Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#679 of 691 schools in NV

Sparks High School

High School · Washoe County

820 15TH ST, Sparks, NV 89431

Enrollment

1,278

Student-Teacher

22.8:1

Score

3.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Nevada schools

#679 of 691

In Sparks

#35 of 35

public schools

In district

#109 of 109

Washoe County

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Sparks High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Sparks High School

3.1/10

High School in Sparks · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Robert Mitchell Elementary

7.4/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Kate Smith Elementary

6.7/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Sparks High School

Sparks High School is a public high school in Sparks, NV, part of Washoe County. Sparks High School serves approximately 1,278 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Sparks High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #679 of 691 schools in NV.

Structured state assessment records for Sparks High School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares2.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.4
  • NV avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Sparks High School runs 22.8:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

61% of students at Sparks High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-6.96 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics1.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency6% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency8% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-26.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
College Readiness5.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate86%
AP Participation14.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,870
Chronic Absenteeism61.3%

Sparks High School — Students at Sparks High School score 8% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NV EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 40.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 48.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 test records from NV state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
70%
ELA
95%
2010
Math
63%
ELA
93%
2011
Math
65%
ELA
73%
2012
Math
63%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
99.5%
ELA
92%
2015
Math
66%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
65%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
18%
2018
Math
8%
ELA
15%
2019
Math
8%
ELA
15%
2020*
Math
4%
ELA
15%
2021*
Math
4%
ELA
15%
2022
Math
6%
ELA
10%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.2/10.

How Sparks High School Compares

See how Sparks High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
2th percentile in NV
Academic
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3.3
Sports
6
3 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
61.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
14.4% participation·State avg: 3.3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics6sports offered
3 boys'·3 girls'·25 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

820 15TH ST, Sparks, NV 89431

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sparks High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Academy For Career Education (rated 5.3/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Reno), which scores notably higher. Another option is PROCTER R. HUG HIGH SCHOOL (rated 3.5/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, WASHOE INSPIRE ACADEMY (rated 3.5/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Reno), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sparks, see our Sparks schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
ROBERT MITCHELL ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.2 mi 7.4
KATE SMITH ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.5 mi 6.7
ALICE MAXWELL ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.8 mi 7.2
SPARKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Sparks 0.8 mi 4.4
AGNES RISLEY ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.8 mi 5.2
GREENBRAE ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.9 mi 5.7
GEORGE L. DILWORTH S.T.E.M ACADEMY Sparks 0.8 mi 5.3
LINCOLN PARK ELEMENTARY Sparks 0.9 mi 4.3
BERNICE MATHEWS ELEMENTARY Reno 0.9 mi 5.6
FLORENCE DRAKE ELEMENTARY Sparks 1.2 mi 9.0
Mater Academy of Northern Nevada Reno 1.1 mi 8.6
High Desert Montessori Reno 1.3 mi 6.4
PROCTER R. HUG HIGH SCHOOL Sparks 1.7 mi 3.5
RITA CANNAN ELEMENTARY Reno 1.4 mi 5.5
LENA JUNIPER ELEMENTARY Sparks 1.6 mi 7.0
FRED W. TRANER MIDDLE SCHOOL Reno 1.7 mi 4.5
WASHOE INSPIRE ACADEMY Reno 2.1 mi 3.5
Academy For Career Education Reno 2.1 mi 5.3
GLENN DUNCAN S.T.E.M. ACADEMY Reno 1.8 mi 6.0
EXCEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sparks 1.9 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 89431 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,496

Median Home Value

$332,000

Median Rent

$1,276/mo

Population

40,772

College Educated

14.3%

Homeownership

46.6%

Avg Commute

22.2 min

Poverty Rate

15%

Median Age

35.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Acceleration Academy Las Vegas, NV 3.7
BISHOP GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL Las Vegas, NV 4.0
Elko High School Elko, NV 4.0
Nevada Connections Academy Reno, NV 4.1
Odyssey Charter Schools 9-12 HS Las Vegas, NV 4.1
Fernley High School Fernley, NV 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sparks High School

What grades does Sparks High School serve?

Sparks High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Sparks High School?

Sparks High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,278 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sparks High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Sparks High School is 22.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sparks High School rank in NV?

Sparks High School ranks #679 of 691 schools in NV.

What is Sparks High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sparks High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Sparks High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sparks High School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Sparks High School a charter school?

No, Sparks High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Sparks High School a Title I school?

No, Sparks High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sparks High School?

100.0% of students at Sparks High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
84 Very Walkable
Bike Score
64 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,278
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Washoe County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
61.3%
4-Year Graduation
86.0%

District

Washoe County
District Enrollment
63,777
Schools in District
115
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,870
District Rank
#109 of 109

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.