For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 7,217 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 30% (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 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public school average of 81% (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 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
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: PK-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
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 | 667 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
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 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #77.
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 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #88.
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 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #99.
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 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 1,685 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1111.
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 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: n/an/a
1801 West Lea St.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3300
Gr: PK-K | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
1801 West Lea St.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3303
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 234-3303
Gr: PK | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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?
14 public schools are located in Carlsbad.
What is the racial composition of students in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public schools average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
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