Serving 539 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Desert Hills Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 539 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Hills Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Desert Hills Elementary School's student population of 539 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
539 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Desert Hills Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 810 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Hills Elementary School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#137 out of 810 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
33%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
12%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
66%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
24%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
2%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Hills Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Hills Elementary School is ranked #137 out of 810 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Desert Hills Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Hills Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hillrise Elementary School, White Sands Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Hills Elementary School?
539 students attend Desert Hills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Desert Hills Elementary School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Hills Elementary School?
Desert Hills Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Hills Elementary School offer ?
Desert Hills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Desert Hills Elementary School part of?
Desert Hills Elementary School is part of Las Cruces School District.
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