Serving 801 students in grades 6-8, Desert Ridge Middle School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 61% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 801 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 61% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 76% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Ridge Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Desert Ridge Middle School's student population of 801 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
801 students
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1997
School Rankings
Desert Ridge Middle School ranks within the top 5% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Ridge Middle School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#19 out of 796 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
3%
11%
Asian
10%
1%
Hispanic
37%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
39%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Diamondback Rattle Snake
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Ridge Middle School's ranking?
Desert Ridge Middle School is ranked #19 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Ridge Middle School?
801 students attend Desert Ridge Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Desert Ridge Middle School students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Ridge Middle School?
Desert Ridge Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Ridge Middle School offer ?
Desert Ridge Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Ridge Middle School part of?
Desert Ridge Middle School is part of Albuquerque School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Ridge Middle School located?
Desert Ridge Middle School is located in the Vineyard Estates neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM. There are 2 other public schools located in Vineyard Estates.
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