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Needs Improvement

#846 of 864 schools in NM

Carlsbad High

High School · CARLSBAD

3000 W. CHURCH, Carlsbad, NM 88220

Enrollment

1,623

Student-Teacher

20.3:1

Score

3.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Mexico schools

#846 of 864

In Carlsbad

#12 of 13

public schools

In district

#12 of 13

CARLSBAD

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Carlsbad High

3.4/10

High School in Carlsbad · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Carlsbad Early College High

8.2/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Sunset Elementary

5.0/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Carlsbad High

Carlsbad High is a public high school in Carlsbad, NM, part of CARLSBAD. Carlsbad High serves approximately 1,623 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Carlsbad High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #846 of 864 schools in NM.

Structured state assessment records for Carlsbad High show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares2.4 pts below district
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.8
  • NM avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Carlsbad High runs 20.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Carlsbad High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

73% of students at Carlsbad High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data9
Annual Change-2.99 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency23% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency15% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-27.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness4.9Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate63%
AP Participation13.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,304
Chronic Absenteeism72.7%

Carlsbad High — Students at Carlsbad High score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

32.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NM EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 24.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 34.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 18 test records from NM state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
35%
ELA
48%
2010
Math
40%
ELA
46%
2011
Math
46%
ELA
46%
2012
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2013
Math
32%
ELA
36%
2014
Math
9%
ELA
28%
2015
Math
5%
ELA
21%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2022
Math
7%
ELA
23%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.

How Carlsbad High Compares

See how Carlsbad High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
2th percentile in NM
Academic
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.5
Sports
3
1 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
33%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
80 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
72.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
13.5% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics3sports offered
1 boys'·2 girls'·8 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3000 W. CHURCH, Carlsbad, NM 88220

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Carlsbad High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CARLSBAD EARLY COLLEGE HIGH (rated 8.2/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ARTESIA HIGH (rated 5.6/10, 29.5 miles away, in nearby Artesia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LOVING HIGH (rated 5.3/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Loving), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Carlsbad, see our Carlsbad schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 29.5 mi
School Distance Rating
CARLSBAD EARLY COLLEGE HIGH Carlsbad 0.8 mi 8.2
SUNSET ELEMENTARY Carlsbad 1.1 mi 5.0
CARLSBAD SIXTH GRADE ACADEMY - ALTA VISTA CAMPUS Carlsbad 1.4 mi 5.3
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER Carlsbad 1.5 mi 5.4
HILLCREST PRESCHOOL Carlsbad 1.5 mi 4.4
COTTONWOOD ELEMENTARY Carlsbad 1.6 mi 3.8
OCOTILLO ELEMENTARY Carlsbad 1.8 mi 8.2
MONTERREY ELEMENTARY Carlsbad 1.7 mi 6.0
CARLSBAD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL - PR LEYVA CAMPUS Carlsbad 1.7 mi 3.5
JEFFERSON MONTESSORI Carlsbad 1.9 mi 5.9
CARLSBAD ENRICHMENT CENTER Carlsbad 2.0 mi 2.4
DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY Carlsbad 3.7 mi 7.5
LOVING ELEMENTARY Loving 14.3 mi 9.1
LOVING MIDDLE Loving 14.4 mi 7.8
LOVING HIGH Loving 14.4 mi 5.3
HERMOSA ELEMENTARY Artesia 28.5 mi 6.7
ARTESIA ZIA INTERMEDIATE Artesia 29.0 mi 6.6
YESO ELEMENTARY Artesia 29.1 mi 7.7
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Artesia 29.2 mi 6.1
ARTESIA HIGH Artesia 29.5 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 88220 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,668

Median Home Value

$192,600

Median Rent

$1,218/mo

Population

40,151

College Educated

20.4%

Homeownership

75.5%

Avg Commute

21.5 min

Poverty Rate

12%

Median Age

37.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
ROSWELL HIGH Roswell, NM 4.2
GALLUP HIGH Gallup, NM 4.5
DEL NORTE HIGH Albuquerque, NM 4.8
GODDARD HIGH Roswell, NM 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carlsbad High

What grades does Carlsbad High serve?

Carlsbad High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Carlsbad High?

Carlsbad High has an enrollment of approximately 1,623 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Carlsbad High?

The student-teacher ratio at Carlsbad High is 20.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Carlsbad High rank in NM?

Carlsbad High ranks #846 of 864 schools in NM.

What is Carlsbad High's MySchoolScout rating?

Carlsbad High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Carlsbad High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Carlsbad High has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Carlsbad High a charter school?

No, Carlsbad High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Carlsbad High a Title I school?

No, Carlsbad High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carlsbad High?

32.5% of students at Carlsbad High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,623
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
80
Free/Reduced Lunch
32.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Eddy County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
72.7%
4-Year Graduation
63.0%

District

CARLSBAD
District Enrollment
7,343
Schools in District
14
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,304
District Rank
#12 of 13

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