High Desert Montessori

Summary:

High Desert Montessori is a public charter elementary school serving grades PK-8 in Reno, Nevada, with a student population of 468 as of the 2022-2023 school year. The school is part of the Washoe County School District, which is ranked 5th out of 13 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While High Desert Montessori's proficiency rates in SBAC Mathematics and Reading are generally lower than the Washoe County and Nevada state averages across all grades, the school's performance is mixed compared to the nearby schools. For example, in 2023-2024, High Desert Montessori's 5th grade Reading proficiency (50%) is higher than the Washoe County (46.4%) and Nevada (45.3%) averages, but its 4th grade Reading proficiency (31.8%) is lower than the nearby schools. Additionally, the school has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Nevada elementary schools, with a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years, in contrast to the nearby Coral Academy Elementary, which is ranked much higher, in the top 20% of Nevada elementary schools, with a 4-star rating.

Despite serving a more economically diverse student population, with a lower percentage of free and reduced-price lunch recipients (27.35% in 2022-2023) compared to the nearby schools, High Desert Montessori's academic performance suggests the need for further investigation into the factors contributing to the school's lower performance. The contrast in school rankings and ratings between High Desert Montessori and the nearby Coral Academy Elementary, which serves a more economically disadvantaged population, highlights the importance of factors beyond socioeconomic status in driving academic success.


Detail:

Public, Charter PK, KG-8

 101 Fantastic Dr
       Reno, NV  89512


(775) 624-2800

District: Washoe County

SchoolDigger Rank:
243rd of 377 Nevada Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $7,715 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  31.3 Help
Number of students:  468

Racial breakdown:

White:
56.8%
Hispanic:
30.6%
Two or more races:
4.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  27.4% Help


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 Compare High Desert Montessori to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details High Desert Montessori ranks worse than 64.5% of elementary schools in Nevada. It also ranks 44th among 63 ranked elementary schools in the Washoe County School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 29.68. (See more...)
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Compare Details High Desert Montessori ranks worse than 52.3% of middle schools in Nevada. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 42.21. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (56.8%), Hispanic (30.6%), two or more races (4.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 27.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at High Desert Montessori is $7,715. 68 elementary schools in the Washoe County School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

High Desert Montessori was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks High Desert Montessori 80th of 153 Nevada public middle schools. (See High Desert Montessori in the ranking list.)

Washoe County:

SchoolDigger ranks Washoe County 5th of 13 Nevada school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for High Desert Montessori?

Rank History for High Desert Montessori

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Compare

Rank History for all elementary school students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 22.65 244th 318 23.3%
2013 31.18 245th 330 25.8%
2014 34.92 232nd 332 30.1%
2016 18.90 293rd 347 15.6%
2017 20.16 289th 351 17.7%
2018 28.74 244th 341 28.4%
2019 17.16 343rd 388 11.6%
2021 39.06 170th 324 47.5%
2022 30.41 239th 380 37.1%
2023 28.01 253rd 384 34.1%
2024 29.68 243rd 377 35.5%
See the entire list of Nevada Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.07 222nd 330 32.7%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.91 214th 332 35.5%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 24.20 203rd 247 17.8%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Nevada Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for High Desert Montessori

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Rank History for all middle school students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 40.41 76th 121 37.2%
2014 55.87 51st 117 56.4%
2016 50.43 53rd 122 56.6%
2017 40.98 70th 126 44.4%
2018 40.28 67th 114 41.2%
2019 36.39 99th 159 37.7%
2022 43.16 81st 151 46.4%
2023 55.85 65th 152 57.2%
2024 42.21 80th 153 47.7%
See the entire list of Nevada Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.30 60th 106 43.4%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 38.70 62nd 108 42.6%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.21 92nd 95 3.2%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at High Desert Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.61 51st 105 51.4%
See the entire list of Best Nevada Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Nevada Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

High Desert Montessori Test Scores
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Data source: Nevada Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.5)
62%

0%

0%

0%

38%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, April 14, 2016

Open Quote My oldest son graduated and went through the IB program successfully. My youngest is about to graduate from 8th grade, ready to go to high school. They both got great educations and even more importantly, learned study habits, and respect for others. Never had to do any "drone" worksheets either Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, October 24, 2014

Open Quote My daughter has been attending for 4 years now. They teach independance and education. They have core studies but each child chooses what order the will do there studies and with what materials. they learn math starting with counting beads. They incorperate learning in everything if they are celebrating a birthday the have to walk around the "sun" for each year alive. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, October 8, 2012

Open Quote Both our daughters attended HDMS for six years and received individual attention from their teachers. They gained so much more than just academics. Now that they've moved into high school, we're proud at how well-balanced they are and able to stand against peer pressure.
The school has grown a great deal and certainly had growing pains but the staff is dedicated to improvement and "following the child." It's important to look at your child's needs and your family's commitment to trying a different philosophy of education before judging success or failure. Close Quote


by a teacher
Monday, October 8, 2012

Open Quote High Desert Montessori is a hidden gem in the Reno area! The teachers are highly trained and knowledgeable in the field of Montessori instruction. The Staff has terrific customer service and is helpful in finding out information. The students are happy and productive in their learning. Parents are involved and supportive. A Montessori education leads to choice, independence and a joy of learning. This school is AMAZING and promotes a sense of community ! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Open Quote I will not be bringing my children back in Fall 2012 due to the lack of opportunities - no science lab, computer lab and a very weak math program. Science and computers are actually frowned upon in this school, as they are not "Montesorri material friendly". Also, there are no sports teams to entertain children after school. The focus of the school is in the huge on-site child care center for six year olds and under; little time and energy is spent on elementary and middle school students. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, March 25, 2012

Open Quote I had heard this school was great, but after two years, we moved our child back to public school. The school is in huge administration-against-staff turmoil and every 1st-3rd grade teacher quit at the end of last year. Not one of the new hires is Montesorri certified. The school expanded to a second campus this year and is now in huge financial turmoil which means programs are being cut and classrooms were closed this year, laying off staff. Even the principal left last year. Go to http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/ to see the year to year decline in CRT Math scores. Only 55% of students meet Math CRT standards and even less meet English CRT standards. I know my child's non-Montesorri trained teacher was awful and taught my child little to nothing during our last year there. Lots of parents have left this year and I doubt this school will be open much longer. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Open Quote In a word; unorganized. There is no administrative control, no process, no policy and teachers literally make up the rules as they go. The disorganization leads to a high turn in staff and there's nothing but young, uneducated and overwhelmed "teachers" left at this school. My child is constantly bullied and last week at after school pick-up, I arrived to see one of my child's classmates was dragging my child around by the feet while my child screamed "Stop!". My childs educational skills have seriously deteriorated and my child is now an entire grade behind (check out the lame school testing scores for yourself). I tried to get involved in the beginning of the school year and joined a committee, but the inclusive parents running the school didn't want anyone reasonable in their mean girls gossip club. If I had to hear, "I'm one of the oldest family's in this school" one more time, I think I might have thrown up. Summary: Mean girls parent 'club' runs the school, absolutely no administrative leadership, and lacking teacher skills will drive this school into the ground. I was so excited at the beginning of the year, but I'm more excited for the school year to end and enroll my child elsewhere! Close Quote



Enrollment information for High Desert Montessori

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2002 36 0 1 2 2 n/a n/a 0 41
2003 36 0 1 2 2 n/a n/a 0 41
2004 78 7 13 15 2 n/a n/a 0 115
2005 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 114 114
2006 137 4 15 20 3 n/a n/a 0 179
2007 159 2 21 28 5 n/a n/a 0 215
2008 153 5 21 33 6 n/a n/a 0 218
2009 155 8 25 33 6 n/a n/a 0 227
2010 193 10 26 39 9 n/a n/a 0 277
2011 202 8 4 78 7 1 36 0 336
2012 199 9 9 83 9 1 33 0 343
2013 218 6 9 89 7 3 31 0 363
2014 218 6 12 94 5 3 34 0 372
2015 216 7 13 116 5 0 25 0 382
2016 217 12 10 112 6 1 21 0 379
2017 214 6 9 121 4 2 20 0 376
2018 247 5 11 121 4 2 21 0 411
2019 234 2 9 127 5 2 41 0 420
2020 221 2 14 120 5 4 31 0 397
2021 221 3 10 117 3 3 23 0 380
2022 251 5 12 128 3 4 23 0 426
2023 266 8 20 143 3 5 23 0 468

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at High Desert Montessori

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 41 n/a n/a 4.9
2003 41 n/a n/a 4.9
2004 115 7.0 16.4 n/a
2005 114 n/a n/a n/a
2006 179 9.0 19.9 n/a
2007 215 10.0 21.5 n/a
2008 218 10.0 21.8 5
2009 227 7.8 29.1 n/a
2010 277 10.0 27.5 5.1
2011 336 13.5 24.8 36
2012 343 14.0 24.5 30.9
2013 363 14.0 25.9 6.1
2014 372 15.0 24.8 17.5
2015 382 18.0 21.2 17.5
2016 379 n/a n/a 22.2
2017 376 12.0 31.3 17
2018 411 n/a n/a 14.1
2019 420 n/a n/a 24
2020 397 n/a n/a 26.7
2021 380 n/a n/a 30.5
2022 426 n/a n/a 24.4
2023 468 n/a n/a 27.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio High Desert Montessori

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 41 n/a n/a 4.9
2003 41 n/a n/a 4.9
2004 115 7.0 16.4 n/a
2005 114 n/a n/a n/a
2006 179 9.0 19.9 n/a
2007 215 10.0 21.5 n/a
2008 218 10.0 21.8 5
2009 227 7.8 29.1 n/a
2010 277 10.0 27.5 5.1
2011 336 13.5 24.8 36
2012 343 14.0 24.5 30.9
2013 363 14.0 25.9 6.1
2014 372 15.0 24.8 17.5
2015 382 18.0 21.2 17.5
2016 379 n/a n/a 22.2
2017 376 12.0 31.3 17
2018 411 n/a n/a 14.1
2019 420 n/a n/a 24
2020 397 n/a n/a 26.7
2021 380 n/a n/a 30.5
2022 426 n/a n/a 24.4
2023 468 n/a n/a 27.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for High Desert Montessori

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $107 (1.9%) $5,534 (98.1%) $5,642
2020 $132 (2.2%) $5,797 (97.8%) $5,929
2021 $265 (4.2%) $6,085 (95.8%) $6,350
2022 $1,842 (23.9%) $5,873 (76.1%) $7,715

Data source: Nevada Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on High Desert Montessori

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 343rd of 388 Elementary schoolsRanks 253rd of 384 Elementary schools
 22.5%
Ranks 99th of 159 Middle schoolsRanks 65th of 152 Middle schools
 19.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (High Desert Montessori)15.620
 4.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Washoe County)47.843.4
 4.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Nevada)47.841.4
 6.4%
3rd Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)34.422
 12.4%
   3rd Grade Reading (Washoe County)44.540.8
 3.7%
   3rd Grade Reading (Nevada)46.340.9
 5.4%
4th Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)31.440.5
 9.1%
   4th Grade Reading (Washoe County)47.942.5
 5.4%
   4th Grade Reading (Nevada)49.241.7
 7.5%
5th Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)34.537.1
 2.6%
   5th Grade Reading (Washoe County)49.647.1
 2.5%
   5th Grade Reading (Nevada)51.945.8
 6.1%
6th Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)33.343.8
 10.5%
   6th Grade Reading (Washoe County)51.137.3
 13.8%
   6th Grade Reading (Nevada)45.838.4
 7.4%
7th Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)42.536.8
 5.7%
   7th Grade Reading (Washoe County)51.340.3
 11%
   7th Grade Reading (Nevada)49.942.1
 7.8%
8th Grade Reading (High Desert Montessori)48.658.6
 10%
   8th Grade Reading (Washoe County)51.240.5
 10.7%
   8th Grade Reading (Nevada)47.539.4
 8.1%
8th Grade Science (High Desert Montessori)48.637.9
 10.7%
   8th Grade Science (Washoe County)44.436.3
 8.1%
   8th Grade Science (Nevada)36.832.7
 4.1%
All Grades Mathematics (High Desert Montessori)18.514.2
 4.3%
   All Grades Mathematics (Washoe County)40.833.6
 7.2%
   All Grades Mathematics (Nevada)37.531.3
 6.2%
All Grades Reading (High Desert Montessori)3836.9
 1.1%
   All Grades Reading (Washoe County)49.341.2
 8.1%
   All Grades Reading (Nevada)48.541
 7.5%
All Grades Science (High Desert Montessori)36.424.6
 11.8%
   All Grades Science (Washoe County)36.429.5
 6.9%
   All Grades Science (Nevada)30.526
 4.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students420468
 11.4%
African American28
 300%
American Indian53
 40%
Asian920
 122.2%
Hispanic127143
 12.6%
Pacific Islander25
 150%
White234266
 13.7%
Two or More Races4123
 43.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients24%27.4%
 3.3%


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Frequently Asked Questions about High Desert Montessori

In the 2022-23 school year, 468 students attended High Desert Montessori.

High Desert Montessori ranks 243rd of 377 Nevada elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at High Desert Montessori are 57% White, 31% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 4% Asian, 2% African American, 1% Pacific Islander.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Nevada Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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