Florence Drake Elementary in Sparks earned the No. 10 spot statewide in the U.S. News 2027 Best Public Elementary Schools in Nevada rankings, the highest finish among Sparks-area schools.
The small school on Fourth Street scored 97.56 out of 100 in the rankings, which evaluated 370 elementary schools across the state. U.S. News ranked schools based on performance on state-required tests, graduation rates and how well they prepare students for high school, according to the publication.
Florence Drake serves 254 students in pre-K through fifth grade. According to U.S. News, 73% of its students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 68% reached that mark in reading. Both figures far exceed the Washoe County School District averages of 42% in math and 38% in reading.
The school enrolls 100% economically disadvantaged students, according to U.S. News. All 14 of its full-time teachers are certified. The student-teacher ratio sits at 18-to-1, lower than the district average.
U.S. News rated Florence Drake's math and reading performance as "well above expectations." The school ranked No. 11 statewide in math proficiency and No. 14 in reading proficiency.
Other Sparks schools
Three other Sparks elementary schools appeared in the statewide rankings. Alice Maxwell Elementary, also on the city's north side, placed No. 81 with a score of 78.32 out of 100. Van Gorder Elementary in Spanish Springs came in at No. 84 with a 77.51 score. Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada, a charter school serving grades K-8, ranked No. 189 for its elementary program.
Alice Maxwell's students scored 42% proficient in math and 34% in reading, roughly matching district averages. Van Gorder posted stronger numbers at 60% math proficiency and 62% reading proficiency.
Nevada's top 10 elementary schools
The statewide top 10, according to U.S. News:
- Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Inspirada, Henderson
- Caughlin Ranch Elementary, Reno
- Vassiliadis Billy & Rosemary Elementary, Las Vegas
- Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Sloan Canyon, Henderson
- Gehring Roger D Academy of Science & Technology Elementary, Las Vegas
- Smalley James E & A Rae Elementary, Henderson
- McCaw Gordon Elementary, Henderson
- Coral Academy Tamarus, Las Vegas
- Wolff Elise L Elementary, Henderson
- Florence Drake Elementary, Sparks
Caughlin Ranch Elementary in Reno, the closest top-10 school to Sparks, scored 99.73 out of 100 and ranked No. 1 statewide in math proficiency. Its students posted 82% math proficiency and 81% reading proficiency, according to U.S. News.
The full rankings and school profiles are available on the U.S. News website.
