Desert Ridge Middle School

8400 Barstow Ne
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
10/
10
Top 5%
Serving 801 students in grades 6-8, Desert Ridge Middle School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 61% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 801 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 61%
  • : Top 5% in NM
  • : 61% (Top 5%)
  • : 66% (Top 5%)
  • : 76% (Top 5%)
  • : Desert Ridge Middle serves the northeast part of Albuquerque, NM, covering an area of approximately 33 square miles. Families within this zone typically drive about 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located 7.6 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Desert Ridge Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Desert Ridge Middle School's student population of 801 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
801 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1997
School Calendar

School Rankings

Desert Ridge Middle School ranks within the top 5% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Ridge Middle School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NM)
#19 out of 796 schools
(Top 5%)

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

61%
24%

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

66%
34%
76%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
3%
11%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
10%
1%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
37%
63%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Black
2%
2%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

White
39%
19%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
9%
4%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
61%
0.70

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
20.6%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
85%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%

Showing 2008–2024. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
Hunter Green & Navy Blue
School Mascot
Diamondback Rattle Snake
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Ridge Middle School's ranking?
Desert Ridge Middle School is ranked #19 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Desert Ridge Middle School often compared to?
Desert Ridge Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eisenhower Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Ridge Middle School?
801 students attend Desert Ridge Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Desert Ridge Middle School students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Ridge Middle School?
Desert Ridge Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Ridge Middle School offer ?
Desert Ridge Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Ridge Middle School part of?
Desert Ridge Middle School is part of Albuquerque School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Ridge Middle School located?
Desert Ridge Middle School is located in the Vineyard Estates neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM. There are 2 other public schools located in Vineyard Estates.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 801 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 61%
  • : Top 5%
  • : 61% (Top 5%)
  • : 66% (Top 5%)
  • : 76% (Top 5%)
  • : Desert Ridge Middle serves the northeast part of Albuquerque, NM, covering an area of approximately 33 square miles. Families within this zone typically drive about 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located 7.6 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

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