Summary:
The Gadsden area is home to 5 high schools, including Gadsden High, Santa Teresa High, Chaparral High, Desert Pride Academy, and Alta Vista Early College High School. While the district as a whole appears to be underperforming, with most schools ranking in the bottom half of New Mexico, one school stands out as an exception.
Alta Vista Early College High School consistently ranks among the top 21 high schools in the state, earning 4-5 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger. Its test scores are significantly higher than the district and state averages, with 70.73% of 11th graders proficient or better in Science and ELA. In contrast, the other Gadsden high schools lag behind, with test scores and rankings that fall below the state average.
The high rates of free/reduced lunch recipients across the district, ranging from 100% at most schools to 78% at Santa Teresa High, indicate significant socioeconomic challenges that the schools are facing. This likely contributes to the lower academic performance seen in the majority of Gadsden high schools, with the exception of the standout Alta Vista Early College High School.
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