Nevada School Districts and Higher Education

Nevada School Districts and Higher Education

Nevada’s public education system is managed at both the local and state level. The state is divided into county-based school districts for K–12 education, and its higher education system includes universities, community colleges, and trade schools overseen by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

This guide is intended for Nevada residents—families with school-age children, high school graduates exploring college options, and adults seeking career and technical education.

K–12 Public School Districts

Nevada has 17 county-based school districts—one for each county and one for Carson City (an independent city). Below are the largest and most commonly referenced districts:

• Clark County School District (CCSD): The fifth-largest in the U.S., serving Las Vegas and surrounding communities. It has over 300,000 students across hundreds of elementary, middle, and high schools.

• Washoe County School District: Covers Reno, Sparks, and Incline Village. Offers traditional, charter, and magnet schools.

• Carson City School District: A city-based district serving the state capital with four elementary schools, one middle school, and one comprehensive high school.

• Elko County School District: Serves northeast Nevada, including rural and remote communities. Offers multiple K–12 campuses and supports distance learning options.

• Douglas, Nye, and Lyon County Districts: These serve growing populations in northern Nevada and provide traditional, charter, and alternative education programs.

Each district is governed by an elected school board and follows guidelines set by the Nevada Department of Education.

Charter and Private Schools

Nevada has a growing number of charter schools, particularly in Clark and Washoe counties. These schools operate with state approval and offer specialized curricula such as STEM, performing arts, or college prep.

Private and religious schools also operate throughout the state, especially in Las Vegas and Reno. Financial aid, including Opportunity Scholarships, is available to qualifying families.

Higher Education Institutions

Public Universities

Nevada’s two main public universities are:

• University of Nevada, Reno (UNR): The state’s flagship research university, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines. UNR is also home to the School of Medicine and the Mackay School of Earth Sciences.

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): A major urban university with strong programs in hospitality, law, business, fine arts, and health sciences.

Both are part of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

Community Colleges

Nevada’s community colleges offer associate degrees, certifications, and university transfer programs.

• College of Southern Nevada (CSN): The state’s largest college, with campuses in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson.

• Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC): Located in Reno, with satellite centers in Fernley and Fallon.

• Western Nevada College (WNC): Based in Carson City with campuses in Fallon and Douglas County. Offers both academic and career technical programs.

• Great Basin College (GBC): Serves rural and eastern Nevada, including online degree programs and outreach centers across the region.

Trade & Technical Training

Nevada supports a growing workforce development network. Many colleges offer programs in:

• Nursing, medical assisting, and emergency response
• HVAC, welding, and diesel technology
• Hospitality, culinary arts, and gaming
• Information technology and cybersecurity

Programs are coordinated with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) and regional employers.