The New Mexico School for the Deaf is a state-run school in Santa Fe, New Mexico, providing education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students from preschool through grade 12. Established in 1885 by the New Mexico legislature, it is the only land-grant school for the deaf in the United States.
Serving 144 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Nm School For The Deaf 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 15-19% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 3:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 144 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Graduation Rate: <50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19%
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50% in NM)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nm School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Nm School For The Deaf's student population of 144 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
144 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1885
School Rankings
The diversity score of Nm School For The Deaf is 0.59, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)15-19%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
13:1
American Indian
11%
12%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
60%
62%
Black
2%
2%
White
20%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)<50%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Nm School For The Deaf?
The graduation rate of Nm School For The Deaf is 50%, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 66%.
How many students attend Nm School For The Deaf?
144 students attend Nm School For The Deaf.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Nm School For The Deaf students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 11% of students are American Indian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nm School For The Deaf?
Nm School For The Deaf has a student ration of 3:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Nm School For The Deaf offer ?
Nm School For The Deaf offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Nm School For The Deaf part of?
Nm School For The Deaf is part of New Mexico School For The Deaf School District.
School Reviews
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