Nevada is the 33rd most populous state in the United States, with a population of 3,104,614 in the 2020 census. Most of its population is restricted to the Las Vegas and Reno areas, two cities popular for their casinos, resorts, and entertainment spots. Las Vegas alone attracts over 38 million visitors per year.
The state’s demographics have shifted in recent years, with an increasing number of retirees moving to the state and a growing number of young professionals drawn to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Families moving into Nevada often face a dilemma on the right schools to pick for their kids, with the state having numerous prestigious schools for parents to choose from.
Nevada is divided into twenty school districts that run roughly 746 public schools. You may have to factor in academic excellence, class sizes, extracurricular activities, faculty experience, graduation rates, and overall student experience, among other factors, before picking the ideal school for your child.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on the ten best schools in Nevada today. We took into account the metrics listed above alongside parent and alum reviews. The schools are ranked in ascending order within three broad categories.
Keep reading to discover the ten top schools in Nevada and what makes them stand out.
Best Elementary Schools
Roy Gomm Elementary School
4000 Mayberry Dr, Reno, NV 89519
Roy Gomm Elementary is a highly-rated public school in Reno under the Washoe County School District. The school educates roughly 439 kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. The U.S. Department of Education awarded Roy Gomm Elementary the National Blue Ribbon designation in 2018.
The school offers a traditional curriculum anchored on common core subjects and enriched with several arts programs. Students at the school excel on state assessments, with 90% attaining proficiency in reading and 82% in math. The school also runs a talented and gifted program that supports talented kids to maximize their potential.
Gomm Elementary offers enrichment programs in art, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology. The school offers various extracurricular opportunities, allowing your child to explore their talents and interests. Some popular clubs at the school include Girls on the Run, the computer club, and the garden club.
The school has one teacher for every nineteen kids. The faculty is highly experienced and qualified, allowing the school to manage its student-teacher ratio efficiently. 96% have over three years of teaching experience, and all full-time instructors hold professional certifications. Gomm Elementary also has a part-time nurse, psychologist, and law enforcement officer among its support staff.
Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary
3200 Artella Avenue, Henderson, NV 89044
Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary is a high-performing public school in Henderson under the Clark County School District. The school is named after a philanthropic couple who have adopted over 11 schools in Clark County. It serves roughly 866 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade.
Students at the school perform better than their peers across Nevada, with most achieving or exceeding proficiency requirements for their respective grades. 77% attained proficiency in reading and 73% in math. GreatSchools.org gave the school an overall 10/10 rating.
The school also offers enrichment programs, including arts, technology, and physical education. Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary also runs a robust special education program with over 20 paraprofessionals running the department.
The school has a house system that’s part of the school’s exciting culture, where faculty, parents, and students are divided into different Ellis houses. Each house earns points by displaying the Ellis Code of Excellence, with the points accumulating for the year. The house with the most points each week has its house color flying high on the school’s flagpole.
The system offers opportunities for positive peer encouragement, increased school spirit, and healthy competition amongst the school’s community. Parents at Ellis Elementary speak highly of the school. Here’s what one parent had to say about the school on GreatSchools.org: “Every teacher is so engaging. The Specials teachers go above and beyond. I couldn’t be more happy with this school.”
Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary in the News
In March 2023, KTNV Las Vegas reported that some students at Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary will be affected by re-zoning of the school's boundaries. Due to Robert and Sandy Ellis being 17% over capacity, district officials have decided to move some students to the under-capacity Shirley and Bill Wallen Elementary. This change is anticipated to affect 184 students, and will happen next year. If you are planning on sending your child to Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary, you'll want to follow this story to see if your child will still be eligible to attend this school.
For another interesting story featuring Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary, check out this article from May 2023.
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, Tamarus Campus
8185 Tamarus St, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) Tamarus Campus is a top-rated public charter school under the Coral Academy family of state-sponsored charter schools. It is home to roughly 395 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school earned a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
CASLV, Tamarus Campus offers a blended yet rigorous program that challenges the students to reach their maximum potential in collaboration with supportive teachers and parents. The school uses the McGraw-Hill Education Wonders curriculum for its English Language Arts program, Reveal Math for its math instruction, and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch curriculum for its science lessons. 84% of students attain proficiency in reading and 82% in math.
The school also offers special programs in physical education, technology, art, and music. The Tamarus Campus has one teacher for every nineteen students, matching the state’s student-teacher ratio. Additionally, the faculty team is highly experienced, with all holding professional certifications and over three years of teaching experience.
A parent left a stunning review for the school on niche.com. They praised the teachers, terming them as great. They also appreciated the administration. CASLV, Tamarus Campus is an excellent choice for families searching for a small, inclusive school community in Las Vegas.
Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis Elementary School
215 Antelope Ridge Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89138
Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis Elementary School is a top-performing public school in the Clark County School District. The school is home to roughly 1,071 “Vassiliadis Cubs” in prekindergarten through fifth grade. Vassiliadis has earned numerous state-aways for its academic achievements, most recently ranked as a 5-star school in the 2019-2020 assessment.
The school boasts the highest proficiency rate within the Clark County School District. 82% of the students attained proficiency in math, while 85% attained proficiency in reading. GreatSchools.org gave the school an overall 10/10 rating.
Vassiliadis Elementary has numerous special programs that enrich its traditional curriculum. Some popular enrichment programs include music, physical education, STEAM, technology, and explorations. The school also has a talented and gifted education (TAGE) program that seeks to support academically gifted kids through accelerated and project-based learning.
The school has one teacher for every twenty-two kids, a slightly higher student-teacher ratio than the state average. Nonetheless, the instructors are highly qualified, with 97% having over three years of teaching experience and all full-time teachers certified.
The school received 5/5 stars on all reviews on GreatSchools.org, expressing a high satisfaction rate among the parents and students at the school. One parent highlighted the school’s excellent communication style, excellent and experienced teachers, and exceptional administration and support staff as why they love the school.
Best Middle Schools
Doral Academy Of Nevada – Cactus Campus
9025 W Cactus Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89178
Doral Academy of Nevada-Cactus Campus is one of the state-sponsored charter schools under the Doral Academy family. It serves roughly 982 “Doral Dragons” in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school received a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
Doral Academy-Cactus Campus offers an art-infused curriculum that meets the kids’ unique intellectual, cultural, and emotional needs. Most students attain or exceed the state proficiency requirements for the various core subjects—75% achieving proficiency in reading and 66% in math.
The school offers several arts enrichment programs, including dance, media arts, music, violin, and theater classes. Other special programs include Spanish, technology, and physical education. The school also has a gifted program for intellectually-gifted kids who may require an accelerated curriculum.
Doral Academy-Cactus Campus has one faculty member for every twenty-three kids. 73% of the teachers are certified, and 98% have over three years of teaching experience. The school has a part-time nurse, a part-time psychologist, and a full-time social worker on staff.
Pinecrest Academy Inspirada
2840 Via Contessa, Henderson, NV 89044
Pinecrest Academy Inspirada is a top-performing public charter school in Henderson. The school is home to roughly 1,186 “Pioneers” in kindergarten through eighth grade. Pinecrest Inspirada also received the National Blue Ribbon award in 2021, validating the quality of education offered at the school.
The school offers a standards-based curriculum with a thematic approach to integrating all core areas of study. The effectiveness of this unique approach to learning is reflected in the student’s performance on standardized tests, with 87% attaining proficiency in reading and 80% in math.
The school offers special arts programs such as band, orchestra, studio art, graphic design, and art. Middle school students can enroll in other electives, including medical detectives, novel and film, robotics, world cultures, and speech and debate. Pinecrest Inspirada has more than eight clubs and organizations students can enroll in to develop their social and leadership skills.
Despite the high student population, the school maintains a relatively average student-teacher ratio. Pinecrest Inspirada has one teacher for every eighteen students. The school also has a nurse, social worker, and psychologist on its payroll.
Parents at Pinecrest Inspirada are pleased with their experience at the school, with most leaving positive reviews on GreatSchools.org. Parents praised the open communication policy at the school, strong administration, and caring support staff.
©Gorodenkoff /Shutterstock.com
Pinecrest Academy Of Nevada-Horizon Campus
1360 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015
Pinecrest Academy of Nevada-Horizon Campus is a tuition-free public charter school, part of the state-sponsored charter schools under the Pinecrest Foundation. The school serves roughly 703 kids in kindergarten to eighth grade. The Nevada-Horizon campus received an overall 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
The school uses a hybrid, standard-based curriculum based on the Nevada Academic Content Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National STEAM Standards. 73% of the students attain proficiency in reading, while 66% attain proficiency in math. Pinecrest Horizon also offers several electives, including physical education, music, Spanish, STEAM Education, and visual arts.
The school runs a robust gifted and talented program that helps identify and support talented kids. The school also has a special education department that can meet your child’s unique needs.
71% of the teachers at the school have more than three years of teaching experience and are certified. Pinecrest Horizon has a relatively large student-teacher ratio of 20:1. The school also employs a nurse, psychologist, and social worker.
Parents and former students relish their experiences at the school, giving the school a 5/5 star rating on GreatSchools.org. Here’s what one parent had to say about Pinecrest Horizon, “Absolutely love this school, it’s perfectly well rounded education, all the teachers are amazing. My kids have certainly grown academically here .”
Best High Schools
Coral Academy of Science – High School
6275 Neil Road, Reno, NV 89511
Coral Academy of Science-High School (CAS-HS) is a top-rated public charter school that partners with the Washoe County School District. The school is home to roughly 295 students in 9th-12th grades. Coral Academy is intentionally diverse, with a 59% minority enrollment rate.
The school offers high schoolers a rigorous college preparatory and career readiness curriculum through the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curricula. CAS-HS has the PLTW Engineering, Biomedical, and Computer Science STEM tracks. The school boasts a 100% high school graduation rate, with 79% proceeding to college or vocational training.
The school has an average ACT score of 21. Students can also enroll in Advanced Placement programs, which may earn them college credits while still in high school. CAS-HS has 17 AP courses, in which 47% of the students participate. The school also has five art programs, three music courses, two performance art courses, and three world courses your child may enroll in.
The school has an excellent student-teacher ratio, with one teacher for every twelve kids. The small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and personalized feedback. Your child may also join one of the 16 clubs and organizations or one of the nine NIAA league-sanctioned sports teams.
Coral Academy of Science – High School in the News
In late May 2023, News 4 reported that members of Coral Academy of Science's high school engineering club launched their own weather balloon. Many of the parts for the weather balloon were made by the students, while others were outsourced. Students reported that they spent many months working on the project, and were nervous to see if it would succeed or not. Launch, air time, and landing were all successes. The club plans to engineer a new weather balloon next year.
For another great story involving Coral Academy of Science's high schoolers, check out this news article from May 2023.
Advanced Technologies Academy
1411 Robin St, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH) is a high-performing public magnet school within the Clark County School District. It serves approximately 1,192 students in ninth through twelfth grade. The school is a three-time recipient of the National Blue Ribbon award in 2003, 2011, and, more recently, 2019.
The school offers a tech-infused curriculum that prepares the students to succeed in a highly competitive, technologically-advancing world. A-TECH has a four-year high school graduation rate of 99%, with 74% of graduates proceeding to college or vocational training. The students are well-prepped for college, with the school averaging an ACT score of 24.
A-TECH offers seven Magnet CTE programs in addition to the core high school academic courses. The Magnet programs include architectural design, biomedical, business management, computer science, cyber security, engineering, and graphic design. Students are accepted into one program, much like a college major.
Additionally, your child can enroll in the advanced placement program, with the school offering an incredible 25 AP courses. 58% percent of the students enroll in the AP courses. A-TECH also offers dual credit coursework, with 5% of the students participating.
A-TECH encourages its students to participate in extracurricular activities, having over 64 clubs, societies, and organizations. Students may also participate in interscholastic sports at their zoned high schools.
Advanced Technologies Academy in the News
In early May 2023, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that a CCSD employee assigned to the Advanced Technologies Academy had been arrested on charges of stealing $15,000 from the school. Cortland Hill, 31, was employed by the district back in September 2022. After conducting multiple audits and coming up short every time, Advanced Technologies Academy reported Hill to the police. He is facing three felony counts and two misdemeanor counts.
For another news story featuring the Advanced Technologies Academy, check this article from February 2023 out.
The Davidson Academy of Nevada
1164 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503
The Davidson Academy of Nevada is a nationally-distinguished public magnet school in Reno. The school’s course offerings are tailored to gifted and talented students, where kids who score in the 99.9% percentile on achievement tests are challenged by their intellectual peers. The school serves roughly 229 students in fifth through twelfth grade.
The Davidson Academy has a unique approach to learning, where students can enroll physically at the Reno Campus or online for students living anywhere in the United States or Canada. The school has a rigorous college preparatory program, with 97% of the students graduating. All students attain proficiency in math, English, and science on standardized test scores.
The school has an average ACT score of 34 and SAT score of 1510. The school maintains small classes, with one teacher for every eight students. The small classes allow the instructors to lecture in detail and take time to provide personalized feedback to the kids. The school is an excellent fit for families with academically gifted kids who would love to challenge themselves in a rigorous academic environment.
©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Finding The Right School For Your Child
Nevada runs a robust public education system that serves its 3.1 million residents. Parents can choose from various school types, from nationally-recognized traditional elementary schools to state-sponsored charter schools.
This list will help you choose the right learning environment for your child. Remember, the ideal school should match your child’s learning abilities and interests.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Maples Images/Shutterstock.com.