For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 9,218 students in Carlsbad, NM.
The top-ranked public schools in Carlsbad, NM are Carlsbad Early College High School, Ocotillo Elementary School and Monterrey Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carlsbad, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Carlsbad have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carlsbad, NM (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carlsbad Early College High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1500 University Dr
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-9415
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-9415
Gr: 9-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Ocotillo Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2106 Captain Williams Ln
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 628-4498
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 628-4498
Gr: K-5 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Monterrey Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1600 Johnson St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3309
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3309
Gr: K-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Sunset Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
923 North Walter St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: K-5 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Pecos Connections Academy
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1503 West Pierce Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 236-4005
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 236-4005
Gr: K-12 | 1,887 student Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #66.
Desert Willow Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2100 Primrose St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3310
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3310
Gr: K-5 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Carlsbad Intermediate School - Pr Leyva Campus
(Math: 26% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 West Church St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 834 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #88.
Jefferson Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 South Canal St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: K-12 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 258:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #99.
Cottonwood Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1609 W Lea Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3304
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3304
Gr: K-5 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1010.
Carlsbad Sixth Grade Academy - Alta Vista Campus
(Math: 17% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 South Alta Vista St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 714 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #1111.
Carlsbad High School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3000 West Church
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,623 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #1212.
Carlsbad Enrichment Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
406 N. Alameda Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 1-12 | 234 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: n/an/a
1801 West Lea St.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: PK-K | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: n/an/a
1801 West Lea St.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3303
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3303
Gr: PK | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Carlsbad, New Mexico Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2415 Carver St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: PK | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Grace House Prog Rtc High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2412 Tulip
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 8-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
215 North Sixth St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
505 South Alta Vista
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5
120 Kircher St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
2212 Primrose St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
1600 Johnson St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 234-3300
Gr: 1-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carlsbad, NM?
The top-ranked public schools in Carlsbad, NM include Carlsbad Early College High School, Ocotillo Elementary School and Monterrey Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Carlsbad?
15 public schools are located in Carlsbad.
What is the racial composition of students in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carlsbad are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carlsbad include: Ocotillo Elementary School vs. Monterrey Elementary School
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