Reno, NV
Where the mountains are the classroom. A school for students who come alive outdoors — and want an education that matches their energy.
A school that believes learning happens everywhere — not just at a desk.
Lake Tahoe is 30 minutes away. Students here ski, snowboard, mountain bike, and rock climb as part of a structured outdoor athletics program — not just on weekends.
A choice school model that lets students pursue their interests while meeting rigorous academic standards. Block scheduling allows deeper focus on fewer subjects at a time.
The outdoor programs here build more than fitness. They build confidence, resilience, and independence — qualities that serve students well beyond high school.
Sierra Nevada Academy offers flexible options to match different student needs and family budgets.
Complete academic year with boarding or host family option. Full access to the outdoor sports program and all academic tracks.
A J-1 semester option focused on skiing or snowboarding combined with academic coursework. Ideal for students who want a focused winter experience.
Students can earn wilderness first aid, leave-no-trace, and outdoor leadership certifications alongside their academic work.
A flexible curriculum built around each student’s learning style.
Environmental Science, Sports Medicine, Photography, Outdoor Education, and Psychology.
Spanish.
Integrated ESL with outdoor vocabulary building, adventure-based English activities, and individual tutoring.
What you need to know before applying.
Life at Sierra Nevada Academy goes far beyond the classroom.
Ski & Snowboard Club, Mountain Bike Team, Photography Club, Environmental Stewards, Rock Climbing Club, Film Crew, and 12+ groups.
Mountain landscape photography, outdoor film projects, acoustic music nights, ceramics studio, and annual adventure film festival.
Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, soccer, and basketball. Partnership with Lake Tahoe ski resorts for training access.
Getting here and getting around.
Tell us about your student. We'll let you know if Sierra Nevada Academy is a fit — and if not, we'll suggest the school that is.