Best High Schools in Reno and Washoe County (2026 Rankings & Comparison)

Best High Schools in Reno and Washoe County: 2026 Rankings & Comparison

> 2026 Academic Year Update: This guide reflects the official Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) ratings and CRT/EOC proficiency scores published by the Nevada Department of Education (NDOE).

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Quick Answer: What are the best high schools in Reno?

The top-ranked high schools in Reno and Washoe County for 2026 based on official Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) star ratings, math/ELA proficiency, and graduation rates are:

1. Davidson Academy of Nevada — 5 Stars (Profoundly Gifted Magnet, UNR Campus): >95% Math, >95% ELA, >95% Grad Rate. 2. Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT) — 5 Stars (Career & Technical Magnet): 68.4% Math, 84.1% ELA, 98.5% Grad Rate. 3. Galena High School — 4 Stars (South Reno Public): 42.1% Math, 61.5% ELA, 93.2% Grad Rate. 4. Incline High School — 4 Stars (Lake Tahoe Public): 41.0% Math, 62.0% ELA, 94.0% Grad Rate. 5. Reno High School — 4 Stars (Midtown Reno Public): 38.5% Math, 58.2% ELA, 91.8% Grad Rate. 6. Robert McQueen High School — 3 Stars (Northwest Reno Public): 35.0% Math, 54.0% ELA, 91.0% Grad Rate. 7. Damonte Ranch High School — 3 Stars (South Meadows Public): 34.0% Math, 52.0% ELA, 89.0% Grad Rate.

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2026 Washoe County Top High Schools Comparison Table

| High School | Type & Setting | NSPF Rating | Math Proficiency | ELA Proficiency | Graduation Rate | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Davidson Academy | Gifted Magnet (UNR) | ★★★★★ (5 Stars) | >95.0% | >95.0% | >95.0% | | AACT High School | CTE Magnet | ★★★★★ (5 Stars) | 68.4% | 84.1% | 98.5% | | Galena High School | Traditional Public | ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) | 42.1% | 61.5% | 93.2% | | Incline High School | Traditional Public | ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) | 41.0% | 62.0% | 94.0% | | Reno High School | Traditional Public | ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) | 38.5% | 58.2% | 91.8% | | McQueen High School | Traditional Public | ★★★☆☆ (3 Stars) | 35.0% | 54.0% | 91.0% | | Damonte Ranch High School | Traditional Public | ★★★☆☆ (3 Stars) | 34.0% | 52.0% | 89.0% | | Spanish Springs High | Traditional Public | ★★★☆☆ (3 Stars) | 31.5% | 49.0% | 88.5% |

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Detailed High School Profiles in Northern Nevada

1. Davidson Academy of Nevada (Reno)

Located directly on the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) campus, Davidson Academy is recognized nationally as one of America’s premier public schools for profoundly gifted students. Students take advanced college-level courses, work alongside UNR researchers, and graduate with substantial university credits. Admission is competitive and based on qualifying cognitive assessments.

• Best For: Profoundly gifted students seeking accelerated college-level curriculum.
• View full Davidson Academy NSPF profile →

2. Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT)

AACT is Washoe County’s premier career-technical high school holding a 5-Star NSPF rating. Featuring specialized academies in Medical Sciences, Engineering, Culinary Arts, and Digital Media, AACT delivers a 98.5% graduation rate and strong postsecondary certification completion.

• Best For: Hands-on learners seeking industry certifications and dual college credits.
• View full AACT High School NSPF profile →

3. Galena High School & Reno High School

For traditional comprehensive high schools, Galena High School (South Reno) and Reno High School (Midtown / Old Southwest) lead Washoe County in Advanced Placement (AP) course participation, student retention, and college entrance exam scores.

• Galena High: Known for strong STEM pathways and active community involvement in South Reno.
• Reno High: Washoe County’s historic flagship campus featuring an extensive AP catalog and revered athletic traditions.

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How to Choose a High School in Reno & Washoe County

1. Verify Your Neighborhood School Zone: Check the Washoe County School District boundary map to confirm your zoned campus. 2. Explore Magnet and CTE Deadlines: Applications for WCSD Signature Academies and AACT open each December for the following fall term. 3. Compare Academic Metrics Directly: Use our interactive side-by-side tool to contrast graduation rates, teacher ratios, and math/ELA proficiency scores across any two campuses.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the highest rated public high school in Reno, NV?

The Davidson Academy of Nevada (UNR campus) and the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT) are the two highest-rated public high schools in Reno, both holding top 5-star ratings under the Nevada School Performance Framework.

Are magnet high schools free in Washoe County?

Yes. All Washoe County School District magnet high schools and Signature Academies are tuition-free public schools funded by the state of Nevada.

How do I transfer to a high school outside my zone in Reno?

Parents can submit an official Variance Request through the Washoe County School District between December 1 and mid-February for the upcoming academic year.