Serving 502 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Desert Hills Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 502 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Hills Elementary serves the eastern part of Las Cruces, NM, covering an area of approximately 8.8 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, and the furthest point being 3.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Hills Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Desert Hills Elementary School's student population of 502 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
502 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Desert Hills Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Hills Elementary School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#63 out of 796 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
24%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
68%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
White
20%
19%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.1%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
5%
4%
Showing 2006–2016. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Hills Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Hills Elementary School is ranked #63 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Desert Hills Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Hills Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hillrise Elementary School, White Sands Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Hills Elementary School?
502 students attend Desert Hills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Desert Hills Elementary School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 5% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Hills Elementary School?
Desert Hills Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Hills Elementary School offer ?
Desert Hills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Hills Elementary School part of?
Desert Hills Elementary School is part of Las Cruces School District.
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