Nevada County Schools & Education
Nevada County, California
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,898
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#25
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Nevada County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Nevada County, California
A Diverse School Landscape in Nevada County
Nevada County operates 46 public schools across 16 districts, serving a total of 13,148 students. The system includes 22 elementary schools and 11 high schools, plus a significant number of alternative and other programs.
Steady Results and Competitive Spending
The county's 87.3% graduation rate is on par with the national average and just shy of the California state average. Nevada County spends $8,898 per pupil, slightly outperforming the state average of $8,762 while maintaining a school score of 56.2.
A Hub for Charter School Innovation
Nevada County is a standout for choice, with 13 charter schools making up over 28% of all campuses. Tahoe-Truckee Unified is the largest traditional district, serving nearly 4,000 students across 11 schools.
Small Town Feel Across the Foothills
The educational experience is defined by town and rural settings, with 33 schools located in town locales and an average size of 321 students. Nevada Union High is the largest campus at 1,458 students, though many schools are significantly smaller.
Find Your Niche in Nevada County Schools
With a high density of charter schools and solid graduation rates, this county offers specialized options for every learner. Consider Truckee or Grass Valley for homes near some of the area's largest and most established campuses.
School Overview
Total Schools
46
in Nevada County
Total Enrollment
13,148
students
School Districts
16
districts
Charter Schools
13
28% of total
School Type Breakdown
16 School Districts in Nevada County
Tahoe-Truckee Unified
Nevada Joint Union High
Grass Valley Elementary
Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary
Nevada County Office of Education
Nevada City Elementary
Union Hill Elementary
Penn Valley Union Elementary
John Muir Charter District
Nevada City School of the Arts District
46 Public Schools in Nevada County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada Union High | Nevada Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,458 |
| Tahoe Truckee High | Tahoe-Truckee Unified | 9–12 | High | 890 |
| Forest Charter | Nevada County Office of Education | KG–12 | Charter | 774 |
| John Muir Charter | John Muir Charter District | 9–12 | Charter | 558 |
| Union Hill Elementary | Union Hill Elementary | KG–6 | Charter | 541 |
| Bear River High | Nevada Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 538 |
| Alder Creek Middle | Tahoe-Truckee Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 538 |
| Grass Valley Charter | Grass Valley Elementary | KG–8 | Charter | 535 |
| Glenshire Elementary | Tahoe-Truckee Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 500 |
| Lyman Gilmore Middle | Grass Valley Elementary | 5–8 | Middle | 461 |
| Cottage Hill Elementary | Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 455 |
| Truckee Elementary | Tahoe-Truckee Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 451 |
| Nevada City School of the Arts | Nevada City School of the Arts District | KG–8 | Charter | 431 |
| Seven Hills Intermediate | Nevada City Elementary | 4–8 | Middle | 399 |
| Margaret G. Scotten Elementary | Grass Valley Elementary | KG–4 | Primary | 383 |
| Magnolia Intermediate | Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 379 |
| Ready Springs Elementary | Penn Valley Union Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 371 |
| Alta Sierra Elementary | Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 319 |
| Yuba River Charter | Yuba River Charter District | KG–8 | Charter | 315 |
| Deer Creek Elementary | Nevada City Elementary | KG–3 | Primary | 285 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,898
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Nevada County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Nevada County, California?
Nevada County operates 46 public schools across 16 districts, serving a total of 13,148 students. The system includes 22 elementary schools and 11 high schools, plus a significant number of alternative and other programs.
How do schools in Nevada County perform academically?
The county's 87.3% graduation rate is on par with the national average and just shy of the California state average. Nevada County spends $8,898 per pupil, slightly outperforming the state average of $8,762 while maintaining a school score of 56.2.
What are the major school districts in Nevada County, California?
Nevada County is a standout for choice, with 13 charter schools making up over 28% of all campuses. Tahoe-Truckee Unified is the largest traditional district, serving nearly 4,000 students across 11 schools.
What is the school experience like in Nevada County?
The educational experience is defined by town and rural settings, with 33 schools located in town locales and an average size of 321 students. Nevada Union High is the largest campus at 1,458 students, though many schools are significantly smaller.
How can I find homes near good schools in Nevada County, California?
With a high density of charter schools and solid graduation rates, this county offers specialized options for every learner. Consider Truckee or Grass Valley for homes near some of the area's largest and most established campuses.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.