Silver High School is a high school in Silver City, New Mexico. The school was opened in its current location in 1967. It was previously known as Western High School and was part of Western New Mexico University.
Serving 618 students in grades 9-12, Silver High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 618 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 30% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Silver High serves the southeast part of Silver City, NM, covering an extensive area of approximately 1,690.3 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a 20-30 minute drive to school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 36.1 miles and the furthest edge reaching up to 66 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Silver High School's student population of 618 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
618 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1960
Colors
Silver, Blue
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Silver High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Silver High School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#474 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
74%
63%
Black
1%
2%
White
22%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(19-20)80-84%
77%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silver High School's ranking?
Silver High School is ranked #474 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Silver High School often compared to?
Silver High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Aldo Leopold Charter, Cobre High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Silver High School?
The graduation rate of Silver High School is 80-84%, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 77%.
How many students attend Silver High School?
618 students attend Silver High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Silver High School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Silver High School?
Silver High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Silver High School offer ?
Silver High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Silver High School part of?
Silver High School is part of Silver City School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
New administration. Lost some of the best teachers. Seems to be going downhill fast.
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