Top 10 Best Las Cruces Public Schools (2024-25)

For the 2024-25 school year, there are 47 public schools serving 23,958 students in Las Cruces, NM (there are 9 private schools, serving 1,271 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Las Cruces, NM are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
The top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM are White Sands Elementary School, Early College High School and Las Montanas Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Las Cruces, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Las Cruces have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Las Cruces, NM (2024-25)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
White Sands Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1 Viking St White Sands Missil
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 674-1241
Grades: PK-8
| 275 students
Rank: #22.
Early College High School
Magnet School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
3400 South Espina St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: #33.
Las Montanas Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1405 S. Solano Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 636-2100
Grades: 9-12
| 162 students
Rank: #44.
J Paul Taylor Academy
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
402 W. Court Ave Bldg 2
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 652-4006
Grades: K-8
| 198 students
Rank: #55.
Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy
Alternative School
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
950 South Walnut St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6059
Grades: 6-8
| 100 students
Rank: #66.
Sonoma Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4201 Northrise Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 541-7320
Grades: PK-5
| 748 students
Rank: #77.
Desert Hills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
280 North Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9619
Grades: PK-5
| 559 students
Rank: #88.
Explore Academy Las Cruces
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
850 N Telshor Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 888-4476
Grades: 6-9
| 189 students
Rank: #99.
Arrowhead Park Medical Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3600 Arrowhead Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: #1010.
Highland Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4201 Emerald St
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9636
Grades: PK-5
| 744 students
Rank: #1111.
Monte Vista Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4675 Peachtree Hills
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9490
Grades: PK-5
| 718 students
Rank: #1212.
Tombaugh Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
226 Carver Rd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9575
Grades: PK-5
| 585 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Mesilla Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2363 Calle Del Sur
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9566
Grades: PK-5
| 275 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
University Hills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2005 South Locust St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9649
Grades: PK-5
| 358 students
Rank: #1515.
Jornada Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3400 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9536
Grades: PK-5
| 490 students
Rank: #1616.
Camino Real Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2961 Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6030
Grades: 6-8
| 965 students
Rank: #1717.
Mesilla Park Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
955 West Union Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9615
Grades: PK-5
| 353 students
Rank: #1818.
Alma D'arte Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
402 W Court Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 541-0145
Grades: 9-12
| 121 students
Rank: #1919.
East Picacho Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4450 North Valley Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9516
Grades: PK-5
| 495 students
Rank: #2020.
Dona Ana Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
5551 Camino De Flores
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9506
Grades: PK-5
| 399 students
Rank: #2121.
Sierra Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1700 E Spruce Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9640
Grades: 6-8
| 799 students
Rank: #2222.
Hillrise Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1400 South Curnutt St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9666
Grades: PK-5
| 446 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Centennial High School
Magnet School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1950 S Sonoma Ranch Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9330
Grades: 9-12
| 1,615 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Central Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
150 North Alameda Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9496
Grades: PK-5
| 163 students
Rank: #2525.
Loma Heights Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1600 East Madrid
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9546
Grades: PK-5
| 505 students
Rank: #2626.
Mesa Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
7225 Jornada Rd North
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9510
Grades: 6-8
| 803 students
Rank: #2727.
Raices Del Saber Xinachtli Community
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2211 North Valley Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88007
(575) 571-2177
Grades: K-4
| 114 students
Rank: #2828.
Conlee Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1701 Boston Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9656
Grades: PK-5
| 422 students
Rank: #2929.
Vista Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4465 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9465
Grades: 6-8
| 602 students
Rank: #3030.
La Academia Dolores Huerta
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
400 West Bell Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-5800
Grades: 6-8
| 66 students
Rank: #3131.
Sunrise Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5300 N Holman Rd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9626
Grades: 3-5
| 362 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
Columbia Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4555 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-1561
Grades: PK-5
| 225 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
Hermosa Heights Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1655 East Amador Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9530
Grades: PK-5
| 401 students
Rank: #3434.
Mac Arthur Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
655 N 4th St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9556
Grades: PK-5
| 353 students
Rank: #3535.
Lynn Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
950 South Walnut St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9445
Grades: 6-8
| 534 students
Show 12 more public schools in Las Cruces, NM (out of 47 total schools)
Loading...
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
P.o. Box 7027
Las Cruces, NM 88006
(505) 541-0145
Grades: 9-12
| 163 students
Dona Ana Jdc (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5800
Grades: 6-12
| 43 students
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 537-5807
Grades: PK-5
| 642 students
505 S Main,suite249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5807
Grades: PK-9
| 6 students
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 523-5860
Grades: 7-8
| 31 students
Mesilla Valley Rtc (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5972
Grades: 6-11
| 64 students
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 525-3166
Grades: 6-8
| 914 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM?
The top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM include White Sands Elementary School, Early College High School and Las Montanas Charter.
How many public schools are located in Las Cruces?
47 public schools are located in Las Cruces.
What percentage of students in Las Cruces go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Las Cruces are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Las Cruces are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
We explore the significant impact of bullying on students' academic performance, discussing statistics, research findings, and long-term effects. It provides valuable insights for educators and parents on recognizing bullying behaviors and implementing effective prevention strategies to create a safe learning environment.
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
This comprehensive guide explores the increasing trend of legal prosecution for school fights, discussing recent incidents, age considerations, and the shift from traditional school punishments to law enforcement involvement. It provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and students about the evolving landscape of school discipline and safety measures.
Understanding Rubrics
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.