New Mexico is the #36 largest school system in the United States, serving 318,096 students across the 925 public schools for the 2026 school year (there are 189 private schools, serving 23,266 students). 93% of all K-12 students in New Mexico attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in New Mexico is 25%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 34%.
The top-ranked public schools in New Mexico are Albuquerque Institute Of Math & Science, Mountain Elementary School, and Pinon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 38 Blue Ribbon Schools, 3 magnet schools, 100 charter schools, and 9 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 80%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in New Mexico (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Albuquerque Institute Of Math & Science
Charter School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
933 Bradbury Se
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 559-4249
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 559-4249
Rank: #22.
Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 78% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
2280 North Rd
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 663-2325
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 663-2325
Rank: #33.
Pinon Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
90 Grand Canyon Dr
White Rock, NM 87547
(505) 663-2680
White Rock, NM 87547
(505) 663-2680
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Altura Preparatory School
Charter School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
8650 Alameda Blvd Bldg 2b
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 539-5369
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 539-5369
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
69 E. Gail Harris
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 347-9703
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 347-9703
Rank: #66.
North Star Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 73% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
9301 Ventura Ne
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-6578
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-6578
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Anansi Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
57 Nm 230
El Prado, NM 87529
(575) 758-5202
El Prado, NM 87529
(575) 758-5202
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Coyote Willow Family School
Alternative School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
7125 Irving Blvd Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 253-0050
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 253-0050
Rank: #99.
Desert Willow Family School
Alternative School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-8
3303 Monroe Ne
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 888-1647
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 888-1647
Rank: #1010.
Georgia O'keeffe Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
11701 San Victorio Ne
Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 293-4259
Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 293-4259
Overview
This State (NM)
# Schools
925 Schools
# Students
318,096 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
22,018 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (NM)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
Graduation Rate
(20-21)66%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.56
# American Indian Students
38,280 Students
% American Indian Students
12%
# Asian Students
3,881 Students
% Asian Students
1%
# Hispanic Students
198,105 Students
% Hispanic Students
62%
# Black Students
5,575 Students
% Black Students
2%
# White Students
64,514 Students
% White Students
20%
# Hawaiian Students
396 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
7,345 Students
% of Two or more races Students
3%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (NM)
Total Revenue (23-24)
$4,694 MM
Spending (23-24)
$4,492 MM
Revenue / Student (23-24)
$14,757
Spending / Student (23-24)
$14,122
Best New Mexico Public Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in New Mexico?
The top-ranked public schools in New Mexico include Albuquerque Institute Of Math & Science, Mountain Elementary School, and Pinon Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in New Mexico?
925 public schools are located in New Mexico.
What percentage of students in New Mexico go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in New Mexico attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in New Mexico?
Minority enrollment in New Mexico is 80%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in New Mexico are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in New Mexico include: Tatum Elementary School vs. Broadmoor Elementary School, Cleveland High School vs. Rio Rancho High School, Capital High School vs. Santa Fe High School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.
