Skip to main content

Average

#359 of 864 schools in NM

Top 41% in state

Sierra Middle

Middle School · LAS CRUCES

505 SOUTH MAIN SUITE 249, Las Cruces, NM 88001

Enrollment

752

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

6.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Las Cruces

#21 of 45

public schools

New Mexico middle schools

#65 of 155

In district

#16 of 39

LAS CRUCES

Academic performance

7.7 / 10

Very strong

About Sierra Middle

Sierra Middle serves grades 6 through 8 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with an enrollment of 752 students. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, supported by 47 full-time equivalent teachers. As a regular public school in a mid-size city setting, Sierra Middle is working to strengthen its academic foundation.

Current proficiency rates show that 32 percent of students are performing at or above grade-level expectations in English Language Arts and Reading, while 22 percent are meeting proficiency standards in Mathematics. These results reflect areas where the school is focused on supporting student growth and development. Sierra Middle's state ranking places it at the 53rd percentile among New Mexico schools, indicating room for academic improvement across the district.

The school serves a diverse middle grades population during a formative period of student development, with access to the resources and programs typical of Las Cruces public schools.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.4Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+1.33 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics7.7Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23%
Reading/ELA Proficiency35%
Overall Proficiency29%
Expected (poverty-adj.)22%
vs. Expected+7.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile66th
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,237

Sierra Middle — Students at Sierra Middle score 29% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NM EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 22.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 32.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from NM state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
21%
ELA
29%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
35%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.4/10.

How Sierra Middle Compares

See how Sierra Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
59th percentile in NM
Academic
7.7/10
7.7/10
Growth
7.4/10
Above average
Environment
4.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
47 teachers

Location

505 SOUTH MAIN SUITE 249, Las Cruces, NM 88001

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sierra Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. MESILLA VALLEY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (rated 8.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LYNN MIDDLE (rated 6.3/10, 1.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Las Cruces, see our Las Cruces schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
EXPLORE ACADEMY LAS CRUCES Las Cruces 0.5 mi 8.2
LOMA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 0.7 mi 7.6
HERMOSA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 0.8 mi 5.8
DESERT SPRINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Las Curces 0.8 mi 7.3
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Las Cruces 0.7 mi 5.2
MISSION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Las Cruces 1.2 mi
MESILLA VALLEY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Las Cruces 1.3 mi 8.2
LYNN MIDDLE Las Cruces 1.3 mi 6.3
NEW AMERICA SCHOOL - LAS CRUCES Las Cruces 1.4 mi 4.6
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.5 mi 6.9
VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.6 mi 6.3
ALAMEDA ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.5 mi 5.1
ALMA D'ARTE CHARTER Las Cruces 1.5 mi 6.8
DESERT HILLS ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.5 mi 5.9
J PAUL TAYLOR ACADEMY Las Cruces 1.5 mi 8.3
LAS MONTANAS CHARTER Las Cruces 1.8 mi 7.9
CONLEE ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.9 mi 7.7
LAS CRUCES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Las Cruces 1.6 mi 8.3
JORNADA ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.9 mi 7.0
LAS CRUCES HIGH Las Cruces 2.2 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 88001 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$32,978

Median Home Value

$158,300

Median Rent

$797/mo

Population

38,972

College Educated

28.6%

Homeownership

40.9%

Avg Commute

16.5 min

Poverty Rate

38%

Median Age

27.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sierra Middle has a median household income of $32,978. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $158,300, with a median rent of $797/month. The area has a poverty rate of 38.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
SIERRA MIDDLE Roswell, NM 6.7
CAMINO REAL MIDDLE Las Cruces, NM 6.6
CHAPARRAL MIDDLE Chaparral, NM 6.6
MESA MIDDLE Las Cruces, NM 6.6
TRUMAN MIDDLE Albuquerque, NM 6.9
W D GATTIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Clovis, NM 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sierra Middle

What grades does Sierra Middle serve?

Sierra Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Sierra Middle?

Sierra Middle has an enrollment of approximately 752 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sierra Middle?

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

How does Sierra Middle rank in NM?

Sierra Middle is ranked #359 out of 864 schools in NM.

What is Sierra Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Sierra Middle has a composite rating of 6.7 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.

What are the test scores at Sierra Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sierra Middle has 22.0% math proficiency and 32.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Sierra Middle a charter school?

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

Is Sierra Middle a Title I school?

No, Sierra Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sierra Middle?

100.0% of students at Sierra Middle 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

City Safety
High (5,602/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
752
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
47
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Doña Ana County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

LAS CRUCES
District Enrollment
23,404
Schools in District
39
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,965
District Rank
#16 of 39

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

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.