May 8, 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) on Friday named two Washoe County schools as Nevada Blue Ribbon Schools.

NDE’s Office of Student and School Supports selected Mount Rose K-8 Academy of Languages and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) High School – both in the Washoe County School District – for recognition.

The Nevada Blue Ribbon Schools program honors K-12 schools for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps based on the previous [KA1.1][JS1.2][KA1.3]National Blue Ribbon Schools program criteria.

“Congratulations to Mount Rose K-8 School of Languages and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) High School for receiving the Nevada Blue Ribbon Schools award, recognizing their outstanding academic programs and commitment to closing achievement gaps,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “These schools showcase their ability to support students through personalized learning, offer comprehensive support services, incorporate multifaceted teaching methods, and consistently track and report progress. This achievement would not be possible without the teachers, students, administrators, and families behind these outstanding schools.”

The two schools were originally approved as 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The national program has since been discontinued and states now have the flexibility to determine how to recognize their exemplary schools.

“Mount Rose and TMCC High School have demonstrated exemplary high achievement and innovative models that provide unique opportunities for students,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The Nevada Department of Education is proud to recognize these two schools as Nevada Blue Ribbon Schools and congratulates the students, administrators, educators, staff, and families on this remarkable accomplishment.”

“We are proud of TMCC High School and Mount Rose K-8 Academy of Languages and what this recognition represents for the Washoe County School District,” said Joe Ernst, Superintendent of the Washoe County School District. “These honors highlight the strong work happening across our schools to support students and provide meaningful learning opportunities. Our focus remains on ensuring every student, in every school, has access to high-quality instruction and the support they need to succeed.”

Mount Rose K-8 Academy of Languages is being honored for its exemplary high achievement with a focus on bilingual education.

“Receiving the Blue-Ribbon designation is an incredible honor for Mount Rose K-8 Academy of Languages,” said Principal Richard Mares. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families who work together every day to create a culture of high expectations, multilingual learning, and strong relationships. Our language immersion environment not only supports strong academic achievement but also prepares students to thrive in a globally connected world.”

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) High School is being recognized for its exemplary high-achieving dual-enrollment model.

“TMCC High School’s Nevada Blue Ribbon Award shows a shared commitment to excellence, driven by the dedication of our students, staff, and families,” said Principal Cristina Oronoz. “This achievement is a demonstration of the hard work of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the ongoing support of our families.”

“It also highlights the strength of our unique collaboration with Truckee Meadows Community College, which enriches learning opportunities and fosters student success,” Oronoz said. “Together, we have built a culture of high expectations, equity, and continuous growth, where personalized support and meaningful relationships ensure every student thrives. This honor belongs to our entire school community and celebrates all who contribute to making TMCC High School exceptional.”

In addition to the two Washoe County School District recipients, Little Flower Catholic School in Reno was nominated as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.