For the 2025 school year, there are 80 public schools serving 37,792 students in Dona Ana County, NM (there are , serving 1,228 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Dona Ana County, NM are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
The top ranked public schools in Dona Ana County, NM are White Sands Elementary School, Arrowhead Park Early College High School and Desert Hills Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dona Ana County, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Dona Ana County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dona Ana County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: PK-8 | 283 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Arrowhead Park Early College High School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Gr: 9-12 | 554 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
Desert Hills Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
280 North Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9619
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9619
Gr: PK-5 | 539 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #44.
J Paul Taylor Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | 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
Gr: K-8 | 200 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 99 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
Sonoma Elementary School
(Math: 38% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 735 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #77.
Alta Vista Early College High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5235 Highway 28
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6400
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6400
Gr: 9-12 | 194 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Anthony Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
609 Church St
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: PK-6 | 320 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #99.
University Hills Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 341 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1010.
Monte Vista Elementary School
(Math: 32% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 723 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1111.
Camino Real Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2961 Roadrunner Pkwy
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6030
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-6030
Gr: 6-8 | 928 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #1212.
Tombaugh Elementary School
(Math: 32% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 584 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #1313.
La Union Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
875 Mercantile
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: PK-6 | 359 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1414.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 30% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 724 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1515.
Gadsden Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1440 Hwy 478
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(575) 882-3050
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(575) 882-3050
Gr: PK-6 | 399 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1616.
Desert View Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1105 Valle Vista Dr
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(575) 882-6203
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(575) 882-6203
Gr: K-6 | 493 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1717.
Santa Teresa Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 Commerciantes
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
(575) 882-6203
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
(575) 882-6203
Gr: PK-6 | 487 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #1818.
Las Montanas Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1405 S. Solano Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 636-2100
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 636-2100
Gr: 9-12 | 172 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1919.
Hillrise Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 South Curnutt St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9666
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9666
Gr: PK-5 | 431 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
Loma Linda Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1451 Donaldson Ave
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: K-6 | 283 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 330 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #2222.
Explore Academy Las Cruces
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
850 N Telshor Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 888-4476
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 888-4476
Gr: 4-10 | 343 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #2323.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 482 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #2424.
Jornada Elementary School
(Math: 23% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 453 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2525.
Desert Trail Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
290 East Lisa
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: K-6 | 467 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
Conlee Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1701 Boston Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9656
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9656
Gr: PK-5 | 411 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 377 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #2828.
Mesilla Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2363 Calle Del Sur
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9566
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9566
Gr: PK-5 | 317 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #2929.
Chaparral Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 Lisa Dr
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: PK-6 | 429 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3030.
Sierra Middle School
(Math: 22% | 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
Gr: 6-8 | 752 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #3131.
Santa Teresa Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4800 Mcnutt Rd
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
(575) 882-6203
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
(575) 882-6203
Gr: 7-8 | 602 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3232.
Centennial High School
(Math: 19% | 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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,664 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #3333.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 186 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #3434.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 20-24% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8820 Hwy 187
Garfield, NM 87936
(575) 267-8280
Garfield, NM 87936
(575) 267-8280
Gr: PK-2 | 96 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3535.
Loma Heights Elementary School
(Math: 24% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 479 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Show 45 more public schools in Dona Ana County, NM (out of 80 total schools)
Loading...
Dona Ana County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Ace Alternative Complex Edu High School (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
P.o. Box 790
Hatch, NM 87937
(505) 267-8225
Hatch, NM 87937
(505) 267-8225
Gr: 9-12 | 34 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 163 students Minority enrollment: 60%
Alma De Valle Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
129 Tawa
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-3531
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-3531
Gr: PK | 13 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
P.o. Drawer 70
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-3531
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-3531
Gr: PK | 7 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Anthony Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
780 Landers Rd
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 885-0600
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 885-0600
Gr: 7-12 | 95 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Anthony Child Dev. Elementary School (Closed 2004)
Special Education School
P.o. Drawer 70
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-1904
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-1904
Gr: PK | 14 students
3600 Arrowhead Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9540
Gr: 9-12
505 S Main,suite 249
Dona Ana, NM 88032
(505) 527-5807
Dona Ana, NM 88032
(505) 527-5807
Gr: PK | 17 students Minority enrollment: 88%
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
Gr: 6-12 | 43 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 537-5807
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 537-5807
Gr: PK-5 | 642 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
P.o. Box 790
Hatch, NM 87937
(505) 267-8200
Hatch, NM 87937
(505) 267-8200
Gr: PK | 5 students Minority enrollment: 60%
Homeboundhospital (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5807
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 527-5807
Gr: PK-9 | 6 students
Homeboundhospital (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
1325 W. Washington
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(505) 882-6203
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Minority enrollment: 86%
P.o. Box 67
La Mesa, NM 88044
(505) 233-3475
La Mesa, NM 88044
(505) 233-3475
Gr: PK-6 | 309 students Minority enrollment: 97%
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
Gr: 7-8 | 31 students Minority enrollment: 93%
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
Gr: 6-11 | 64 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rtc-residental Tr Ct (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
5050-b Mcnutt Road
White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002
(505) 882-6236
White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002
(505) 882-6236
Gr: 1-12 | 92 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
San Andres High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
505 S Main,suite 249
Mesilla, NM 88046
(505) 526-2125
Mesilla, NM 88046
(505) 526-2125
Gr: 9-12 | 200 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
P.o. Box C
San Miguel, NM 88058
(505) 233-3236
San Miguel, NM 88058
(505) 233-3236
Gr: PK-6 | 374 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
1 Viking St Wsmr
White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002
(505) 527-5800
White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002
(505) 527-5800
Gr: 6-8 | 112 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
505 S Main,suite 249
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 525-3166
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 525-3166
Gr: 6-8 | 914 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Dona Ana County, NM?
The top ranked public schools in Dona Ana County, NM include White Sands Elementary School, Arrowhead Park Early College High School and Desert Hills Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dona Ana County?
80 public schools are located in Dona Ana County.
What percentage of students in Dona Ana County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Dona Ana County are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dona Ana County?
Dona Ana County public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dona Ana County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dona Ana County include: North Valley Elementary School vs. Tombaugh Elementary School, Santa Teresa Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School, Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy vs. Mesa Middle School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
