For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public middle schools serving 5,919 students in Las Cruces, NM.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Las Cruces, 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.
Las Cruces, NM public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the New Mexico public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Las Cruces have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
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 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
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: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
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 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
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 | 933 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
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: K-11 | 599 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
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 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #77.
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 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
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
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
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 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1111.
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 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1212.
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 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
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 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Las Cruces, NM?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Las Cruces, NM include White Sands Elementary School, J Paul Taylor Academy and Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Las Cruces?
13 public middle schools are located in Las Cruces.
What is the racial composition of students in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces public middle schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public middle schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Las Cruces are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Las Cruces include: Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy vs. Mesa Middle School, La Academia Dolores Huerta vs. Lynn Middle School, Vista Middle School vs. White Sands Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
