For the 2025 school year, there are 32 public elementary schools serving 9,455 students in Nevada County, CA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Nevada County, CA are Donner Trail Elementary School, Glenshire Elementary School and Sierra Expeditionary Learning. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nevada County, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Nevada County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Elementary Schools in Nevada County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Donner Trail Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | 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
Gr: K-5 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Glenshire Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10990 Dorchester Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3720
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-3720
Gr: K-5 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: K-8 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Williams Ranch Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
14804 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7300
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7300
Gr: K-5 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
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 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
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 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: K-5 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #88.
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 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #99.
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
Gr: K-8 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1010.
Alder Creek Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10931 Alder Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2750
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2750
Gr: 6-8 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1111.
Bell Hill Academy
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
342 South School St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Gr: K-4 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1212.
Grass Valley Charter
Charter School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 South Auburn St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8723
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8723
Gr: K-8 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1313.
Yuba River Charter
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10085 Adam Ave.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-6060
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 272-6060
Gr: K-8 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1414.
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 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1515.
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
Gr: K-8 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #1616.
Truckee Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11911 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2650
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2650
Gr: K-5 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #1717.
Magnolia Intermediate
(Math: 34% | 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
Gr: 6-8 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1818.
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 | 806 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #1919.
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 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2020.
Cottage Hill Elementary School
(Math: 41% | 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
Gr: K-5 | 494 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #2121.
Union Hill Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 35% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #2222.
Chicago Park Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
15725 Mt. Olive Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Gr: K-8 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #2323.
Ready Springs Elementary School
(Math: 29% | 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
Gr: K-8 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #2424.
Lyman Gilmore Middle School
(Math: 26% | 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
Gr: 5-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #2525.
Arete Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
16229 Duggans Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2805
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2805
Gr: K-8 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #2626.
Chicago Park Community Charter
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
15725 Mount Olive Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 346-2153
Gr: K-8 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2727.
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
Gr: K-4 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2828.
Vantage Point Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
10862 Spenceville Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-5312
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-5312
Gr: K-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #2929.
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 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #3030.
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 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #3131.
John Muir Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
960 Mccourtney Rd., Ste. E
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-4008
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-4008
Gr: 6-12 | 589 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: n/an/a
Cold Stream Alternative
Alternative School
11661 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-2640
Gr: K-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Nevada County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
342 South School St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6416
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-6416
Gr: K-3 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
740 Timberland Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 581-0157
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 581-0157
Gr: K-6 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Edge Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
12338 Mcct.ney Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-5464
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-5464
Gr: 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
Gr: 8-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
470 Searls Ave
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1860
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1860
Gr: K-2 | 179 students Minority enrollment: 14%
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
Gr: 2-5
225 South Auburn St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2281
Gr: K-5 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
10787 Bartlett Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-6423
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-6423
Gr: K-6 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
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
Gr: 6-8
Nevada City Charter (Closed 2020)
Charter School
750 Hoover Ln.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1885
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-1885
Gr: K-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
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
Gr: K-8 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
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
Gr: 9 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
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
Gr: 9-12
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
Gr: 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
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Pleasant Ridge Charter (Closed 2014)
Charter School
16229 Duggans Rd
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2820
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-2820
Gr: K-8
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
Gr: 6-8
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
Gr: 7-8
14685 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7333
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7333
Gr: 4-8 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
1999 Ridge Rd.
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
Gr: K-4 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
1999 Ridge Rd.
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 288-3247
Gr: 7-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
14806 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7311
Penn Valley, CA 95946
(530) 432-7311
Gr: PK
340 Buena Vista St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 268-2200
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 268-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Po Box 529
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 268-3314
North San Juan, CA 95960
(530) 268-3314
Gr: K-8 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
16229 Duggans Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-9990
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-9990
Gr: K-8 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
11839 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7650
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7650
Gr: 6-8 | 678 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
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
Gr: 6-12 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
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
Gr: 7-8 | 1 student
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
Gr: 6-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
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
Gr: 7-8 | 4 students
Show 2 more closed public schools in Nevada County, CA (out of 37 total schools)
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Nevada County, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Nevada County, CA include Donner Trail Elementary School, Glenshire Elementary School and Sierra Expeditionary Learning.
How many public elementary schools are located in Nevada County?
32 public elementary schools are located in Nevada County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nevada County?
Nevada County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Nevada County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Nevada County include: Cottage Hill Elementary School vs. Alta Sierra Elementary School, Glenshire Elementary School vs. Sierra Expeditionary Learning, Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School vs. Bell Hill Academy
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
