For the 2025 school year, there are 19 public middle schools serving 8,115 students in Dona Ana County, NM.
The top ranked public middle schools in Dona Ana County, NM are White Sands Elementary School, J Paul Taylor Academy and Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dona Ana County, NM public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the New Mexico public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Dona Ana County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Best ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Middle 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.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
Gadsden Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1301 West Washington
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: 7-8 | 658 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
Chaparral Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
290 Lisa Dr
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-6203
Gr: 7-8 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1010.
Vista Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4465 Elks Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9465
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9465
Gr: 6-8 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
La Academia Dolores Huerta
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | 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
Gr: 6-8 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Mesa Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
7225 Jornada Rd North
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9510
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9510
Gr: 6-8 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #1313.
Lynn Middle School
(Math: 16% | 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
Gr: 6-8 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1414.
Picacho Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1040 North Motel Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9455
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9455
Gr: 6-8 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #1515.
Hatch Valley Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
901 East Herrera
Hatch, NM 87937
(575) 267-8250
Hatch, NM 87937
(575) 267-8250
Gr: 6-8 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1616.
Zia Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1300 West University Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9475
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 527-9475
Gr: 6-8 | 626 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #1717.
Desert Pride Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 Shrode Rd
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-0142
Anthony, NM 88021
(575) 882-0142
Gr: 7-12 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: n/an/a
Otero County Prison
Alternative School
10 Mcgregor Range Rd
Chaparral, NM 88081
(575) 824-4884
Chaparral, NM 88081
(575) 824-4884
Gr: 8-12
Rank: n/an/a
Southern Nm Corrections
Alternative School
1983 Joe R Silva Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88004
(575) 523-3200
Las Cruces, NM 88004
(575) 523-3200
Gr: 8-12 | 1 student
Dona Ana County ÎÛÎÛÂþ» 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 middle schools in Dona Ana County, NM?
The top ranked public middle schools in Dona Ana County, NM include White Sands Elementary School, J Paul Taylor Academy and Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Dona Ana County?
19 public middle schools are located in Dona Ana County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dona Ana County?
Dona Ana County public middle schools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Dona Ana County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Dona Ana County include: Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy vs. Mesa Middle School, Southern Nm Corrections vs. Santa Teresa Middle School, Chaparral Middle School vs. Camino Real Middle School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
