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Vista Middle

Summary:

Vista Middle is a public middle school located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 602 students. The school is part of the Las Cruces school district, which is ranked 63 out of 119 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. Over the past several years, Vista Middle has seen a decline in its statewide ranking, dropping from 72nd out of 176 middle schools in 2016-2017 to 154th out of 235 in 2023-2024, with a consistent 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Vista Middle's academic performance, as measured by proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science, is consistently lower than the district and state averages. For example, in 2023-2024, only 36% of Vista Middle students were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 39% in the district and state. In Mathematics, the proficiency rate was just 14%, significantly lower than the district (23%) and state (25%) averages. Additionally, the school's performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with the school ranking 25th out of 91 middle schools in the state for English Language Learners, but struggling with other subgroups, such as ranking 161st out of 217 middle schools for female students and 130th out of 181 for white students in the same year.

When comparing Vista Middle to other middle schools in the Las Cruces district, it becomes evident that the school's performance is generally lower than its peers. For example, Camino Real Middle, which is located just 2.97 miles away, outperforms Vista Middle significantly in all academic areas, with proficiency rates that are 19-20 percentage points higher in ELA and Mathematics. The data also indicates that Vista Middle's performance has declined over the years, with the school's statewide ranking dropping from 72nd out of 176 middle schools in 2016-2017 to 154th out of 235 in 2023-2024. However, the school's success with English Language Learners presents a potential opportunity for improvement that could be leveraged to benefit the broader student population.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 4465 Elks Dr
       Las Cruces, NM  88007

(575) 527-9465

District: Las Cruces

SchoolDigger Rank:
154th of 235 New Mexico Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,507 Help


Students who attend Vista Middle usually attend:

High:    Arrowhead Park Early College High School
    Organ Mountain High School

Feeder schools for Vista Middle:

Elementary:    Columbia Elementary
    Dona Ana Elementary
    Jornada Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  15.2 Help
Number of students:  581

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
88.0%
White:
8.3%
African American:
1.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  99.7% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Vista Middle ranks worse than 65.5% of middle schools in New Mexico. It also ranks 5th among 8 ranked middle schools in the Las Cruces School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 31.3. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (88%), White (8.3%), African American (1.7%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 99.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Vista Middle is 15.2, which is the 4th best among 8 middle schools in the Las Cruces School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Vista Middle employs 38 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Vista Middle is $8,507. 5 middle schools in the Las Cruces School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Vista Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Vista Middle 154th of 235 New Mexico public middle schools. (See Vista Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Las Cruces:

SchoolDigger ranks Las Cruces 63rd of 119 New Mexico school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Vista Middle

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 60.32 55th 157 65.0%
2006 62.35 47th 156 69.9%
2007 44.42 91st 171 46.8%
2008 44.66 86th 172 50.0%
2009 48.38 83rd 178 53.4%
2010 36.77 111th 179 38.0%
2011 26.89 131st 173 24.3%
2012 32.33 121st 178 32.0%
2013 41.20 109th 193 43.5%
2014 42.94 125th 222 43.7%
2015 37.57 118th 207 43.0%
2016 40.03 113th 208 45.7%
2017 50.87 72nd 176 59.1%
2018 50.92 79th 186 57.5%
2019 46.17 92nd 200 54.0%
2022 29.66 148th 232 36.2%
2023 38.47 136th 239 43.1%
2024 31.30 154th 235 34.5%
See the entire list of New Mexico Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 57.04 25th 65 61.5%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 32.45 36th 97 62.9%
2024 44.74 25th 91 72.5%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 34.51 26th 44 40.9%
2023 19.67 80th 100 20.0%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 66.13 38th 168 77.4%
2019 59.78 53rd 175 69.7%
2022 36.78 113th 223 49.3%
2023 45.16 109th 227 52.0%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 41.52 19th 33 42.4%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.80 65th 156 58.3%
2019 45.71 78th 160 51.3%
2022 25.45 134th 220 39.1%
2023 35.13 133rd 213 37.6%
2024 26.85 161st 217 25.8%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.69 28th 52 46.2%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.28 65th 151 57.0%
2019 42.44 77th 152 49.3%
2022 30.82 119th 213 44.1%
2023 36.23 130th 221 41.2%
2024 35.03 127th 219 42.0%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 34.74 40th 55 27.3%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.65 61st 149 59.1%
2019 45.39 68th 150 54.7%
2022 28.29 127th 214 40.7%
2023 38.17 118th 204 42.2%
2024 31.21 134th 206 35.0%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Vista Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NM State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.89 61st 120 49.2%
2019 46.93 58th 121 52.1%
2022 42.49 107th 187 42.8%
2023 33.83 147th 229 35.8%
2024 28.20 130th 181 28.2%
See the entire list of Best New Mexico Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Mexico Public Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Vista Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: New Mexico Public Education Department

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
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Enrollment information for Vista Middle

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1990 494 19 4 648 1 n/a n/a 0 1166
1991 498 17 7 664 6 n/a n/a 0 1192
1992 529 23 8 715 8 n/a n/a 0 1283
1993 572 24 7 808 5 n/a n/a 0 1416
1994 335 19 5 643 0 n/a n/a 0 1002
1995 340 16 1 716 5 n/a n/a 0 1078
1996 340 16 1 716 5 n/a n/a 0 1078
1997 337 6 9 638 113 n/a n/a 0 1103
1998 236 7 6 480 2 n/a n/a 0 731
1999 214 8 5 460 2 n/a n/a 0 689
2000 222 7 1 422 4 n/a n/a 0 656
2001 188 5 1 423 4 n/a n/a 0 621
2002 273 18 2 520 5 n/a n/a 0 818
2003 273 18 2 520 5 n/a n/a 0 818
2004 318 20 2 577 4 n/a n/a 0 921
2005 306 17 0 587 4 n/a n/a 0 914
2006 309 11 0 595 4 n/a n/a 0 919
2007 269 12 2 578 5 n/a n/a 0 866
2008 247 15 2 573 3 n/a n/a 0 840
2009 242 18 4 583 6 n/a n/a 0 853
2010 210 20 2 594 7 0 0 0 833
2011 169 17 4 619 9 1 0 0 819
2012 143 13 3 572 6 1 0 0 738
2013 142 7 3 567 6 0 0 0 725
2014 133 9 2 556 6 0 1 0 707
2015 119 9 2 552 3 0 1 0 686
2016 114 10 2 593 5 0 3 0 727
2017 128 13 2 560 3 1 0 0 707
2018 107 12 1 581 5 1 6 0 713
2019 97 17 3 589 4 1 3 0 714
2020 78 15 3 573 5 0 5 0 679
2021 84 10 2 581 5 3 4 0 689
2022 77 11 4 543 3 1 4 0 643
2023 68 14 0 512 2 1 5 0 602
2024 48 10 1 511 4 0 7 0 581

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Vista Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 1166 58.7 19.8 n/a
1991 1192 62.6 19.0 n/a
1992 1283 66.8 19.2 n/a
1993 1416 70.6 20.1 n/a
1994 1002 52.8 19.0 n/a
1995 1078 63.4 17.0 n/a
1996 1078 63.4 17.0 n/a
1997 1103 71.5 15.4 n/a
1998 731 51.5 14.2 n/a
1999 689 48.6 14.2 55.2
2000 656 46.5 14.1 48.8
2001 621 45.8 13.6 40.7
2002 818 54.2 15.1 57.6
2003 818 54.2 15.1 57.6
2004 921 58.2 15.8 53
2005 914 57.9 15.8 49.5
2006 919 54.0 17.0 50.2
2007 866 56.0 15.5 45.2
2008 840 51.1 16.4 48.8
2009 853 53.1 16.1 50.9
2010 833 49.6 16.7 52.6
2011 819 51.1 16.0 55.3
2012 738 43.7 16.8 62.9
2013 725 42.5 17.0 63.7
2014 707 43.1 16.3 61.1
2015 686 44.0 15.5 63.8
2016 727 42.0 17.3 47.3
2017 707 41.1 17.1 100
2018 713 39.6 17.9 100
2019 714 37.5 19.0 100
2020 679 42.0 16.1 100
2021 689 42.4 16.2 100
2022 643 39.0 16.4 100
2023 602 39.5 15.2 100
2024 581 38.0 15.2 99.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Vista Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 1166 58.7 19.8 n/a
1991 1192 62.6 19.0 n/a
1992 1283 66.8 19.2 n/a
1993 1416 70.6 20.1 n/a
1994 1002 52.8 19.0 n/a
1995 1078 63.4 17.0 n/a
1996 1078 63.4 17.0 n/a
1997 1103 71.5 15.4 n/a
1998 731 51.5 14.2 n/a
1999 689 48.6 14.2 55.2
2000 656 46.5 14.1 48.8
2001 621 45.8 13.6 40.7
2002 818 54.2 15.1 57.6
2003 818 54.2 15.1 57.6
2004 921 58.2 15.8 53
2005 914 57.9 15.8 49.5
2006 919 54.0 17.0 50.2
2007 866 56.0 15.5 45.2
2008 840 51.1 16.4 48.8
2009 853 53.1 16.1 50.9
2010 833 49.6 16.7 52.6
2011 819 51.1 16.0 55.3
2012 738 43.7 16.8 62.9
2013 725 42.5 17.0 63.7
2014 707 43.1 16.3 61.1
2015 686 44.0 15.5 63.8
2016 727 42.0 17.3 47.3
2017 707 41.1 17.1 100
2018 713 39.6 17.9 100
2019 714 37.5 19.0 100
2020 679 42.0 16.1 100
2021 689 42.4 16.2 100
2022 643 39.0 16.4 100
2023 602 39.5 15.2 100
2024 581 38.0 15.2 99.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Vista Middle

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $8,507

Data source: New Mexico Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Vista Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 92nd of 200 Middle schoolsRanks 136th of 239 Middle schools
 10.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
6th Grade Language Arts (Vista Middle)3824.7
 13.3%
   6th Grade Language Arts (Las Cruces)3329.7
 3.3%
   6th Grade Language Arts (New Mexico)3132.9
 1.9%
6th Grade Mathematics (Vista Middle)2021.2
 1.2%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Las Cruces)1725.5
 8.5%
   6th Grade Mathematics (New Mexico)1932.5
 13.5%
7th Grade Language Arts (Vista Middle)4135.8
 5.2%
   7th Grade Language Arts (Las Cruces)3031.3
 1.3%
   7th Grade Language Arts (New Mexico)3134.8
 3.8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Vista Middle)2017
 3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Las Cruces)1618.4
 2.4%
   7th Grade Mathematics (New Mexico)1924.8
 5.8%
8th Grade Language Arts (Vista Middle)2826.3
 1.7%
   8th Grade Language Arts (Las Cruces)3131.8
 0.8%
   8th Grade Language Arts (New Mexico)3133.2
 2.2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Vista Middle)1615.6
 0.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Las Cruces)1717.4
 0.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (New Mexico)2019.7
 0.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students714602
 15.7%
African American1714
 17.6%
American Indian42
 50%
Asian30
 100%
Hispanic589512
 13.1%
Pacific Islander11
White9768
 29.9%
Two or More Races35
 66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients100%100%

Schools Near Vista Middle








Frequently Asked Questions about Vista Middle

Vista Middle ranks 154th of 235 New Mexico middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 581 students attended Vista Middle.

Students at Vista Middle are 88% Hispanic, 8% White, 2% African American, 1% Two or more races.

Students who attend Vista Middle usually go on to attend Arrowhead Park Early College High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the New Mexico Public Education Department.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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