Best Elementary Schools
in Albuquerque, New Mexico
We ranked the 122 elementary schools in Albuquerque with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.4 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and New Mexico education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Albuquerque for 2026 are Coyote Willow Family School (9.5/10), New Mexico International School (9.4/10), and Montessori of the Rio Grande (9.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 122 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Albuquerque?
Every elementary school in Albuquerque is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Coyote Willow Family School
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
New Mexico International School
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Montessori of the Rio Grande
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Albuquerque's 105 ranked elementary schools span a wide range of performance, with a metro average of 6.6 out of 10 and the top performer, Montessori of the Rio Grande, reaching 9.2. That gap matters when you're choosing where your child will spend five or six formative years. Monte Vista Elementary and Mountain Mahogany Community School both score 9.0, and Alvarado and Bandelier Elementary each earn an 8.8 — giving families several strong options across different parts of the city. Roughly 41 percent of ranked schools score 7.0 or above, so genuinely high-performing options are available, but they're not evenly distributed. The table below lets you sort by overall score, school type, and other key metrics to zero in on what fits your family's priorities. Start with the top of the list or filter by neighborhood — either way, the data is here to help you compare quickly.
Coyote Willow Family School
New Mexico International School
Montessori of the Rio Grande
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Albuquerque's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within New Mexico so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 122 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and New Mexico education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in New Mexico. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Albuquerque
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Albuquerque's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Albuquerque
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Albuquerque's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in New Mexico, with 131 schools spanning 28 school districts, plus 15 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Coyote Willow Family School is the top-rated elementary school in Albuquerque with a composite score of 9.5/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Albuquerque has 131 elementary schools, including 15 charter schools. Of these, 127 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Albuquerque?
The average composite score for Albuquerque elementary schools is 5.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in New Mexico).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within New Mexico, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in New Mexico, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Albuquerque elementary school rankings?
Yes. Albuquerque has 15 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.