Jefferson Montessori Academy is a K-12 charter school located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It was the first Montessori public school in New Mexico and is one of two charter schools in Carlsbad. The school serves students in grades K-12 and is part of the Carlsbad Municipal School District.
Serving 215 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Jefferson Montessori ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 215 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 57% (Btm 50% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jefferson Montessori ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Jefferson Montessori's student population of 215 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
215 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1907
School Calendar
School Rankings
Jefferson Montessori ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jefferson Montessori is 0.57, 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
#446 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
56%
63%
Black
n/a
2%
White
34%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)57%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Patriots
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Montessori's ranking?
Jefferson Montessori is ranked #446 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Jefferson Montessori often compared to?
Jefferson Montessoriis often viewed alongside schools like J Paul Taylor Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Jefferson Montessori?
The graduation rate of Jefferson Montessori is 57%, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 66%.
How many students attend Jefferson Montessori?
215 students attend Jefferson Montessori.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Jefferson Montessori students are Hispanic, 34% of students are White, and 10% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Montessori?
Jefferson Montessori has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Jefferson Montessori offer ?
Jefferson Montessori offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Jefferson Montessori part of?
Jefferson Montessori is part of Carlsbad School District.
School Reviews
Review Jefferson Montessori. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
