For the 2025 school year, there are 46 public schools serving 24,352 students in Las Cruces, NM (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,175 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Las Cruces, NM are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
The top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM are White Sands Elementary School, Arrowhead Park Early College High School and Las Montanas Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Las Cruces, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Las Cruces have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Las Cruces, NM (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
White Sands Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1 Viking St White Sands Missil
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 674-1241
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 674-1241
Grades: PK-8
| 283 students
Rank: #22.
Arrowhead Park Early College High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3400 South Espina St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Grades: 9-12
| 554 students
Rank: #33.
Las Montanas Charter
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1405 S. Solano Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 636-2100
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 636-2100
Grades: 9-12
| 172 students
Rank: #44.
J Paul Taylor Academy
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
402 W. Court Ave Bldg 2
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 652-4006
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 652-4006
Grades: K-8
| 200 students
Rank: #55.
Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
950 South Walnut St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6059
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6059
Grades: 6-8
| 99 students
Rank: #66.
Sonoma Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4201 Northrise Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 541-7320
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 541-7320
Grades: PK-5
| 735 students
Rank: #77.
Desert Hills Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
280 North Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9619
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9619
Grades: PK-5
| 539 students
Rank: #88.
Explore Academy Las Cruces
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
850 N Telshor Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 888-4476
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 888-4476
Grades: 4-10
| 343 students
Rank: #99.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4201 Emerald St
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9636
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9636
Grades: PK-5
| 724 students
Rank: #1010.
Monte Vista Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4675 Peachtree Hills
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9490
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575) 527-9490
Grades: PK-5
| 723 students
Rank: #1111.
Tombaugh Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
226 Carver Rd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9575
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9575
Grades: PK-5
| 584 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Mesilla Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2363 Calle Del Sur
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9566
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9566
Grades: PK-5
| 317 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
University Hills Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2005 South Locust St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9649
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9649
Grades: PK-5
| 341 students
Rank: #1414.
Jornada Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3400 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9536
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9536
Grades: PK-5
| 453 students
Rank: #1515.
Camino Real Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2961 Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6030
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6030
Grades: 6-8
| 928 students
Rank: #1616.
Mesilla Park Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
955 West Union Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9615
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9615
Grades: PK-5
| 330 students
Rank: #1717.
Alma D'arte Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
402 W Court Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 541-0145
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 541-0145
Grades: 9-12
| 137 students
Rank: #1818.
East Picacho Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4450 North Valley Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9516
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9516
Grades: PK-5
| 482 students
Rank: #1919.
Dona Ana Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5551 Camino De Flores
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9506
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9506
Grades: PK-5
| 377 students
Rank: #2020.
Sierra Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1700 E Spruce Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9640
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9640
Grades: 6-8
| 752 students
Rank: #2121.
Hillrise Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 South Curnutt St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9666
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9666
Grades: PK-5
| 431 students
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Centennial High School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1950 S Sonoma Ranch Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9330
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9330
Grades: 9-12
| 1,664 students
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
150 North Alameda Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9496
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9496
Grades: PK-5
| 186 students
Rank: #2424.
Loma Heights Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1600 East Madrid
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9546
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9546
Grades: PK-5
| 479 students
Rank: #2525.
Mesa Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7225 Jornada Rd North
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9510
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9510
Grades: 6-8
| 718 students
Rank: #2626.
Raices Del Saber Xinachtli Community
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2211 North Valley Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88007
(575) 571-2177
Las Cruces, NM 88007
(575) 571-2177
Grades: K-5
| 133 students
Rank: #2727.
Conlee Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1701 Boston Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9656
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9656
Grades: PK-5
| 411 students
Rank: #2828.
Vista Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4465 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9465
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9465
Grades: 6-8
| 581 students
Rank: #2929.
La Academia Dolores Huerta
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 West Bell Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-5800
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-5800
Grades: 6-8
| 68 students
Rank: #3030.
Sunrise Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5300 N Holman Rd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9626
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9626
Grades: 3-5
| 351 students
Rank: #31 - 3231. - 32.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4555 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-1561
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-1561
Grades: PK-5
| 198 students
Rank: #31 - 3231. - 32.
Hermosa Heights Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1655 East Amador Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9530
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9530
Grades: PK-5
| 406 students
Rank: #3333.
Mac Arthur Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
655 N 4th St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9556
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9556
Grades: PK-5
| 352 students
Rank: #3434.
Lynn Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
950 South Walnut St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9445
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9445
Grades: 6-8
| 513 students
Rank: #3535.
New America School - Las Cruces
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
207 S Main St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9085
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9085
Grades: 9-12
| 178 students
Show 11 more public schools in Las Cruces, NM (out of 46 total schools)
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Las Cruces, New Mexico Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Alma D'arte Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
P.o. Box 7027
Las Cruces, NM 88006
(505) 541-0145
Las Cruces, NM 88006
(505) 541-0145
Grades: 9-12
| 163 students
3600 Arrowhead Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Dona Ana Jdc (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5800
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5800
Grades: 6-12
| 43 students
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 537-5807
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 537-5807
Grades: PK-5
| 642 students
Homeboundhospital (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5807
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5807
Grades: PK-9
| 6 students
Mesilla Alt. Program Middle School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 523-5860
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 523-5860
Grades: 7-8
| 31 students
Mesilla Valley Rtc (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5972
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5972
Grades: 6-11
| 64 students
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 525-3166
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 525-3166
Grades: 6-8
| 914 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM?
The top ranked public schools in Las Cruces, NM include White Sands Elementary School, Arrowhead Park Early College High School and Las Montanas Charter.
How many public schools are located in Las Cruces?
46 public schools are located in Las Cruces.
What percentage of students in Las Cruces go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Las Cruces are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Las Cruces are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Las Cruces include: Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy vs. Mesa Middle School, Mayfield High School vs. Las Cruces High School, Arrowhead Park Early College High School vs. Centennial High School
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