2024 Best High Schools for Athletes in Bernalillo County

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: Sandia Prep offers an experience where all involved are an extended family. There is a welcoming factor found in this community like no other. From allowing students to make choices that benefit them, allowing involvement in all activities they desire, to finding balance between the academics, athletics, arts, activities and atmosphere, Sandia Prep encourages growth through involvement. As a parent of an alumni, I can say that this school certainly shaped my child by offering her everything that she needed to be successful in all aspects of her life and has allowed her to blossom into an incredible young adult who is facing the world with grace, kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness and integrity. Sandia Prep and its personnel, from the faculty to the supporting staff members, provided a wonderful education for my daughter to base her future involvement, reaping the benefits of experience and the understanding of what a community should be and how to accomplish that in the future.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 14

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  236 reviews

Alum: St. Pius X prepared me well, not only for a Ivy League degree, but for life. On top of the academic preparation, a wide breadth of cocurricular classes allowed for exploration into different passions- some of which I still hold, such as film photography and weight lifting. Athletically, the coaches and teammates I was blessed to compete with all touched my heart, many of whom I still keep in touch with. Aside from the great teachers, courses offered, and stellar athletic teams, the diversity of the students and emphasis on living out the Catholic faith taught me to always love your neighbor. I would argue that this aspect is what makes St. Pius X so special. I would always recommend St. Pius for students and parents looking to have a well rounded, wholistic high school experience. When one attends St. Pius, they enter into one of the greatest school communities in all of New Mexico, with a proud alumni base. I am proud to be a Sartan for life!... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  187 reviews

Alum: Hope definitely gave me an academic foundation that set me up for my future successes in college and in my career. The nuanced teacher student interactions, gifted program options, college preparatory focus, and spiritual growth guidance really helps to put out well rounded, confident, and capable students. Also, the community it fosters lasts far after the student matriculates! I would like to see more racial diversity in the students accepted.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 20

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  487 reviews

Senior: I loved my four years at La Cueva because the school spirit and community was amazing. They take a lot of pride in their academic and athletic accomplishments. They have great dances, pep rally's, band performances, clubs, teachers, and students. The security guards are super sweet and always make sure students are having a great day.La Cueva also has a great tutoring program for students that need help with subjects they are struggling with.The janitors do a terrific job keeping our school clean and beautiful. I love that we are an indoor campus so we are protected from the harsh winters. Overall my four years were amazing, and La Cueva made my high school experience one to remember!... Read 487 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  178 reviews

Parent: As the mother of a recent graduate, I can say that there is no way to put a price tag on everything this school has provided for my son. I would pay for this education again if I had to; it has been just that valuable to him! The learning environment "doesn't feel like school" (his words) because it is so engaging, interesting, and fun! The peer group is unmatched and I can tell that his graduating class will be friends for a lifetime. The teachers and other school employees foster a very relational way of interacting with the students; it felt like a big family! During his seven years at the school, Albuquerque Academy has given my son both roots and wings. He is now ready to fly into the world and make an impact on it, taking with him the knowledge and confidence he gained during his time at the school. I highly, highly recommend this school for anyone who is seeking a rigorous college-prep education in a family-like environment.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 20

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  506 reviews

Senior: I didn't truly have the opportunity to experience high school until my Junior and Senior year. I am one of the students that started my freshman year in high school at home and online due to COVID restrictions. I'm happy to say my experience at Volcano Vista has been great both in person and online. I am fortunate enough to be disciplined and I was able to maintain good grades online while staying focused. I feel like my high school is setting me up for my future. Thank you!... Read 506 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: Bosque School was the perfect place for my son who graduated a couple of years ago. His teachers were experienced, inspiring, and loved their students. The location is gorgeous -- in the bosque around the Rio Grande -- and the school gets students out in the woods doing science experiments, observing plants and animals, and appreciating their wild surroundings. My son was extremely well-prepared for college after graduating from Bosque School. In addition to his academic preparation and his athletic achievements, his experience at Bosque contributed to his social and emotional development so that he was well-equipped to be successful and independent at a major university. I can't say enough good things about this school!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 11

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  390 reviews

Senior: My experience at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School has been a wonderful experience. From my freshman year to my upcoming senior year. The best experiences I've had at Atrisco is the sports Coaches, they show nothing but encouragement and tough love towards their athletes. I was able to make it to state twice during track because of my coach, he had so much belief in me that it allowed me to believe in myself. He also respected my faith, I'm Christian. One meet God spoke through him and it was so amazing to see how God can move throughout a school, let alone a coach. The first ever Bible club at Atrisco was created and that was the best experience I ever had, praise and glory to God! I would like to see change with the student involvement in extracurricular activities and the support staff actually supporting their students in all fields of help they need (mental, educational, health, etc).... Read 390 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  758 reviews

Senior: Eldorado High School has given me a safe place to learn more about myself, create meaningful relationships with like-minded peers, and expand my understanding of the world around me. The best part of Eldorado is the supportive and attentive staff. I struggled during my freshman year and spent the majority of it online because of Covid-19. Despite the major barriers to creating student-teacher relationships brought on by the pandemic, the staff at Eldorado continued to go beyond the curriculum to connect. There were countless check-ins, small group meetings, class discussions, and collaborative work to make the school year as meaningful as possible. Overall, I am very happy with my high school experience and sad to see it coming to an end. If I could change something at Eldorado, I would like to see less vandalism. It creates a less inviting atmosphere for the rest of our students and displays a general attitude of disrespect from those destroying our campus. In conclusion, go Eagles!... Read 758 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  380 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Albuquerque High are dedicated to promoting the growth and teaching all of us students. They are generally understanding, kind, and pleasent to be taught by. The school has great activities and school spirit and there is generally no bullying or belittling. The only downside was the fact that most of the school bathrooms weren't open and the schools hygenic standards are not up to date. It's unfair to us students who have no choice but to be in bathrooms with no soap or that haven't been cleaned.... Read 380 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  343 reviews

Senior: I would say it is a great high school to go to, as it is highly academically inclined and is able to teach many different people many different things. It has a really big campus, with several different buildings, some new and some old. A large library and gym, a new baseball field, and a softball field. A football field and a large gravel pit that's extremely fun to run in. There are no real problems, other than the people ditching class all the time. Security is pretty lax and you can literally leave class with no problem. That's the only real problem with this school, but overall, it's a really good school to go to, and I would love to send my children there as well, as my mom went here and I went here. Go Matadors!... Read 343 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: Our son started at Menaul School this year, as an 8th grader. He has been in online school for the past 3 years so deciding on a brick and mortar school to go back to was a big decision for us. The inclusivity is apparent from the very beginning. The staff has been very welcoming and helpful. The class sizes are small, allowing for personalized attention. The teachers are helpful, responsive, and engaging. The options for electives, clubs, and athletics are impressive and allow students to find their niche. We are very pleased with Menaul School!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 9

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: Legacy Academy is an incredible school! I have 3 children that attend pre-k, elementary, and Middle school. We have had nothing but a great experience. The facilities are top-notch. The school is always growing and enhancing its extracurricular options. We love the Godly and Christian environment. We highly recommend Legacy to anyone looking to enrich their child's education.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports —

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  333 reviews

Sophomore: At Cibola, the honors classes are excellent and the teachers are awesome. The campus is clean and the school is in relatively good condition. The clubs and activities are great places to make friends. The special education programs are wonderful and the school aims for inclusivity. That being said, the school does have some issues. Mainly, there is an issue with vaping on campus, especially in the women's bathrooms. There is also an obscene amount of fights, especially near long weekends or breaks. At one point, there were six or seven fights over four days. Also, there aren't many resources available for gifted kids or kids that suffer from hidden disabilities, like ADHD or Autism. In summary, the academics at this school are wonderful with kind teachers who aim to help. The campus is clean and the community is healthy and thriving. However, there is a drug problem at the school, an overload of violence, and few resources for gifted children or those who need just a little extra help.... Read 333 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  153 reviews

Senior: High school always holds amazing memories and valley has given me so many opportunities, by being involved I have seen what happens behind the scenes and its not always pretty but I have seen how people come together to fix it.... Read 153 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  97 reviews

Junior: The school buildings themselves are wonderful. There is a building for some of the art/photography classes, a building split for AFJROTC which includes a weight room that is also connected to the gym, and lastly the main building with three floors that is very colorful and well-decorated. The teachers and staff members themselves are kind and helpful, most of the tense situations come from issues amongst students. Every school is bound to have a few dozen troublemakers, it’s how they’re dealt with after they’ve made mistakes that really matters. Thankfully, from the year in person that I had at the school, no fights were truly allowed to take place as students were quickly separated and, in truth, it’s just a calm, creative environment.... Read 97 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  291 reviews

Senior: The physical appearance of the school is well-kept and mostly modern. The campus is surrounded by tall fences and locking doors, student safety is taken seriously. Student parking/ drop-off and pickup, however, has been an ongoing issue as of recently. It is a diverse high school that offers many opportunities to its low-income students. It offers sports, clubs, and other after-school programs. The administration has had a few ups and downs but its staff is normally kind. The AP and Gifted programs are well-planned. The math curriculum could use a revamp, it's not focused on practice-based learning, making it hard for students to retain information. English curriculum is well-planned and benefits students the most. With a recent focus on college readiness, more college bases resources are available. There are a variety of well-rounded science, technology, and math courses offered. The school is working on improvement, it has a bright future.... Read 291 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  193 reviews

Alum: My experience at West Mesa High School was an amazing and memorable experience. The best part my West Mesa High School were the teachers, they are down to earth, and give a real definition of what teacher is, by demonstrating support, transparency, and understanding. I'm addition, activities the West Mesa High School held were also a fun experience, such as senior barbecue's. However, one of the worst parts of my West Mesa High School experience, was the sudden transition to a more strict discipline system. One thing I would like to see change, is to elevate more student participation with such activities, such as having more school spirit throughout campus or attending activities such as sports competitions. Overall, West Mesa High School was an amazing experience that I will never forget.... Read 193 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  179 reviews

Senior: Great school, lots of diversity! I really enjoyed the teachers, they are clearly very passionate about helping their students.... Read 179 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Total number of sports 17

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I graduated from this school, went on to get a certificate in Medical Assisting as well as an Associate's Degree in Health Studies and then became a Pastor as well. The education here is great! I now send my 3 school-age children to this school and some of then same teachers and staff are still there! On top of this 2 of my siblings also send all their school-age children as well. If I could change anything, I wish it would go back to how it was when I went with Fridays off, on top of that the price has went 10% the last 2 years, but I believe they are the least expensive school in town, so the 10% hike isn't as bad as it sounds. Overall great school and education.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports —

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: Oak Grove Classical Academy has provided a very safe environment for learning. On top of that, it has also greatly encouraged understanding of rhetoric and literature. The rhetoric especially has helped me to develop into a much stronger and much more persuasive speaker. I wish there were more options for electives, but the school is growing, so I expect there to be more options in the future. I have always appreciated Oak Grove's policy to dive deeper rather than broader. Diving deeper allows for greater discovery and richer discussion. The materials covered are always profoundly thought provoking. Finally, the emphasis on a university model really helps prepare students for the independent study they will have to conduct if they choose to go to college.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports 8

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Salam Academy combines the pursuit of academic excellence while building a strong moral character. The smaller teacher to student ratio, lowest private school tuition, and student testing performance (typically several grades beyond attending grade) are some of the reasons we moved our child to Salam Academy. In these challenging times, salam academy becomes an extension of the child’s home. My child continues to perform at the highest academics and is slowly becoming a leader within her community. We recommend you to go and look for yourself!... Read 6 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports —

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports —

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Technology Leadership is a small start up school, but what it really stands for stood tall during my stay and that is the emphasis on succeeding not only with your peers but to develop with them, as well as learning how to understand certain work relationships. It was a very good school and I highly recommend it.... Read 1 review

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports —

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: This school has helped me so much. The staff there is amazing and they care for each and every student there. I got the opportunity to graduate a year early with hard work and support from the staff there. They treat everyone like family and it is a great school, they teach differently and interact with the community.... Read 1 review

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Total number of sports —