Otero County Schools & Education
Otero County, New Mexico
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
80.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,492
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,957
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
State School Rank
#29
of 33 counties (1 = best)
Explore Otero County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Otero County, New Mexico
Otero's Expansive School Infrastructure
Otero County supports 7,353 students through a network of 25 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure includes 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools, along with two specialized campuses. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving education entirely to traditional public districts.
Competitive Graduation Rates and Spending
The county boasts an 80.9% graduation rate, which sits slightly above the state average of 79.0%. However, per-pupil expenditure is relatively low at $6,492, significantly trailing the state average of $7,957. The composite school score for the county is 47.6 out of 100.
Alamogordo Public Schools Dominates
Alamogordo Public Schools is the largest district by far, serving 5,575 students across 15 schools. Tularosa Municipal Schools and Cloudcroft Municipal Schools provide smaller alternatives, with 890 and 379 students respectively. Alamogordo High School stands out as the largest facility, housing 1,579 students.
Town-Centered Schools with Rural Options
The majority of students attend one of the 18 schools located in town settings, while seven schools serve rural areas. The average school size is 320 students, but the experience varies wildly from the massive Alamogordo High to small rural elementary buildings. This mix allows families to choose between a bustling town environment and a quieter rural education.
Finding Your Place in Otero County
Most home buyers focus on the Alamogordo area to be near the county's largest district and its diverse school offerings. For those seeking a mountain lifestyle, the Cloudcroft Municipal Schools offer a smaller, specialized environment. Evaluate the school locales and district sizes as you browse homes in this scenic county.
School Overview
Total Schools
25
in Otero County
Total Enrollment
7,353
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Otero County
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TULAROSA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
CLOUDCROFT MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
NM SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
25 Public Schools in Otero County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALAMOGORDO HIGH | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 1,579 |
| CHAPARRAL MIDDLE | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 627 |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 502 |
| HOLLOMAN ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 490 |
| YUCCA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY | GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS | KG–6 | Primary | 473 |
| SUNSET HILLS ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 466 |
| DESERT STAR ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 464 |
| SIERRA ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 301 |
| TULAROSA HIGH | TULAROSA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 272 |
| TULAROSA INTERMEDIATE | TULAROSA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 3–6 | Primary | 268 |
| YUCCA ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 245 |
| LA LUZ ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 215 |
| TULAROSA ELEMENTARY | TULAROSA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–2 | Primary | 206 |
| BUENA VISTA ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | KG–5 | Primary | 204 |
| NORTH ELEMENTARY | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 182 |
| HOLLOMAN MIDDLE | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 172 |
| CLOUDCROFT ELEMENTARY | CLOUDCROFT MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 165 |
| TULAROSA MIDDLE | TULAROSA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 7–8 | Middle | 144 |
| CLOUDCROFT HIGH | CLOUDCROFT MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 113 |
| STEPPING STONES PRESCHOOL | ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 109 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,492
State avg $7,957
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Otero County, New Mexico — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Otero County, New Mexico?
Otero County supports 7,353 students through a network of 25 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure includes 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools, along with two specialized campuses. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving education entirely to traditional public districts.
How do schools in Otero County perform academically?
The county boasts an 80.9% graduation rate, which sits slightly above the state average of 79.0%. However, per-pupil expenditure is relatively low at $6,492, significantly trailing the state average of $7,957. The composite school score for the county is 47.6 out of 100.
What are the major school districts in Otero County, New Mexico?
Alamogordo Public Schools is the largest district by far, serving 5,575 students across 15 schools. Tularosa Municipal Schools and Cloudcroft Municipal Schools provide smaller alternatives, with 890 and 379 students respectively. Alamogordo High School stands out as the largest facility, housing 1,579 students.
What is the school experience like in Otero County?
The majority of students attend one of the 18 schools located in town settings, while seven schools serve rural areas. The average school size is 320 students, but the experience varies wildly from the massive Alamogordo High to small rural elementary buildings. This mix allows families to choose between a bustling town environment and a quieter rural education.
How can I find homes near good schools in Otero County, New Mexico?
Most home buyers focus on the Alamogordo area to be near the county's largest district and its diverse school offerings. For those seeking a mountain lifestyle, the Cloudcroft Municipal Schools offer a smaller, specialized environment. Evaluate the school locales and district sizes as you browse homes in this scenic county.
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.