of directors for the Charter Schools Association of Nevada, president of the Nevada Congressional Award Council executive board, and a board member of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. His honors include Administrator of the Year from the Charter School Association of Nevada, Executive of the Year at the Vegas Chamber Business Awards in 2023, and the Community Achievement Award from the Asian American Group and the Las Vegas Indian Chamber of Commerce in 2024.
John earned a Doctor of Education in executive educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching. He and his wife are proud parents of three daughters, all graduates of Coral Academy.