Best private high schools in New Mexico
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a '96 commencement address at Wellesley College, "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." If that's the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It's a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, education is key: 1.4 million students enrolled in private high schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There were about 3,600 private secondary schools nationwide as of 2020.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these private high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to send their kids to better schools. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the best private high schools in New Mexico using 2024 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
#21. Calvary Chapel Academy
- Location: Belen, NM
- Enrollment: 167 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B-
#20. Gospel Light Baptist Academy
- Location: Rio Rancho, NM
- Enrollment: 215 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B
#19. Evangel Christian Academy
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 84 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B
#18. Legacy Academy
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 395 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#17. Gateway Christian School
- Location: Roswell, NM
- Enrollment: 373 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#16. Rehoboth Christian School
- Location: Rehoboth, NM
- Enrollment: 427 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#15. Oak Grove Classical Academy
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 421 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#14. Calvary Christian Academy
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 82 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#13. Sandia View Academy
- Location: Corrales, NM
- Enrollment: 32 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#12. Mesilla Valley Christian School
- Location: Las Cruces, NM
- Enrollment: 392 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#11. Hope Christian School
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 1,421 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#10. Grace Baptist Academy
- Location: Farmington, NM
- Enrollment: 122 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#9. Las Cruces Catholic School
- Location: Las Cruces, NM
- Enrollment: 285 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#8. Imago Dei Academy
- Location: Alamogordo, NM
- Enrollment: 169 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#7. St. Michael's High School
- Location: Santa Fe, NM
- Enrollment: 405 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#6. Santa Fe Preparatory School
- Location: Santa Fe, NM
- Enrollment: 346 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#5. Bosque School
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 411 (6:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#4. Menaul School
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 191 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#3. Sandia Preparatory School
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 514 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#2. Albuquerque Academy
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Enrollment: 1,188 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. United World College-USA
- Location: Montezuma, NM
- Enrollment: 235 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Emma Rubin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
