Doral Academy of Northern Nevada wins two statewide honors

Doral Academy of Northern Nevada earned two Nevada honors in September 2026 for history teaching and civic education. The recognition underscores the Reno K-8 charter school’s focus on civic learning and comes as its middle school ranks No. 8 statewide.

Why it matters: - The two awards signal statewide recognition for Doral Academy of Northern Nevada’s approach to history and civics. - The honors point to a broader push to strengthen civic learning and critical thinking in Nevada classrooms. - The school’s middle school ranking adds academic momentum to the recognition.

What happened: - Doral Academy of Northern Nevada received two statewide honors in September 2026. - On Sept. 3, 2026, history educator Sophia Blair was named Nevada’s 2026 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. - On Sept. 18, 2026, Nevada State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Victor Wakefield and Christine Hull of the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement presented DANN’s K-8 campus with the inaugural Nevada School of Civic Excellence award. - DANN is a tuition-free K-8 public charter school in Reno.

The details: - The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Nevada Department of Education presented Blair’s award. - The history teacher award recognizes K-12 educators who use creativity, critical thinking and primary sources to help students understand the past. - Amanda Jo Hughes, Education Programs Professional for Social Studies at the Nevada Department of Education, said Blair’s students are learning to think critically, examine evidence, ask meaningful questions and engage with different perspectives. - The Nevada School of Civic Excellence award recognizes schools that show excellence in civic learning, encourage active student engagement and healthy discourse, and foster a community-minded culture. - Angela Orr, principal of Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, said every student in every grade level, K-8, receives regular lessons in history, geography and civics. - Orr said every student learns how important it is to use their voice. - The academy’s middle school is ranked No. 8 among Nevada middle schools with a 93.3 Index Score.

Between the lines: - The two awards suggest DANN is being recognized not just for academic results, but for how it teaches students to participate in civic life. - The school’s emphasis on student voice, discourse and primary-source learning aligns with the criteria behind both honors. - The ranking and the awards together give DANN a stronger profile as a school focused on both achievement and civic preparation.

What's next: - Doral Academy of Northern Nevada says it will continue its focus on academic excellence, whole-child development and innovative learning. - The school is positioned to build on the recognition as it continues its K-8 civic and history instruction. - More information is available at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada.