For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,809 students in Carlsbad, NM.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carlsbad, NM are Ocotillo Elementary School, Monterrey Elementary School and Sunset Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carlsbad, NM public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the New Mexico public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 34% statewide average). Elementary schools in Carlsbad have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public elementary school average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Carlsbad, NM (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ocotillo Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2106 Captain Williams Ln
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 628-4498
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 628-4498
Gr: PK-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #22.
Monterrey Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1600 Johnson St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3309
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3309
Gr: K-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33.
Sunset Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
923 North Walter St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: K-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Desert Willow Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2100 Primrose St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3310
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3310
Gr: K-5 | 667 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #55.
Carlsbad Intermediate School - Pr Leyva Campus
(Math: 26% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 West Church St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #66.
Jefferson Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 South Canal St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: K-12 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #77.
Cottonwood Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1609 W Lea Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3304
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3304
Gr: K-5 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #88.
Carlsbad Sixth Grade Academy - Alta Vista Campus
(Math: 17% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 South Alta Vista St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Carlsbad Enrichment Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
406 N. Alameda Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 1-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Carlsbad, New Mexico Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2415 Carver St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: PK | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Grace House Prog Rtc High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2412 Tulip
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 8-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
215 North Sixth St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
505 South Alta Vista
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5
120 Kircher St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
2212 Primrose St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
1600 Johnson St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Carlsbad, NM?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carlsbad, NM include Ocotillo Elementary School, Monterrey Elementary School and Sunset Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Carlsbad?
10 public elementary schools are located in Carlsbad.
What is the racial composition of students in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public elementary schools average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Carlsbad are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Carlsbad include: Monterrey Elementary School vs. Ocotillo Elementary School, Ocotillo Elementary School vs. Monterrey Elementary School
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