This Monday, June 15, the Incline High School Class of 2026 will walk across the football field under open Sierra Nevada skies for their commencement ceremony — and they have a lot to celebrate. But so does the community that raised them.
For anyone considering a move to Incline Village, or for the families already here who wonder if they made the right call, the story of IHS is one of the most compelling arguments for life on the North Shore. This graduating class is proof.
A Small School That Punches Way Above Its Weight
Incline High School has just 267 students — tiny by any measure. Yet it carries a five-star rating from the Nevada Department of Education and consistently ranks among the top high schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It is the only K-12 STEM pathway school designated by the state of Nevada.
The Class of 2026 had roughly 67 seniors. What they accomplished this year would be impressive at a school ten times their size.
We the People: Top 10 in the Nation
In April, IHS sent 18 students to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national *We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution* competition — one of the country's most rigorous civic education challenges, where students defend their knowledge of constitutional law before panels of judges in simulated congressional hearings.
Incline's team finished top 10 in the nation, competing against more than 1,000 students from all 50 states. They first won the Nevada state title, making this their 17th national finals appearance in 29 years — a record virtually unmatched by any school of comparable size. More than 25% of this year's senior class was on the team. That's not a club. That's a culture.
The program is led by teacher Milton Hyams, whose decades of commitment have made IHS a perennial national contender. "Getting in the top 10 is a culmination of all of that work," said Christine Hull, executive director of the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement. "It's years of alumni participating. It's years of dedication from students and staff."
Champions on the Field, Too
The Highlanders had a banner athletic year: Boys Basketball claimed the 2A State Championship this winter — the program's first title since 2019 — defeating Needles 55-50 in the finals. Boys Golf won the 2A State Championship this spring, also capturing the regional title. Boys Skiing brought home a state title as well. Three state championships in a single school year, from a school where 70% of the student body plays varsity sports.
Built for What Comes Next
Academically, IHS gives students tools most small schools can't match — AP courses across every subject, dual credit options through UNR (free and embedded in the schedule for the first time this year), and a new Personalized Learning Academy offering internships and real-world projects. Twenty-five of the school's 29 teachers hold master's degrees. Approximately 68% of recent graduates enroll directly in four-year universities, with another 21% attending two-year institutions, and 72% of AP test-takers score a 3 or higher. This year's seniors have earned acceptances to universities across the country. The school's Engineering InvenTeam even traveled to MIT to present a patent-pending device for measuring rooftop snow load — one of eight national finalists selected by the Lemelson-MIT program.
What This Means for Incline Village
Real estate in Incline Village often speaks in views, square footage, and proximity to the lake. But for families, the most important feature of any home is what surrounds it — the community, the neighbors, the schools their children will attend.
Incline High School is that community in action. Small enough that every student is known, strong enough to compete with the best schools in the nation. The Class of 2026 didn't happen by accident. They're the product of a place that invests in its children — and that investment shows up in every state championship, every Senate chamber simulation, and every acceptance letter.
Congratulations to the Incline Village Class of 2026. We couldn't be more proud.
That pride in community extends beyond the school — it's woven into the fabric of Incline Village itself, and reflected in the enduring strength of its real estate market.
Incline Village & Crystal Bay Real Estate Market Report | June 9, 2026
Inventory has continued to grow throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay, providing buyers with more options. At the same time, new listings continue to outpace year-to-date sales, creating a market environment that rewards thoughtful pricing, strategic marketing, and patience.
One property that recently captured attention during this week's Broker Tour is the exceptional residence at 240 Estates Drive, offered at $11,488,000. It stands out among luxury offerings in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
The residence showcases a beautifully curated blend of natural woods and sophisticated metals, creating a contemporary aesthetic that feels both elegant and inviting. Every detail reflects intentional design, from the thoughtfully selected finishes to the seamless integration of modern architecture with Tahoe's natural surroundings. It is a home that exemplifies the evolution of luxury mountain living — and a reminder that exceptional properties continue to attract interest regardless of broader market conditions. North Lake Tahoe remains one of the most desirable places to call home.
6 New Listings | 7 in Escrow | 5 Price Reductions | 10 Closings
