Serving 363 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, University Hills Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 363 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: University Hills Elementary serves the southeast part of Las Cruces, NM, covering an area of approximately 1.4 square miles. Most families in the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 1.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University Hills Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
University Hills Elementary School's student population of 363 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
363 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Rankings
University Hills Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University Hills Elementary School is 0.43, 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
#184 out of 796 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
74%
63%
Black
6%
2%
White
15%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)43.3%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University Hills Elementary School's ranking?
University Hills Elementary School is ranked #184 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are University Hills Elementary School often compared to?
University Hills Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Conlee Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend University Hills Elementary School?
363 students attend University Hills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of University Hills Elementary School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Hills Elementary School?
University Hills Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does University Hills Elementary School offer ?
University Hills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University Hills Elementary School part of?
University Hills Elementary School is part of Las Cruces School District.
School Reviews
Review University Hills Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
