Carlsbad High School is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States, and has a student population of over 1600 students. It is a part of the Carlsbad Municipal School District.
Serving 1,685 students in grades 9-12, Carlsbad High School 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 10% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,685 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 63% (Top 50% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Carlsbad High School's student population of 1,685 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,685 students
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
Year Founded
1908
Colors
White, Blue, Royal blue, Silver
School Rankings
Carlsbad High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carlsbad High School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#647 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
66%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
28%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)63%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Rusty, The Caveman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carlsbad High School's ranking?
Carlsbad High School is ranked #647 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Carlsbad High School often compared to?
Carlsbad High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Artesia High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Carlsbad High School?
The graduation rate of Carlsbad High School is 63%, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 66%.
How many students attend Carlsbad High School?
1,685 students attend Carlsbad High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Carlsbad High School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 2% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Carlsbad High School?
Carlsbad High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Carlsbad High School offer ?
Carlsbad High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Carlsbad High School part of?
Carlsbad High School is part of Carlsbad School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I am a student here at Carlsbad Highschool. And I have comments on our school. The quality of our academic programs are outstanding! There is a band class, choir, theatre arts, etc. The faciilities are well kept. And the parents are totally involved.
The only downer is...your child will not be safe. I have been beaten up, threatened, slapped around, and alot of other things too. Yet when the faculty claims to be doing stuff about it...really they are makeing it worse.
Just a friendly warning.
5 10/10/2025
My only complaint is too many gang members, and drugs. Unfortunately we have that in almost every school in country. The teachers are good, academic programs offered are great, Lots of sports, and extracurricular activities. Facilities are nice, parent involvement is good.
3 10/10/2025
College Readiness Index 11.7 AP Tested 27% AP Passed 25% Mathematics Proficiency 5% Reading Proficiency 21%Terrible!!!!!!!!
Review Carlsbad High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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