- CARLSBAD SIXTH GRADE ACADEMY - ALTA VISTA CAMPUS — Grades 6–8 · 740 students
- CARLSBAD HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1685 students
- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER — Grades PK–K · 207 students
- CARLSBAD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL - PR LEYVA CAMPUS — Grades 6–8 · 908 students
- MONTERREY ELEMENTARY — Grades K–5 · 366 students
- SUNSET ELEMENTARY — Grades K–5 · 438 students
- JEFFERSON MONTESSORI — Grades K–12 · 215 students
- CARLSBAD EARLY COLLEGE HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 200 students
- DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY — Grades K–5 · 667 students
- OCOTILLO ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–5 · 621 students
- HILLCREST PRESCHOOL — Grades PK–PK · 316 students
- EDISON ELEMENTARY — Grades 1–5 · 0 students
- COTTONWOOD ELEMENTARY — Grades K–5 · 684 students
- CARLSBAD ENRICHMENT CENTER — Grades 1–12 · 170 students
- EDWARD ORTIZ MIDDLE — Grades 6–8 · 416 students
- MILAGRO MIDDLE — Grades 7–8 · 329 students
- SANTA FE HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1,491 students
- CAPITAL HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1,388 students
- EARLY COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES — Grades 9–12 · 137 students
- EL CAMINO REAL ACADEMY COMMUNITY — Grades PK–8 · 704 students
- NINA OTERO COMMUNITY SCHOOL — Grades PK–8 · 629 students
- PINON ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 513 students
- EL DORADO COMMUNITY SCHOOL — Grades PK–8 · 432 students
- ACADEMY FOR TECHNOLOGY & CLASSICS — Grades 7–12 · 398 students
- AMY BIEHL COMMUNITY SCHOOL AT RANCHO VIEJO — Grades PK–6 · 354 students
- KEARNY ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 338 students
- GONZALES ELEMENTARY — Grades K–8 · 328 students
- CARLOS GILBERT ELEMENTARY — Grades K–6 · 317 students
- WOOD-GORMLEY ELEMENTARY — Grades K–6 · 298 students
- MANDELA INTERNATIONAL MAGNET (MIMS) — Grades 7–12 · 290 students
- ASPEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL — Grades PK–12 · 285 students
- SALAZAR ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 282 students
- ATALAYA ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 259 students
- E.J. MARTINEZ ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 182 students
- CHAPARRAL ELEMENTARY — Grades K–6 · 181 students
- FRANCIS X. NAVA ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 163 students
- ACEQUIA MADRE ELEMENTARY — Grades K–6 · 154 students
- DESERT SAGE ACADEMY — Grades K–12 · 69 students
- TESUQUE ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 61 students
| Metric | Carlsbad Municipal Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 7,102 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 14 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 27% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 6/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Municipal Schools (this district) | 6/10 | 56th | 7,102 |
| Rio Rancho Public Schools | 9/10 | 88th | 18,000 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | 7/10 | 66th | 73,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 88 rated districts in NM → 56th percentile → 6/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Carlsbad Municipal Schools
Carlsbad Municipal Schools serves zip code 88263, covering Malaga, New Mexico with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in New Mexico spend approximately $12,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), below the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 14 schools, Carlsbad Municipal Schools operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 7,102 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 6/10 Rating
Carlsbad Municipal Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 6/10, placing it in the average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Mexico is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools falls near the middle of New Mexico on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 88263
Children in zip code 88263 are assigned to Carlsbad Municipal Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 88263, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Carlsbad Municipal Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Mexico districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Malaga
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Carlsbad Municipal Schools serves zip code 88263, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 88263. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Mexico, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Carlsbad Municipal Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 88263.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Carlsbad Municipal Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 88263 data.