Lea County Schools & Education
Lea County, New Mexico
School Score
28/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
84.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,838
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,957
School Score
28/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
State School Rank
#18
of 33 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Lea County, New Mexico
A Vast Educational Infrastructure
Lea County operates an expansive system of 38 public schools serving 14,928 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools, along with 2 specialized campuses. Most schools are located in town settings, while 9 campuses serve the more rural areas of the county.
High Graduation Rates in the Permian Basin
Lea County achieves a graduation rate of 84.7%, which is significantly higher than the New Mexico average of 79.0%. While per-pupil spending is $6,838, the county's 50.4 school score remains competitive with national medians. These figures reflect a system that translates resources into high school completion success.
Hobbs and Lovington Drive Enrollment
Hobbs Municipal Schools is the county's powerhouse district, managing 18 schools and 9,990 students. Lovington Municipal Schools follows with 10 schools and 3,382 students. There are currently no charter schools in Lea County, as the large municipal districts cover the vast majority of student needs.
From Large High Schools to Rural Classrooms
School environments vary wildly, from Hobbs High with 2,216 students to smaller rural elementary campuses. The average school size is 393 students, but large middle schools like Houston and Highland also play a major role. This diversity allows for both comprehensive extracurricular opportunities and localized learning.
Choosing Your Neighborhood in Lea County
With strong graduation rates and large, modern facilities, Lea County is a top choice for families in the region. Areas surrounding Hobbs and Lovington offer the most immediate access to the county's largest and most diverse schools. Start your home search where academic success and community spirit intersect.
School Overview
Total Schools
38
in Lea County
Total Enrollment
14,928
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Lea County
HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
EUNICE MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
JAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TATUM MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
38 Public Schools in Lea County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOBBS HIGH | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 2,216 |
| HOUSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–9 | Middle | 843 |
| HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 840 |
| HOBBS FRESHMAN HIGH | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–10 | Other | 772 |
| LOVINGTON HIGH | LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 10–12 | High | 737 |
| HEIZER MIDDLE SCHOOL | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 606 |
| TAYLOR MIDDLE | LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 7–8 | Middle | 527 |
| COLLEGE LANE ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 519 |
| MURRAY ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 458 |
| YARBRO ELEMENTARY | LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 4–5 | Primary | 443 |
| TAYLOR ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 421 |
| STONE ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 404 |
| MILLS ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 401 |
| SANGER ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 393 |
| SOUTHERN HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 371 |
| CORONADO ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 368 |
| JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 351 |
| METTIE JORDAN ELEMENTARY | EUNICE MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 346 |
| BROADMOOR ELEMENTARY | HOBBS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 333 |
| LLANO ELEMENTARY | LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–KG | Primary | 325 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,838
State avg $7,957
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lea County, New Mexico — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lea County, New Mexico?
Lea County operates an expansive system of 38 public schools serving 14,928 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools, along with 2 specialized campuses. Most schools are located in town settings, while 9 campuses serve the more rural areas of the county.
How do schools in Lea County perform academically?
Lea County achieves a graduation rate of 84.7%, which is significantly higher than the New Mexico average of 79.0%. While per-pupil spending is $6,838, the county's 50.4 school score remains competitive with national medians. These figures reflect a system that translates resources into high school completion success.
What are the major school districts in Lea County, New Mexico?
Hobbs Municipal Schools is the county's powerhouse district, managing 18 schools and 9,990 students. Lovington Municipal Schools follows with 10 schools and 3,382 students. There are currently no charter schools in Lea County, as the large municipal districts cover the vast majority of student needs.
What is the school experience like in Lea County?
School environments vary wildly, from Hobbs High with 2,216 students to smaller rural elementary campuses. The average school size is 393 students, but large middle schools like Houston and Highland also play a major role. This diversity allows for both comprehensive extracurricular opportunities and localized learning.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lea County, New Mexico?
With strong graduation rates and large, modern facilities, Lea County is a top choice for families in the region. Areas surrounding Hobbs and Lovington offer the most immediate access to the county's largest and most diverse schools. Start your home search where academic success and community spirit intersect.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.