Nevada County is a great place to raise a family for multiple reasons: safe neighborhoods, tons of outdoor activities, lively downtown hubs in Grass Valley and Nevada City, and great school districts. With over 30 schools spread across the county’s nine school districts - including public, charter and private schools - you’re sure to find the perfect school to meet your kids’ educational needs. Many of the County’s schools are recognized for their top notch academics, including a few schools that have received the notable National Blue Ribbon award for academic excellence. Scroll down for a list of Nevada County’s top schools, a great reference to to use when planning your move!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Alta Sierra Elementary School*
School Type: Public, K-5
District: Pleasant Ridge (Grass Valley)
CSR: 8
*National Blue Ribbon school
School type: Public, K-8
District: Clear Creek (Grass Valley)
California School Rating (CSR): 10
School Type: Public, K-5
District: Pleasant Ridge (Grass Valley)
CSR: 7
*National Blue Ribbon school
School Type: Public, K-4
District: Nevada City (Nevada City)
CSR: 8
Nevada City School of the Arts*
School Type: Public, K-8
District: Nevada County Office of Education (Nevada City)
CSR: 6
*First charter school in the nation to earn the Blue Ribbon award!
School Type: Public Charter (Waldorf), K-8
District: Nevada County Office of Education (Nevada City)
CSR: N/A
Ready Springs Elementary School
School Type: Public, K-8
District: Penn Valley Union (Penn Valley)
CSR: 7
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
School Type: Public, 6-8
District: Pleasant Ridge (Grass Valley)
CSR: 8
School Type: Public, 5-8
District: Nevada City (Nevada City)
CSR: 8
HIGH SCHOOLS
School type: Public. 9-12
District: Nevada Joint Union (Grass Valley)
CSR: 9
School type: Public, 9-12
District: Nevada Joint Union (Grass Valley)
CSR: 9
*National Blue Ribbon school
William & Marian Ghidotti High School*
School type: Public alternative, 9-12
District: Nevada Joint Union (Grass Valley)
CSR: 10
*Considered by many as one of the best high schools in California!
Looking for more information on schools in Nevada County? Check out this full interactive map of the best-rated Nevada County schools by neighborhood here. You can also find all California School Ratings for Nevada County here.