Lyon County schools recorded 8,254 students in class on count day Friday, down 246 students from last year's 8,500.
However, the decline wasn't as severe as officials had predicted.
"It was 2.87 percent, and we thought it would be 3 percent," said Superintendent Caroline McIntosh. "It's much better than it could have been."
The district has lost about 1,000 students - an 11 percent decline - since the 2007-08 school year, when enrollment peaked at 9,257.
The numbers reflect the overall decline of the county, which was once the fastest-growing in the nation. Since 2008, unemployment has risen and is now at 17.3 percent.
"We're the third most stressed in the nation," McIntosh said.
Despite the economic hardships, McIntosh said, the schools are continuing to achieve.
McIntosh pointed to the district making Adequate Yearly Progress this year - the largest district in the state to do so. Three of the 32 schools deemed High Achieving under the federal No Child Left Behind act are in Lyon County.
"We're catapulting up there," she said. "Things are going really well as far as instruction, and that is where the rubber meets the road. Learning is happening."
Under Nevada law, every school district must tally the number of students actually in class on the 28th day of school. That number is used to determine the level of funding from the state.
Lyon County receives $6,613 per pupil.
McIntosh said the district is well-positioned financially because of preparations made in anticipation of shrinking enrollment, including layoffs.
A superintendent's advisory council is also being formed to analyze different suggestions, such as a recommendation to move to a four-day school week. That proposal was later voted down.
The council, to be made up of teachers, parents and community members, will also consider an earlier start date to the school year.
"It gives us more of a structure that we can really look at these issues before going to the school board," McIntosh said.
She credited teachers and staff with the district's successes.
"They are just phenomenal," she said. "They are all focused on the right thing, which is learning at high levels for all kids."
