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Is Nevada charter school student performance as low as in Washoe County schools?

By Todd Butterworth
NO

Despite having more challenging operating metrics, Nevada's charter schools outperform Washoe County in student proficiency.

In 2021-22, Nevada charter schools under the State Public Charter School Authority had 55,415 students, effectively making charters Nevada's third-largest school district. Washoe County School District, the state's second-largest, had 62,540 students.

Charter schools have a higher student-to-teacher ratio than Washoe (26:1 versus 21:1), more students of color (68% versus 58%) and significantly lower spending per student ($7,243 versus $10,220). However, charter school student proficiency is higher in English language arts in elementary, middle and high school, and in math in elementary and middle school. The charter school graduation rate is also higher (87% versus 82%).

To increase parents’ educational choices for their children, Gov. Joe Lombardo said he plans to submit legislation to create an Office of School Choice within the state Department of Education.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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