Coral Academy’s Sandy Ridge campus tops Nevada charter school rankings
U.S. News & World Report recognition highlights academic excellence in Henderson
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) Sandy Ridge campus has claimed the top spot as Nevada’s best charter school in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, continuing its streak of academic excellence and positioning itself among the state’s elite high schools.
The prestigious ranking evaluated nearly 18,000 schools nationwide, including 164 high schools across Nevada. Sandy Ridge not only secured the #1 charter school position but also earned recognition as Henderson’s best high school, ranked fourth in the Las Vegas Valley, and fifth statewide among all high schools.
National recognition for local excellence
On the national stage, Sandy Ridge placed #565 out of approximately 18,000 high schools evaluated, demonstrating that Nevada charter schools can compete with the nation’s best. The rankings consider multiple factors including reading and math proficiency scores, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics.
“I am thrilled and extremely proud of the staff and students at our CASLV Sandy Ridge campus,” said Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, executive director and CEO of CASLV. “We are pleased to have our school recognized year after year for its outstanding performance and attribute this recognition to CASLV’s education model, the dedication of our teachers, staff and the hard work of our exceptional students.”
Advanced placement success drives achievement
A key factor in Sandy Ridge’s success is its robust Advanced Placement (AP) program. The school recently achieved a record-breaking 82% success rate on AP exams according to College Board data, with both the achievement rate and number of exams taken continuing to rise annually.
Students have access to a variety of AP coursework that can transfer as college credits, giving them a significant head start on their higher education journey while still in high school. This focus on college preparation aligns with U.S. News & World Report’s emphasis on college readiness as a ranking criterion.
Building on consistent excellence
The latest recognition adds to Sandy Ridge’s pattern of achievement in annual rankings, demonstrating sustained academic excellence rather than a one-time accomplishment. This consistency reflects the school’s commitment to its educational model and continuous improvement.
The rankings come at a time when school choice and charter school performance are significant topics in Nevada education discussions. Sandy Ridge’s success provides a strong example of how charter schools can deliver exceptional educational outcomes when properly resourced and managed.
For parents considering educational options in the Las Vegas Valley, the rankings offer valuable data points. Sandy Ridge’s combination of high state rankings and respectable national placement suggests a school that excels locally while maintaining competitive academic standards on a broader scale.
More information about U.S. News & World Report’s methodology and complete rankings can be found at usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/.
Category: Education
Subcategory: School Rankings & Performance
Date: 09/4/2025
