Who We Are

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is the second-largest public school district in Nevada and the 58th largest in the nation, serving 59,565 students across 6,316 square miles—from Gerlach on the edge of the Black Rock Desert to Incline Village on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Led by Superintendent Joe Ernst, our team of 9,580 caring adults ensures that every student is safe, supported, and challenged each day. Together, we’re creating welcoming environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

 

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) has been recognized by the Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) as one of the Best Places for Women to Work in Northern Nevada, earning distinction in two key categories:

• Empowering Employee Wellbeing
• Empowerment Through Mentorship

These honors highlight WCSD’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that supports growth, balance, and leadership opportunities for women across every role in the District.

In 2024–25, 71% of WCSD schools improved attendance by reducing chronic absenteeism, highlighting the success of ongoing engagement strategies.

In 2023–24, 4,032 of 4,932 students graduated—thousands of young adults ready to contribute to our community, continue their education, or enter the workforce. WCSD’s graduation rate remains above 80%, with half of graduates earning an advanced, college- and career-ready, or honors diploma, a .65 percent increase over the Class of 2023.

 

WCSD offers more than 35 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs of study across all of its comprehensive high schools. CTE programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on work, leadership development, and career exploration. Signature Academies are spotlighted comprehensive CTE high school programs that feature a rigorous, applied curriculum that includes opportunities to earn college credit and industry certifications, gain 21st century skills, and develop connections between school and the real world. Programs are offered in Agricultural Science & Natural Resources, Business & Marketing, Engineering & Manufacturing, Information Technology, Media & Communications, Health Sciences & Human Services, International Baccalaureate, and Performing Arts.

Check out both of WCSD's Career Technical Education schools, the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, and the new Debbie Smith CTE Academy High School! 

 

Since voters approved WC-1 in 2016, WCSD has:

• Built 8 new schools, rebuilt 2, and expanded/upgraded 2 others.
• Invested $1 billion in school construction and modernization.
• Committed $2 billion through the 2023 Facility Modernization Plan to modernize every WCSD facility for future generations.
• Allocated $250 million for capital renewal and $50 million annually for everyday repairs—ensuring schools are warm, safe, and dry.

These investments have created safe, modern, and welcoming schools that support attendance, belonging, and learning.

Learn more about our building and capital projects, and check out the video below featuring our 15-year Facility Modernization plan!