For the 2025 school year, there are 46 public schools serving 13,206 students in Nevada County, CA (there are 9 private schools, serving 661 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Nevada County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Nevada County, CA are William & Marian Ghidotti High School, Donner Trail Elementary School and Glenshire Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nevada County, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the California public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Nevada County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Nevada County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
William & Marian Ghidotti High School
Alternative School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
250 Sierra College Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-5270
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-5270
Grades: 9-12
| 154 students
Rank: #22.
Donner Trail Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
52755 Donner Pass Rd.
Soda Springs, CA 95728
(530) 582-2720
Soda Springs, CA 95728
(530) 582-2720
Grades: K-5
| 57 students
Rank: #33.
Glenshire Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
10990 Dorchester Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3720
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3720
Grades: K-5
| 485 students
Rank: #44.
Sierra Expeditionary Learning
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
11603 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3701
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3701
Grades: K-8
| 215 students
Rank: #55.
Tahoe Truckee High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
11725 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2600
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2600
Grades: 9-12
| 894 students
Rank: #66.
Nevada City School Of The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13032 Bitney Springs Rd. Bldg.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 273-7736
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 273-7736
Grades: K-8
| 460 students
Rank: #77.
Deer Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
805 Lindley Ave.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1870
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1870
Grades: K-3
| 274 students
Rank: #88.
Seven Hills Intermediate
(Math: 48% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
700 Hoover Ln.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1840
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1840
Grades: 4-8
| 431 students
Rank: #99.
Alta Sierra Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
16607 Annie Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-2319
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-2319
Grades: K-5
| 331 students
Rank: #1010.
Clear Creek Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
17700 Mccourtney Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 273-3664
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 273-3664
Grades: K-8
| 163 students
Rank: #1111.
Williams Ranch Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
14804 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7300
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7300
Grades: K-5
| 185 students
Rank: #1212.
Alder Creek Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10931 Alder Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2750
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2750
Grades: 6-8
| 513 students
Rank: #1313.
Yuba River Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10085 Adam Ave.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-6060
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-6060
Grades: K-8
| 322 students
Rank: #1414.
Sierra High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
11661 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Grades: 9-12
| 30 students
Rank: #1515.
Earle Jamieson Educational Options
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
112 Nevada City Hwy.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 272-5464
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 272-5464
Grades: 6-12
| 3 students
Rank: #1616.
Grass Valley Charter
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
225 South Auburn St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8723
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8723
Grades: K-8
| 521 students
Rank: #1717.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1 Sch St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-2880
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-2880
Grades: K-8
| 6 students
Rank: #1818.
Bell Hill Academy
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
342 South School St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grades: K-4
| 231 students
Rank: #1919.
Truckee Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11911 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2650
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2650
Grades: K-5
| 486 students
Rank: #2020.
Magnolia Intermediate
(Math: 35% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
22431 Kingston Ln.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2815
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2815
Grades: 6-8
| 362 students
Rank: #2121.
Forest Charter
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
470 Searls Ave.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-4823
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-4823
Grades: K-12
| 806 students
Rank: #2222.
Chicago Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
15725 Mt. Olive Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grades: K-8
| 121 students
Rank: #2323.
Union Hill Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11638 Colfax Hwy.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8456
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8456
Grades: K-6
| 543 students
Rank: #2424.
Twin Ridges Home Study Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
111 New Mohawk Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 478-1815
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 478-1815
Grades: K-8
| 220 students
Rank: #2525.
Cottage Hill Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
22600 Kingston Ln.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2808
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2808
Grades: K-5
| 494 students
Rank: #2626.
Nevada Union High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11761 Ridge Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-4431
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-4431
Grades: 9-12
| 1,457 students
Rank: #2727.
Ready Springs Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
10862 Spenceville Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-1118
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-1118
Grades: K-8
| 336 students
Rank: #2828.
Bear River High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11130 Magnolia Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-3700
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-3700
Grades: 9-12
| 634 students
Rank: #2929.
Arete Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
16229 Duggans Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2805
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2805
Grades: K-8
| 239 students
Rank: #3030.
Sierra Academy Of Expeditionary Learning
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
505 Main St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 268-2200
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 268-2200
Grades: 9-12
| 197 students
Rank: #3131.
Lyman Gilmore Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10837 Rough And Ready Hwy.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8479
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8479
Grades: 5-8
| 453 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
Chicago Park Community Charter
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
15725 Mount Olive Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grades: K-8
| 35 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
North Point Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
11761 Ridge Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-1225
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-1225
Grades: 9-12
| 130 students
Rank: #3434.
Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
10821 Squirrel Creek Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6472
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6472
Grades: K-4
| 346 students
Rank: #35 - 3735. - 37.
Bitney Prep High School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
135 Joerschke Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-1235
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-1235
Grades: 9-12
| 91 students
Show 11 more public schools in Nevada County, CA (out of 46 total schools)
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Nevada County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
342 South School St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6416
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6416
Grades: K-3
| 210 students
Bitney Springs Charter High School (Closed 2008)
Charter School
Po Box 529
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 477-1235
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 477-1235
Grades: 9-12
| 100 students
740 Timberland Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 581-0157
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 581-0157
Grades: K-6
| 77 students
Edge Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
12338 Mcct.ney Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-5464
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-5464
Grades: 7-12
| 3 students
Elderberry Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
340 Buena Vista
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-5464
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-5464
Grades: 8-12
| 60 students
470 Searls Ave
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1860
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1860
Grades: K-2
| 179 students
Gvsd Elementary Community Day (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
225 South Auburn St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6472
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6472
Grades: 2-5
| n/a students
225 South Auburn St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grades: K-5
| 394 students
10787 Bartlett Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-6423
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-6423
Grades: K-6
| 59 students
Lyman Gilmore Community Day (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
10837 Rough And Ready Hwy
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-4483
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-4483
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
12338 Mccourtney Rd
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-2643
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-2643
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Nevada City Charter (Closed 2020)
Charter School
750 Hoover Ln.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1885
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1885
Grades: K-8
| 67 students
505 Main St
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1830
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1830
Grades: K-2
| n/a students
800 Hoover Ln.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1890
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1890
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Nevada City School Of The Arts (Charter) (Closed 2008)
Charter School
13032 Bitney Springs Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 273-7736
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 273-7736
Grades: K-8
| 220 students
Nevada County Academy Of Learning (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
140 Park Ave
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-2635
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-2635
Grades: 9
| 9 students
Nu Technical High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
340 Buena Vista St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-1248
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-1248
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Penn Valley Community Day (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
10862 Spenceville Road
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-1141
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-1141
Grades: 6-8
| 4 students
Pioneer High (Continuation School) (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
11130 Magnolia Rd
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-3700
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-3700
Grades: 9-12
| 9 students
Pleasant Ridge Charter (Closed 2014)
Charter School
16229 Duggans Rd
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2820
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2820
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Pleasant Ridge Community Day (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
22431 Kingston Ln
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2815
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2815
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Pleasant Valley 3r Community Day (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
10725 Alta St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grades: 7-8
| n/a students
14685 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7333
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7333
Grades: 4-8
| 177 students
1999 Ridge Rd.
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
Grades: K-4
| 4 students
1999 Ridge Rd.
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
Grades: 7-12
| 49 students
14806 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7311
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7311
Grades: PK
| n/a students
340 Buena Vista St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 268-2200
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 268-2200
Grades: 9-12
| 194 students
Sierra Foothill High (Continuation School) (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
140 Park Ave
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-2635
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-2635
Grades: 9-12
| 16 students
Po Box 529
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 268-3314
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 268-3314
Grades: K-8
| 135 students
16229 Duggans Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-9990
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-9990
Grades: K-8
| 122 students
11839 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7650
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7650
Grades: 6-8
| 678 students
Sugarloaf Mountain Juvenile Hall Program (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
15434 Highway 49
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 272-5464
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 272-5464
Grades: 6-12
| 3 students
Twin Ridges 3r Community Day (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
10725 Alta St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grades: 7-8
| 1 students
Twin Ridges 3r Community Day School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
10725 Alta Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grades: 6-8
| 8 students
Union Hill 3r Community Day (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
10725 Alta St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1322
Grades: 7-8
| 4 students
Show 2 more closed public schools in Nevada County, CA (out of 37 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Nevada County, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Nevada County, CA include William & Marian Ghidotti High School, Donner Trail Elementary School and Glenshire Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Nevada County?
46 public schools are located in Nevada County.
What percentage of students in Nevada County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Nevada County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Nevada County?
Nevada County public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Nevada County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Nevada County include: Glenshire Elementary School vs. Sierra Expeditionary Learning, Cottage Hill Elementary School vs. Alta Sierra Elementary School, Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School vs. Bell Hill Academy
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