For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public middle schools serving 3,077 students in Lea County, NM.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lea County, NM are Tatum Jr High School, Houston Middle School and Highland Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lea County, NM public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the New Mexico public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Lea County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Lea County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tatum Jr High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
320 West 3rd Street
Tatum, NM 88267
(575) 398-4455
Tatum, NM 88267
(575) 398-4455
Gr: 7-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Houston Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 North Houston
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1300
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1300
Gr: 6-9 | 822 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #33.
Highland Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2500 North Jefferson
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1200
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1200
Gr: 6-8 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Taylor Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
700 South 11th St
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 739-2435
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 739-2435
Gr: 7-8 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #55.
Heizer Middle School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
101 East Stanolind Rd
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1100
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1100
Gr: 6-8 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #66.
Caton Middle School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1109 16th Street
Eunice, NM 88231
(575) 394-3338
Eunice, NM 88231
(575) 394-3338
Gr: 6-8 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #77.
Jal Jr High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
100 Property Street
Jal, NM 88252
(575) 395-2101
Jal, NM 88252
(575) 395-2101
Gr: 6-8 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
Lae County Corrections
Alternative School
6900 West Millen Dr
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 392-4055
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 392-4055
Gr: 8-12 | 7 students Minority enrollment: 57%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Lea County, NM?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lea County, NM include Tatum Jr High School, Houston Middle School and Highland Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Lea County?
8 public middle schools are located in Lea County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lea County?
Lea County public middle schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Lea County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Lea County include: Houston Middle School vs. Highland Middle School, Highland Middle School vs. Houston Middle School, Heizer Middle School vs. Highland Middle School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.