The Washoe County School District reported an increase in the number of 4- and 5-star schools in the latest Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) rankings, issued by the Nevada Department of Education.
The gains follow what the district called historic improvements in English Language Arts and math proficiency on Smarter Balanced Assessments.
According to NSPF metrics, which measure student academic outcomes using data such as standardized test performance, graduation rates, credit attainment, and chronic absenteeism, the number of 5-star elementary schools in the district doubled during the 2024–25 school year. The number of 1-star elementary schools was reduced by half.
District-wide, 83 schools, or 71 percent, increased their index scores compared to the previous year. Of those, 47 schools improved by more than 10 points.
“Behind these data points are success stories of staff members, students, and families working together to improve,” said WCSD Superintendent Joe Ernst. “Our students’ performance in English Language Arts, math, and language growth among our English Learners showed particularly impressive gains and are a great indication that the areas in which we are focusing our professional development, additional staffing, and funding are showing real progress.”
Much of the district’s progress has been attributed to the Comprehensive Schools Collaborative, a group of 18 high-need schools that receive additional instructional, staffing, and mental health support.
Ninety-three percent of these elementary and middle schools increased their NSPF index scores, and half improved by at least one star level.
Schools participating in the Collaborative also posted some of the highest gains in English Language Arts and math proficiency.
The district has also expanded system-wide academic initiatives, including the use of i-Ready for personalized instruction in reading and math for K–8 students, enhanced support for English Learners, and teacher training in the Science of Reading.
A continued focus on standards-aligned instruction and reduction of chronic absenteeism contributed to the district’s overall performance.
Attendance improvements have been noted particularly at the elementary and middle school levels, where 71 percent of schools reported a drop in chronic absenteeism.
To support engagement, WCSD has added more than 360 student clubs and increased athletic programs. Additional staff have also been placed at schools to focus on attendance-related initiatives.
The district identified several schools as top performers in the latest NSPF report:
- Natchez, Risley, and Mitchell Elementary Schools moved from 1-star to 3-star ratings.
- Greenbrae, Duncan, Towles, Spanish Springs, Hunter Lake, and Brown Elementary Schools gained two stars.
- Diedrichsen Elementary School improved by more than 20 percentage points for the second consecutive year.
- Depoali Middle School advanced from a 3-star to a 5-star rating.
- Mendive and Traner Middle Schools gained 26.5 and 22.5 index points respectively, with Traner also being part of the Collaborative group.
High schools maintained strong performance as well. Four comprehensive high schools and Coral Academy retained their 5-star ratings, placing them among the top-performing schools in the state.
However, the district noted that chronic absenteeism remains a challenge at the high school level, which continues to affect overall performance.
“We are incredibly proud of our progress, and we are showing great improvement, but we won’t stop here,” said Ernst. “We continue to explore ways to engage with our students, identify ways in which they need more support in their learning, and provide those resources to support them. I commend the efforts of our students, staff members, and families in achieving these goals, and look forward to continuing our positive momentum as we move forward together.”
