Positive Trends: Nevada Schools See Rating Improvements, Data Reveals

Rising Star Ratings in Nevada Schools

Schools across Nevada have shown notable improvements in their performance ratings, according to the latest data from the Nevada Department of Education. These results reflect a positive shift in educational outcomes and highlight the progress being made by schools throughout the state.

The Nevada School Performance Framework uses a star rating system ranging from one to five to evaluate school performance. This system considers various factors such as chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and assessment results in subjects like English Language Arts, math, and science. The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of each school's academic achievements and areas for improvement.

Significant Improvements in Ratings

New data reveals that there has been an 11 percent decrease in one-star schools statewide. In the 2023-2024 school year, there were 232 one-star schools, but this number dropped to 140 in the 2024-25 school year. While low-performing one- and two-star schools accounted for about half of all schools in the previous year, they now make up 41.6 percent of all schools.

In contrast, the number of four- and five-star schools has increased significantly. According to the state’s data, 74 more schools earned these higher ratings since the 2023-2024 school year. The percentage of schools with four- or five-star ratings rose to over 30 percent this year, compared to 21.9 percent last year.

Positive Reactions from Educational Leaders

Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Canavero expressed optimism about the improvements. “It’s encouraging news that more of our state’s public schools are earning higher star ratings,” he said in a news release. “This reflects the hard work and dedication of our educators, administrators, staff, students and families. I am also grateful for the historic state investment in public education and initiatives such as early literacy that aim to ensure that our students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.”

The data released Monday offers insights into state education trends as school district leaders await the Nevada Department of Education’s annual Nevada Report Card. This report typically includes details on subject matter proficiency, school discipline rates, and diversity. However, the full Report Card, usually released in mid-September, was delayed this year due to a cyberattack on state computer systems.

Factors Behind the Improvement

One key factor contributing to the improved ratings is better performance on standardized assessments. The Nevada Department of Education noted that Smarter Balanced Assessment results showed continued improvements in math proficiency across all grade levels for the third consecutive year. Additionally, all grade levels demonstrated improvement in English Language Arts proficiency.

Clark County School District Progress

In Clark County, school officials reported that 136 schools improved their star ratings from the previous year, accounting for 37 percent of all Clark County School District schools. The district now has 48 five-star schools, which is 20 more than last year.

Superintendent Jhone Ebert praised the efforts of educators and the community. “These results demonstrate that the investments our state and community have made in public education have paid off,” she said in a press release. “Our talented educators are ensuring our students are making the academic progress they need to succeed in life. We are proud of the progress our students have made as we work to become the Destination District for students and families.”

Several schools in Clark County saw significant improvements. Darnell, Goldfarb, and Kim Elementary Schools each moved up three star levels to become four-star schools. Six public charter schools in the area also made similar jumps, including CIVICA Academy Elementary and Middle Schools, Legacy Traditional School – North Valley, Quest Academy Northwest, Mater Academy Bonanza, and Somerset Academy Losee. Another 45 schools across the state, including 16 in Clark County, advanced from two stars to three.

Strategies for Success

Jane Fernandez, principal at Goldfarb Elementary, highlighted the strategies that contributed to her school’s success. “Frequent small group learning activities, strengthening student-teacher relationships, and coaching sessions to develop teachers’ skills have been essential keys to our three-star performance leap,” she said. “We will always try our best to do what’s best for students.”

For more information, contact Spencer Levering at slevering@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0253.