Best Public Schools in Albuquerque, NM

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to 193 schools, including 105 elementary schools, 29 middle schools, 43 high schools, and 16 alternative schools. The schools in this area serve a diverse student population and demonstrate a wide range of academic performance, with some standout institutions and others struggling to meet state standards.

Among the top-performing schools in Albuquerque are Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science, which ranks 1st out of 190 high schools in the state, and Altura Preparatory School, the top-ranked elementary school in New Mexico. These schools boast exceptional test scores, with proficiency rates over 80% in core subjects. In contrast, some schools in the Albuquerque school district struggle, with proficiency rates below 20% in certain areas.

The data reveals a strong correlation between a school's socioeconomic status, as measured by free and reduced lunch rates, and its academic performance. Schools serving economically disadvantaged populations tend to have the lowest test scores and graduation rates. However, several high-performing charter schools, such as Amy Biehl Charter High School and Early College Academy, are bucking this trend and demonstrating that with the right strategies and resources, all students can succeed.