For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 2,573 students in Nevada City, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 98 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Nevada City, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Nevada City, CA are Deer Creek Elementary School, Nevada City School Of The Arts and Seven Hills Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nevada City, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Nevada City have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Nevada City, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Deer Creek Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
805 Lindley Ave.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1870
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1870
Gr: K-3 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Nevada City School Of The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 43% | 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
Gr: K-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Seven Hills Intermediate
(Math: 46% | 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
Gr: 4-8 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: 6-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Forest Charter
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
470 Searls Ave.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-4823
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-4823
Gr: K-12 | 845 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: K-8 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #77.
Sierra Academy Of Expeditionary Learning
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
505 Main St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 268-2200
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 268-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #88.
Grizzly Hill
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
16661 Old Mill Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-9052
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-9052
Gr: K-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #99.
Nevada County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 Hoover Ln.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-0611
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-0611
Gr: K-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: n/an/a
16661 Old Mill Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-9052
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-9052
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Nevada City, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Nevada City, CA include Deer Creek Elementary School, Nevada City School Of The Arts and Seven Hills Intermediate.
How many public schools are located in Nevada City?
10 public schools are located in Nevada City.
What percentage of students in Nevada City go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Nevada City are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Nevada City?
Nevada City public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Nevada City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Nevada City include: Forest Charter vs. Nevada City School Of The Arts, Nevada City School Of The Arts vs. Forest Charter
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