Is Cottonwood Classical Prep a good school?

Yes! Cottonwood Classical Prep is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 2 nd of 172 New Mexico high schools.

How many students attend Cottonwood Classical Prep?

In the 2023-24 school year, 807 students attended Cottonwood Classical Prep.

What is the racial makeup of Cottonwood Classical Prep?

Students at Cottonwood Classical Prep are 52% Hispanic, 37% White, 4% Asian, 4% Two or more races, 2% American Indian, 2% African American.

Cottonwood Classical Prep

Summary:

Cottonwood Classical Prep is a high-performing public charter school serving grades 6-12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With an enrollment of 807 students, the school has consistently ranked among the top high schools in the state, earning a statewide ranking of 2 out of 172 high schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Cottonwood Classical Prep is part of the Cottonwood Classical Prep District, which is ranked 3 out of 128 districts in New Mexico and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Cottonwood Classical Prep significantly outperforms the state averages in academic proficiency. In the 2023-2024 school year, 73% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 39%. In Mathematics, 52% of Cottonwood students were proficient or better, compared to the state average of 25%. The school also excels in science, with 90.8% of 11th-grade students proficient or better on the NM-ASR Science assessment, compared to the state average of 43.84%. Cottonwood Classical Prep maintains a relatively low student-teacher ratio of 14.2, which is lower than many of the nearby schools, such as Sandia High, which has significantly lower proficiency rates and a lower graduation rate.

Cottonwood Classical Prep has shown a remarkable improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from 13th out of 182 high schools in 2017-2018 to 2nd out of 172 high schools in 2023-2024. This consistent upward trajectory demonstrates the school's commitment to excellence and its ability to continuously enhance its educational outcomes. Additionally, Cottonwood Classical Prep serves a diverse student population, with strong performance across different racial/ethnic groups, and even for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, the school ranks 1st out of 127 high schools in the state, suggesting its ability to effectively support and uplift students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Detail:

Public, Charter 6-12

7801 Jefferson St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109

(505) 998-1021

District: Cottonwood Classical Prep

SchoolDigger Rank:
2^nd of 172 New Mexico High Schools

Student/teacher ratio: 14.2

Number of students: 807

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

51.7%

White:

37.1%

Asian:

4.2%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 99.6%

See top rated New Mexico high schools

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Cottonwood Classical Prep is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2018 the calculated Average Standard Score was 94.21. (See more...)

Compare Details Cottonwood Classical Prep ranks better than 98.8% of high schools in New Mexico. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.91. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Cottonwood Classical Prep who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Student Body

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Teachers

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Schooldigger 2018 Rankings:

Cottonwood Classical Prep:

SchoolDigger ranks Cottonwood Classical Prep 2^nd of 172 New Mexico public high schools. (See Cottonwood Classical Prep in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Cottonwood Classical Prep:

SchoolDigger ranks Cottonwood Classical Prep 3^rd of 128 New Mexico school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Cottonwood Classical Prep

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Rank History for all middle school students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NM State Percentile
2010	95.72	8^th	179	95.5%
2011	95.24	5^th	173	97.1%
2012	96.29	3^rd	178	98.3%
2013	94.92	7^th	193	96.4%
2014	90.91	12^th	222	94.6%
2015	86.63	17^th	207	91.8%
2016	83.66	21^st	208	89.9%
2017	88.16	16^th	176	90.9%
2018	94.21	6^th	186	96.8%

See the entire list of New Mexico High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	92.45	7^th	156	95.5%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	94.42	7^th	151	95.4%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	92.70	4^th	149	97.3%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	90.19	5^th	120	95.8%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Mexico Public Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Cottonwood Classical Prep

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Rank History for all high school students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile
2010	97.62	4^th	154	97.4%
2011	97.59	5^th	157	96.8%
2012	98.99	2^nd	163	98.8%
2013	98.57	2^nd	177	98.9%
2014	98.03	3^rd	198	98.5%
2015	87.98	9^th	193	95.3%
2016	84.81	16^th	185	91.4%
2017	88.32	17^th	158	89.2%
2018	89.40	13^th	182	92.9%
2024	97.91	2^nd	172	98.8%

See the entire list of New Mexico High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Special Education students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	50.53	14^th	32	56.3%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	99.77	1^st	127	99.2%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	87.77	14^th	145	90.3%
2024	94.46	6^th	142	95.8%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	86.76	19^th	143	86.7%
2024	98.99	2^nd	150	98.7%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school Asian students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	82.14	1^st	13	92.3%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	92.76	8^th	133	94.0%
2024	95.25	7^th	136	94.9%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NM State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	79.35	17^th	115	85.2%
2024	96.95	2^nd	136	98.5%

See the entire list of Best New Mexico High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Mexico Public Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: New Mexico Public Education Department

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.1)

69%

15%

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

My son has loved it. Great teachers, no complaints from this family. In a few years I will proudly have both my boys at CCPS. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, March 1, 2017

I have two children, one in 10th grade and one in 7th grade. CCPS provides an excellent atmosphere for them and I feel they are being well prepared for life. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, March 30, 2014

This school is administered very well. Teachers are held to a standard and removed if they don't meet them. Close Quote

by a citizen
Tuesday, December 11, 2012

This is what school choice is all about! Cottonwood has been a public International Baccalaureate high school for three years. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) wants to lay claim that they are the first to bring this kind of school into New Mexico, but they are blowing smoke, as usual. Charter schools were intended to be innovative in their approaches so that other public schools might follow in their footsteps. Looks like that is coming to fruition, if only APS could acknowledge that there are others out there who have actually been the pioneers and paved the way for them! Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I would recommend this amazing school to all students that want to learn. I volunteer at the front desk and have never seen such dedicated staff and faculty. It is heartwarming to see an administration that is so proactive with what is best for the students and not for the convenience of staff and parents. They have policies and guidelines in place to facilitate the students learning and to distract them from outside influences. They are not afraid to change faculty to meet the needs of the students and the charter. You will not see stale, lackadaisical or passive behavior at this school. I am so thankful my child was drawn it their lottery and wish every child in New Mexico had this opportunity. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, January 16, 2012

I would not recommend this school to anyone.....Lots of fluff....No substance. They do not prepare your child adequately nor do they offer real teaching. The method they use is a poor way of teaching...example..no grammar in 6th grade..what is that....alowed to pass math tests with test corrections.. The teacher turn over is terrible as well, leaving the child to contend with different teaching styles and grades that do not reflect the childs true progress. Furthermore, there is nepotism in the administrative leadership of the school. This school sounds good on paper but delivers nothing.....BEWARE!!!!!!! Close Quote

by a student
Sunday, November 6, 2011

This is an amazing school that offers so many opportunities. Some may say this school has problems but it is all in early stages. When someone gets a brand new puppy, it is terrible and un-organized. That is like Cottonwood Classical. But you wouldn't just through your puppy in the trash because there are great things awaiting. THAT is a great example of our school. Now, the school has grown into an amazing learning environment and there are so many teachers who actually care to be teaching us. I am already in a Pre- IB class and I'm only in 8th grade. Give this school a chance because it is molding us, as children, to succeed. :) Close Quote

by a student
Sunday, October 9, 2011

An amazing difference from public high schools in New Mexico. It's amazing education makes up for the minor problems (which any new school such as this would have). Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Check the IB website for the multitude of opportunities an IB school creates for you.
For a new school, CCPS is doing great. Yes there are growing pains, but each year gets better and better. There is no way I would consider moving my kids any place else. They have strong friendships, the teachers and admin are great, and they are getting an education you would otherwise have to pay for, which is something I cannot afford to do. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, September 19, 2010

So many thing are wrong with this school, it's difficult to know where to begin. The charter itself isn't followed, so this is just like any public school. There isn't much physical space for the kids. The purported ratios of 12 students to one teacher are bogus. Most classes are large and some of them, like science, are often extremely so. There are few after school activities unless sports is your thing. The staff seems to be related or married in to the family of the founder. The teachers do a pretty good job just like at any public school, and just like at a public school, there are some teachers who don't do so great. The school seems to be challenged in finding math teachers. Do your research on the IB program, which sounds great, but when you check with individual colleges, many of them do not count it at all. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Cottonwood Classical Prep

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2009	89	11	3	35	0	n/a	n/a	138
2010	163	9	5	69	1	0	0	247
2011	217	9	8	122	1	0	0	357
2012	286	13	19	128	4	0	0	450
2013	380	16	16	126	4	0	0	542
2014	370	17	19	187	8	1	12	614
2015	453	23	26	148	5	1	8	664
2016	393	22	21	241	6	4	8	695
2017	343	16	21	309	3	2	12	706
2018	339	17	28	328	2	2	18	734
2024	299	13	34	417	14	0	30	807

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	138	10.0	13.8	n/a
2010	247	21.0	11.7	15
2011	357	31.0	11.4	7
2012	450	30.2	14.8	4.4
2013	542	37.3	14.5	21.2
2014	614	40.0	15.3	15.1
2015	664	43.0	15.4	13.9
2016	695	46.0	15.1	15
2017	706	49.2	14.3	11.5
2018	734	48.8	15.0	7.5
2024	807	56.7	14.2	99.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Cottonwood Classical Prep

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	138	10.0	13.8	n/a
2010	247	21.0	11.7	15
2011	357	31.0	11.4	7
2012	450	30.2	14.8	4.4
2013	542	37.3	14.5	21.2
2014	614	40.0	15.3	15.1
2015	664	43.0	15.4	13.9
2016	695	46.0	15.1	15
2017	706	49.2	14.3	11.5
2018	734	48.8	15.0	7.5
2024	807	56.7	14.2	99.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Schools Near Cottonwood Classical Prep

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				SAT School Day English Language Arts (2024)	SAT School Day Mathematics (2024)	NM-ASR Science (2024)		NM-MSSA English Language Arts (2024)				NM-MSSA Mathematics (2024)				Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	SAT School Day English Language Arts 11th Grade	SAT School Day Mathematics 11th Grade	NM-ASR Science 8th Grade	NM-ASR Science 11th Grade	NM-MSSA English Language Arts 6th Grade	NM-MSSA English Language Arts 7th Grade	NM-MSSA English Language Arts 8th Grade	NM-MSSA English Language Arts All Grades	NM-MSSA Mathematics 6th Grade	NM-MSSA Mathematics 7th Grade	NM-MSSA Mathematics 8th Grade	NM-MSSA Mathematics All Grades	Total
Cottonwood Classical Prep	Public, Charter	6-12	7801 Jefferson St NE	Albuquerque	87109	Bernalillo County	Cottonwood Classical Prep	Yes	(n/a)	No	Yes	(505) 998-1021	807	57	14.2	99.6%	299 (37.1%)	13 (1.6%)	417 (51.7%)	34 (4.2%)	14 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (3.7%)	97.9	2^nd of 172 public high schools	98.8%					(n/a)	88.5	57.5	63.8	90.8	68.5	75.7	74.0	73.0	56.2	57.6	40.2	52.0
Health Leadership High School	Public, Charter	9-12	6401 Jefferson Street NE	Albuquerque	87109	Bernalillo County	Albuquerque	Yes	(n/a)	No	Yes	(505) 750-4547	226	7	30.9	68.6%	29 (12.8%)	7 (3.1%)	183 (81.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$10,187
The Great Academy	Public, Charter	6-12	6001-A San Mateo Blvd NE	Albuquerque	87109	Bernalillo County	The Great Academy	Yes	(n/a)	No	Yes	(505) 792-0306	105	3	30.8	82.9%	11 (10.5%)	8 (7.6%)	77 (73.3%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (5.7%)	14.1	153^rd of 172 public high schools	11.0%		18	148^th of 170 public high schools	12.9%	5								20.0				10.0	$11,383
La Cueva High	Public	9-12	7801 Wilshire NE	Albuquerque	87122	Bernalillo County	Albuquerque	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 823-2327	1,831	98	18.6	37.2%	717 (39.2%)	24 (1.3%)	801 (43.7%)	158 (8.6%)	47 (2.6%)	3 (0.2%)	81 (4.4%)	92.3	13^th of 172 public high schools	92.4%		98.2	6^th of 170 public high schools	96.5%	7	69.7	42.5		69.6									$7,910
Nex Gen Academy	Public	9-12	5325 Montgomery NE	Albuquerque	87109	Bernalillo County	Albuquerque	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 878-6400	209	20	10.4	68.4%	63 (30.1%)	3 (1.4%)	126 (60.3%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.3%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (3.8%)	90	14^th of 172 public high schools	91.9%		83.4	29^th of 170 public high schools	82.9%	15	65.6	37.7		70.5									$8,453
Del Norte High	Public	9-12	5323 Montgomery NE	Albuquerque	87109	Bernalillo County	Albuquerque	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(505) 883-7222	1,066	70	15.3	102.0%	110 (10.3%)	44 (4.1%)	630 (59.1%)	37 (3.5%)	195 (18.3%)	1 (0.1%)	49 (4.6%)	27.1	115^th of 172 public high schools	33.1%		20.4	140^th of 170 public high schools	17.6%	25	29.7	7.0		37.1									$10,957
Sandia High	Public	9-12	7801 Candelaria NE	Albuquerque	87110	Bernalillo County	Albuquerque	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 294-1511	1,672	104	16.1	108.5%	421 (25.2%)	58 (3.5%)	960 (57.4%)	60 (3.6%)	88 (5.3%)	0 (0.0%)	85 (5.1%)	64.6	48^th of 172 public high schools	72.1%		80.6	33^rd of 170 public high schools	80.6%	15	55.3	24.4		47.4									$8,994
Sequoyah	Public	6-12	3405 Pan American Fwy	Albuquerque	87107	Bernalillo County	Sequoyah	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 222-0355	10	3	3.3	70.0%	6 (60.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (40.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Foothill High School	Public	6-12	400 Edith Blvd NE	Albuquerque	87107	Bernalillo County	Juvenile Justice	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 841-2400	34	10	3.4	91.2%	2 (5.9%)	1 (2.9%)	29 (85.3%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Camino Nuevo Youth	Public	6-12	4050 Edith Blvd NE	Albuquerque	87107	Bernalillo County	Juvenile Justice	No	(n/a)	No	No	(505) 841-2400	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)

Cottonwood Classical Prep

Cottonwood Classical Prep:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Cottonwood Classical Prep:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for all middle school students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for middle school Female students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for middle school Male students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for middle school White students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for all high school students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Special Education students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Female students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Male students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Asian students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Rank History for high school White students at Cottonwood Classical Prep

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Enrollment information for Cottonwood Classical Prep

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Cottonwood Classical Prep

Student/Teacher Ratio Cottonwood Classical Prep

Schools Near Cottonwood Classical Prep

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