Lincoln County Schools & Education
Lincoln County, New Mexico
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,744
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,957
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#13
of 33 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Lincoln County
School Verdict
Lincoln County faces educational challenges with a school score of 36/100 and a graduation rate of 81.7%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,744 per pupil, Lincoln County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Lincoln County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 8% above the New Mexico average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 3% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Lincoln County, New Mexico
Education in the Mountain Communities
Lincoln County manages 14 public schools that serve 2,642 students through five different districts. The network includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, primarily located in rural settings. Only two of the county's schools are situated in town locales, reflecting the area's scenic, spread-out geography.
Competitive Results Across Rural Districts
The county reports an 81.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,744, aligning closely with the New Mexico average. The school score of 50.8 is also slightly above the state mean, indicating consistent performance across its varied campuses.
Ruidoso Leads a Five-District System
Ruidoso Municipal Schools is the largest district, serving 1,820 students across 4 schools. Capitan and Carrizozo Municipal Schools provide essential education to smaller cohorts in the more rural parts of the county. No charter schools are currently operating, leaving education entirely in the hands of the local municipal districts.
Small Schools with Scenic Backdrops
The average school size is 189 students, though Ruidoso High is the local exception with 532 enrolled. Most campuses, like Capitan Elementary, offer a very personal feel with about 200 students or fewer. Twelve of the 14 schools are classified as rural, providing students with a quiet and focused environment.
Making a Home in Lincoln County
Families looking for a mountain lifestyle often prioritize homes in the Ruidoso or Capitan districts. The county's above-average graduation rates make it an attractive spot for those seeking high-quality public education. Explore properties that offer the perfect balance of rural peace and academic excellence.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Lincoln County
Total Enrollment
2,642
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Lincoln County
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
CAPITAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
HONDO VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CORONA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
14 Public Schools in Lincoln County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUIDOSO HIGH | RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 532 |
| SIERRA VISTA PRIMARY | RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–2 | Primary | 497 |
| WHITE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY | RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 3–5 | Primary | 397 |
| RUIDOSO MIDDLE | RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 394 |
| CAPITAN ELEMENTARY | CAPITAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 202 |
| CAPITAN HIGH | CAPITAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 142 |
| CAPITAN MIDDLE | CAPITAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 127 |
| CARRIZOZO ELEMENTARY | CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 72 |
| HONDO ELEMENTARY | HONDO VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 62 |
| HONDO HIGH | HONDO VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 62 |
| CARRIZOZO HIGH | CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 53 |
| CORONA ELEMENTARY | CORONA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 41 |
| CARRIZOZO MIDDLE | CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 32 |
| CORONA HIGH | CORONA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 29 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,744
State avg $7,957
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Lincoln County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Lincoln County?
How much does Lincoln County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lincoln County, New Mexico — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lincoln County, New Mexico?
Lincoln County manages 14 public schools that serve 2,642 students through five different districts. The network includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, primarily located in rural settings. Only two of the county's schools are situated in town locales, reflecting the area's scenic, spread-out geography.
How do schools in Lincoln County perform academically?
The county reports an 81.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,744, aligning closely with the New Mexico average. The school score of 50.8 is also slightly above the state mean, indicating consistent performance across its varied campuses.
What are the major school districts in Lincoln County, New Mexico?
Ruidoso Municipal Schools is the largest district, serving 1,820 students across 4 schools. Capitan and Carrizozo Municipal Schools provide essential education to smaller cohorts in the more rural parts of the county. No charter schools are currently operating, leaving education entirely in the hands of the local municipal districts.
What is the school experience like in Lincoln County?
The average school size is 189 students, though Ruidoso High is the local exception with 532 enrolled. Most campuses, like Capitan Elementary, offer a very personal feel with about 200 students or fewer. Twelve of the 14 schools are classified as rural, providing students with a quiet and focused environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lincoln County, New Mexico?
Families looking for a mountain lifestyle often prioritize homes in the Ruidoso or Capitan districts. The county's above-average graduation rates make it an attractive spot for those seeking high-quality public education. Explore properties that offer the perfect balance of rural peace and academic excellence.
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.