Best Nevada County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public high schools serving 5,199 students in Nevada County, CA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Nevada County, CA are William & Marian Ghidotti High School, Tahoe Truckee High School and Sierra High (Continuation School). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nevada County, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Nevada County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public high schools.
Nevada County, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 73%, which is less than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Tahoe Truckee High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Nevada County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
William & Marian Ghidotti High School
Alternative School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
250 Sierra College Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-5270
Gr: 9-12 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Tahoe Truckee High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
11725 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2600
Gr: 9-12 | 907 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Sierra High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
11661 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #44.
Earle Jamieson Educational Options
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
112 Nevada City Hwy.
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:
6/
10
Top 50%
470 Searls Ave.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-4823
Gr: K-12 | 845 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #66.
Bear River High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
11130 Magnolia Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-3700
Gr: 9-12 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #77.
Sierra Academy Of Expeditionary Learning
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
505 Main St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 268-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #88.
Nevada Union High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
11761 Ridge Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-4431
Gr: 9-12 | 1,561 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Bitney Prep High School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
135 Joerschke Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-1235
Gr: 9-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Vantage Point Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
10862 Spenceville Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-5312
Gr: K-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1111.
John Muir Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
960 Mccourtney Rd., Ste. E
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-4008
Gr: 6-12 | 629 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #1212.
Silver Springs High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
130 Park Ave.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-2635
Gr: 9-12 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Cold Stream Alternative
Alternative School
8000 Estates Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 45%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Nevada County, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Nevada County, CA include William & Marian Ghidotti High School, Tahoe Truckee High School and Sierra High (Continuation School).
How many public high schools are located in Nevada County?
14 public high schools are located in Nevada County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nevada County?
Nevada County public high schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Nevada County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.