Average

#43 of 98 private schools in NM

Top 43% of private schools

Design for Learning Differences School

School

8600 ACADEMY RD NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Last updated: May 2026

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on NM statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

Student-Teacher

3.3:1

Score

6.5

Grades

2nd – 12th

Enrollment

Student-Teacher

3.3:1

Score

6.5

Grades

2nd – 12th

Updated
2021-22

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Albuquerque

#19 of 41

public schools

New Mexico schools

#16 of 34

About Design for Learning Differences School

Design for Learning Differences School is a public school located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an enrollment of 56 students ranging from second grade through twelfth grade. The student-teacher ratio at this school is 3.3:1, which means each teacher works closely with around three or four students at any given time. With 17 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, the school provides a supportive environment for its diverse learners.

While specific test scores are not available, the MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and a state ranking of 87th percentile indicate that Design for Learning Differences School is performing well compared to other schools in New Mexico. The focus here seems to be on personalized learning and fostering academic growth tailored to each student's unique needs. Design for Learning Differences School is situated in the heart of Albuquerque, offering students access to a vibrant urban setting with various resources and opportunities beyond the classroom.

This location provides a rich environment for students to explore their interests and engage with the broader community.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 56 students, Design for Learning Differences School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 3.3:1, Design for Learning Differences School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Design for Learning Differences School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Financial Overview

Source: IRS Form 990 (2023 filing)

Per-Pupil Spending: Total expenses ÷ enrollment; $10,558
Per-Pupil Revenue: Total revenue ÷ enrollment; $9,968
Financial Health: Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus); 0.94x — Tight
Tuition Dependency: Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees); 93%
Total Assets: End-of-year total assets from IRS filing; $281,247

Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 56 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How Design for Learning Differences School compares to 194 public schools serving similar grades in Albuquerque, NM

Student-Teacher Ratio

3.3:1

This School

13.3:1

Public Avg

Avg School Size

This School

431

Public Avg

Avg School Scout Rating

6.5

This School

6.6

Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 57.1% vs 0%

Hispanic 17.9% vs 0%

Black 5.4% vs 0%

Asian 1.8% vs 0%

Design for Learning Differences School Albuquerque Public Avg

Nearby Other Schools

School	Distance	Enrollment	STR	Rating
Design for Learning Differences School (this school)	—	56	3.3:1	6.5
OSUNA ELEMENTARY	0.9 mi	440	12.9:1	8.3
HUBERT H HUMPHREY ELEMENTARY	1.0 mi	466	15:1	7.3
DENNIS CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY	1.3 mi	578	12.6:1	6.5
NEW MEXICO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL	1.5 mi	401	14.9:1	8.6
ARROYO DEL OSO ELEMENTARY	1.6 mi	294	12.8:1	5.1
EISENHOWER MIDDLE	1.7 mi	769	15.4:1	8.3
MADISON MIDDLE	1.8 mi	565	13.5:1	8.2
COMANCHE ELEMENTARY	1.9 mi	339	13.6:1	7.8
CLEVELAND MIDDLE	1.9 mi	509	13.1:1	8.2
MITCHELL ELEMENTARY	2.0 mi	253	12.7:1	7.6
GEORGIA O'KEEFFE ELEMENTARY	2.1 mi	505	14:1	8.7
DESERT RIDGE MIDDLE	2.2 mi	788	13.4:1	8.3
SOMBRA DEL MONTE ELEMENTARY	2.2 mi	226	13.3:1	5.9
EDMUND G ROSS ELEMENTARY	2.2 mi	364	13:1	6.8
SANDIA HIGH	2.2 mi	1,672	16.2:1	8.4
NEX GEN ACADEMY	2.3 mi	209	10.4:1	7.0
S. Y. JACKSON ELEMENTARY	2.3 mi	527	15.5:1	7.2
GOV BENT ELEMENTARY	2.3 mi	306	11.3:1	6.3
ELDORADO HIGH	2.3 mi	1,608	16.4:1	8.3
THE GREAT ACADEMY	2.4 mi	105	35:1	5.8

Showing 20 of 194 schools. View all schools in Albuquerque

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in NM.

Classroom Attention

A+ 9.8 / 10

View breakdown

Student-Teacher Ratio 3.3:1

Instructional Commitment

C- 1.9 / 10

View breakdown

School Day Length 6 hours

Annual Instructional Hours 1,080

Diversity & Inclusion

B+ 7.0 / 10

View breakdown

Diversity Index 53%

Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile

C+ 4.1 / 10

View breakdown

Enrollment 56

View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in NM

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 57.1%

Hispanic 17.9%

Native American 12.5%

Black 5.4%

Two or More 5.4%

Asian 1.8%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

8600 ACADEMY RD NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Design for Learning Differences School may also want to explore other schools in the area. DLD SYCAMORE SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, OAK GROVE CLASSICAL ACADEMY (rated 6.9/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Albuquerque, see our Albuquerque schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi

School	Distance	Enrollment	Rating
DLD SYCAMORE SCHOOL Albuquerque	0.0 mi	60	7.3
OAK GROVE CLASSICAL ACADEMY Albuquerque	0.5 mi	369	6.9
ALBUQUERQUE ACADEMY Albuquerque	0.6 mi	1,163	7.1
OSUNA ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	0.9 mi	440	8.3
HUBERT H HUMPHREY ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	1.0 mi	466	7.3
DENNIS CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	1.3 mi	578	6.5
SHEPHERD LUTHERAN Albuquerque	1.4 mi	57	4.4
NEW MEXICO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Albuquerque	1.5 mi	401	8.6
MADISON MIDDLE Albuquerque	1.8 mi	565	8.2
MOUNTAIN VIEW MONTESSORI Albuquerque	1.8 mi	7	—
COMANCHE ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	1.9 mi	339	7.8
MONTESSORI ONE Albuquerque	1.9 mi	69	8.0
MONTESSORI ONE Albuquerque	1.9 mi	69	8.0
ARROYO DEL OSO ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	1.6 mi	294	5.1
CONGREGATION ALBERT EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Albuquerque	1.8 mi	13	—
EISENHOWER MIDDLE Albuquerque	1.7 mi	769	8.3
CLEVELAND MIDDLE Albuquerque	1.9 mi	509	8.2
MITCHELL ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	2.0 mi	253	7.6
DESERT RIDGE MIDDLE Albuquerque	2.2 mi	788	8.3
SOMBRA DEL MONTE ELEMENTARY Albuquerque	2.2 mi	226	5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 87111 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,511

Median Home Value

$349,200

Median Rent

$1,310/mo

Population

57,219

College Educated

56.1%

Homeownership

61.8%

Avg Commute

21.6 min

Poverty Rate

9.4%

Median Age

43.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Design for Learning Differences School has a median household income of $84,511. It is a well-educated community where 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $349,200, with a median rent of $1,310/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School	Enrollment	Rating
3001 THUNDER RD Alamagordo, NM	63	6.4
AXIOM CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL Albuquerque, NM	43	6.4
ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Albuquerque, NM	51	6.0
NM SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED Alamogordo, NM	45	7.1
CALVARY WEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Anthony, NM	47	7.2
DLD SYCAMORE SCHOOL Albuquerque, NM	60	7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Design for Learning Differences School

What grades does Design for Learning Differences School serve?

Design for Learning Differences School serves students in grades 2nd through 12th.

How many students attend Design for Learning Differences School?

Design for Learning Differences School has an enrollment of approximately 56 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Design for Learning Differences School?

The student-teacher ratio at Design for Learning Differences School is 3.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Design for Learning Differences School rank in NM?

Design for Learning Differences School is ranked #43 out of 98 private schools in NM.

What is Design for Learning Differences School's MySchoolScout rating?

Design for Learning Differences School has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is Design for Learning Differences School a private school?

Yes, Design for Learning Differences School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is Design for Learning Differences School a religious school?

No, Design for Learning Differences School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.

Explore More Schools

All schools in Albuquerque, NM Schools in NM 20 nearby schools

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety: High (5,820/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Albuquerque). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades: 2nd – 12th
Enrollment: 56
Gender Split: 48% M / 52% F
Student-Teacher Ratio: 3.3:1
Teachers (FTE): 17
Type: private
Coed Status: coed
Affiliation: Nonsectarian
School Day: 6 hours
Days Per Year: 180 days
Setting: Large City
County: BERNALILLO
Phone: (505) 822-0476
Data Year: 2022–2023

Resources & Links

Search for School Website ↗ Google Maps & Reviews ↗ GreatSchools Profile ↗ Niche Reviews ↗ Official NCES Data ↗

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Data sources

NCES PSSSY 2021-22 Census ACS2019-2023 AI description MySchoolScout Rankings2024 Full details →

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