Education system and best schools in Nevada: Top-performing: Davidson Academy in Reno. Clark County: Largest school district in Nevada. Reno and Las Vegas: Best public charter schools. Magnet schools: Specialized programs in Las Vegas. Nevada State College: Teacher education programs. School ratings: Check GreatSchools for reviews. Advanced Placement: Widely available in high schools. Online options: Nevada Connections Academy and Nevada Learning Academy. Homeschooling support: Nevada Homeschool Network. Private schools: Bishop Gorman High School, Las Vegas.
Top-performing: Davidson Academy in Reno.
The Davidson Academy in Reno, Nevada, is a top-performing public school specifically catering to profoundly gifted middle and high school students. Remarkably, it has been ranked as the #1 Best Public High School in America by Niche.com in 2024. The school provides a unique educational environment where students are grouped by ability rather than age, a distinctive feature that enables them to engage in advanced curricula. This includes opportunities to take university classes through a dual-enrollment program with the University of Nevada, Reno, further enhancing their academic journey.
Clark County: Largest school district in Nevada.
The Clark County School District (CCSD), the nation's fifth-largest school district, serves 300,000 students and includes top-ranked schools such as Advanced Technologies Academy High School, Gehring Roger D Academy of Science & Technology Elementary School, and West Career & Technical Academy High School, which are recognized for their academic excellence and specialized programs. For more information on their offerings and achievements, you can visit the CCSD website.
Reno and Las Vegas: Best public charter schools.
In Reno, notable public charter schools include Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School (SNACS), renowned for its innovative P.L.A.Y. model and personalized learning approach. Other distinguished institutions, such as Coral Academy Charter School and Mariposa Academy Charter School, provide unique educational philosophies and specialized programs. Additionally, these schools are highly rated on GreatSchools, along with others in the area like Doral Academy Northern Nevada. These schools offer a diverse range of educational approaches, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and enriching learning experience in the Reno area.
Magnet schools: Specialized programs in Las Vegas.
Magnet schools in the Clark County School District offer specialized programs tailored to various interests, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM, and Performing & Creative Arts. These schools, such as the Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, and East Career and Technical Academy, provide diverse learning environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and are open to students through an application or lottery process.
Nevada State College: Teacher education programs.
Nevada State College's Teacher Preparation Program is a standards-based initiative that seamlessly integrates INTASC and Common Core Standards while providing valuable field experiences and student teaching opportunities. The program is accredited by the Nevada Department of Education, ensuring a high-quality educational pathway. It prepares students for initial teacher licensure through carefully planned field experiences and a comprehensive, semester-long student teaching engagement. For more details, visit the official Teacher Preparation Program webpage.
School ratings: Check GreatSchools for reviews.
GreatSchools offers ratings and reviews for Nevada schools, encompassing public, charter, and private institutions. These evaluations are based on critical factors like academic performance and equity, among other measures, to assist in identifying the best schools for students. To explore more detailed insights and resources, visit the GreatSchools website for comprehensive information on the 1408 schools evaluated in Nevada.
Advanced Placement: Widely available in high schools.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are widely available in Nevada high schools, with significant growth in both participation and success. In 2017, Nevada high school students took 18,878 AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher, demonstrating the state's leadership in college readiness. The state continues to expand access to AP courses, especially in rural areas, solidifying its position as a leader in [college readiness](https://doe.nv.gov/news-media/press-releases/2018/nevada-leading-the-nation-in-college-readiness-growth-on-ap-exams/). This initiative ensures that more students have the opportunity to excel and prepare for higher education.
Online options: Nevada Connections Academy and Nevada Learning Academy.
Nevada Connections Academy is a top-rated, tuition-free online public charter school for grades 9-12, offering a highly individualized and standards-aligned curriculum. It provides a virtual learning environment supported by certified Nevada teachers, Learning Coaches, and a robust instructional model to prepare students for college and career readiness. Learn more about their offerings and enrollment process on the Nevada Connections Academy website.
Homeschooling support: Nevada Homeschool Network.
The Nevada Homeschool Network (NHN) champions the fundamental right of parents to direct their children's education free from government oversight. They provide invaluable support, resources, and advocacy to homeschooling families across Nevada. Through vigilant monitoring of legislation, effective dissemination of information, and robust defense of homeschooling rights, NHN ensures that these families can educate their children with confidence. Additionally, they play a crucial role in educating both the public and officials about the merits and legal aspects of homeschooling. To learn more about their mission and efforts, visit the Nevada Homeschool Network and become part of a community dedicated to educational freedom.
Private schools: Bishop Gorman High School, Las Vegas.
Bishop Gorman High School is a highly rated, private Roman Catholic preparatory school in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for its strong academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and esteemed athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 and a tuition of $14,000 for the highest grade, it boasts a 98% college attendance rate for its graduates and is recognized as one of the top high school athletic programs in the country.