For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 2,567 students in Lincoln County, NM.
The top-ranked public schools in Lincoln County, NM are Corona Elementary School, Carrizozo High School and Corona High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lincoln County, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Lincoln County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public school average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lincoln County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Corona Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
531 Franklin St
Corona, NM 88318
(575) 849-1711
Corona, NM 88318
(575) 849-1711
Gr: PK-6 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Carrizozo High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 D Ave
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Gr: 9-12 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #33.
Corona High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
531 Franklin St
Corona, NM 88318
(575) 849-1911
Corona, NM 88318
(575) 849-1911
Gr: 7-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Capitan Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
150 South Forest Ave
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Gr: PK-5 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #55.
Carrizozo Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
800 D Ave
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Gr: K-5 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #66.
Capitan Middle School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
519 Smokey Bear Blvd
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Gr: 6-8 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #77.
Ruidoso Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
123 Warrior Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257-4051
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257-4051
Gr: 6-8 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #88.
Hondo Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
111 Don Pablo Lane
Hondo, NM 88336
(575) 653-4411
Hondo, NM 88336
(575) 653-4411
Gr: PK-6 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #99.
White Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
203 White Mountain Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4220
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4220
Gr: 3-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1010.
Capitan High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
519 Smokey Bear Blvd
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Capitan, NM 88316
(575) 354-2239
Gr: 9-12 | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1111.
Ruidoso High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
125 Warrior Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4910
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4910
Gr: 9-12 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Carrizozo Middle School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
800 D Ave
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Carrizozo, NM 88301
(575) 648-2348
Gr: 6-8 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Hondo High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
111 Don Pablo Lane
Hondo, NM 88336
(575) 653-4411
Hondo, NM 88336
(575) 653-4411
Gr: 7-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
199 White Mountain Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4943
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4943
Gr: PK-2 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Lincoln County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Gavilan Canyon (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
200 Horton Circle
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(505) 257-4051
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(505) 257-4051
Gr: 6-11 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
115 Black Jack Pershing
Fort Stanton, NM 88323
(555) 555-5555
Fort Stanton, NM 88323
(555) 555-5555
Gr: 9-12
105 South Sutton Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257-9041
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257-9041
Gr: PK-K | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
M
Fort Stanton, NM 88323
Fort Stanton, NM 88323
Gr: 7-12 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
200 Horton Circle
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(505) 258-4150
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(505) 258-4150
Gr: 5-6 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lincoln County, NM?
The top-ranked public schools in Lincoln County, NM include Corona Elementary School, Carrizozo High School and Corona High School.
How many public schools are located in Lincoln County?
13 public schools are located in Lincoln County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lincoln County?
Lincoln County public schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public schools average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lincoln County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lincoln County include: Ruidoso High School vs. Capitan High School, Capitan High School vs. Ruidoso High School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
