2023 Best Middle Schools in the Albuquerque Area

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  176 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 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: Sandia Prep is the village we have chosen for our family and we are so glad we did! Our two children are incredibly different (personalities, interests, strengths, etc.) people and they have each found their "niche" (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) at Prep. The education of our children is of great importance to us as parents, and we are so grateful for Sandia Prep, which is giving a very well-rounded and full experience to our children. Honestly, we could not be happier!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 514

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: Our kids are students at Menaul, and they have greatly grown both personally and academically. Menaul is a unique college preparatory school with a beautiful campus and dedicated staff. Because of its boarding program there are students from over 20 countries and due to generous donations, the school offers substantial financial aid bringing in students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Menaul's “no cut” sports program and PE classes are another big plus. It gets kids in shape and is a great way for them to build lasting friendships. Finally, their management through CoVid was superior! They were open and in person (with an online option) nearly the entire time by working hard to keep everyone safe and finding reasonable solutions to requirements such as classroom density. If you are looking for a school that provides solid college-prep academics with a wide lens on the world in a safe and caring environment, then this is the right school for your family.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: We were looking for a school that was designed differently, with a focus on all things "pro-student" as well as a strong sense of community. Bosque School has checked ALL of these boxes and more! Our son absolutely loves the atmosphere and "Staffulty". He is challenged daily with his classes, but not overwhelmed. His academic focus has experienced a positive 180 degree shift from where he was previously. The daily environment includes progressive education approaches and a focus on developing critical thinking. The overall diversity, smaller student body and beautiful open campus has given him new-found peace of mind and confidence vs. the overcrowded, "tough" public school settings he had previously been in. Highly recommend!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 411

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  46 reviews

Junior: AIMS is an interesting school is the easiest way to put it. The school itself is middle school and high school, yet holds about 600-800ish students. The faculty are close-knit, since it is so tiny, and the students practically stick with the same classmates they met in 6th grade. The academic course is excellent for those who wish to attend UNM afterward since the school is chartered by UNM, as you are required to take 30 college credit hours on top of your high school learning. The course load is best put manageable and is best for those who hold their academics higher than their extra-curricular activities. As it is free and requires you to help out with community service per semester, rigorous science fair and Rube Goldberg competitions, and college classes during high school, it is a niche for students who are willing to go through it, and also comply with dress code.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A

• Students 382

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Happy to deal with this school, and happy my child goes here. They could teach some other schools (sve) how to improve!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 914

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: Cottonwood is an amazing school! Every teacher is dedicated to making each student feel at home. Although the workload can be a lot at times, it really has prepared me to know what college is like. It gives students a very good work ethic, and after being at this school for five years, I have learned so many things that have helped me in the real world. I love that this school offers so many different electives to help students get their creative juices flowing. As a senior this year, the IB Program has trained me to think like a college student. I will be very prepared when I graduate and will understand how lessons will be taught in college. I am very pleased with how this school runs and addresses important issues. This school is my home and is a safe place I can turn to. I have created so many friendships with kids in my classes as well as my teachers. I would definitely recommend attending if you're looking for a really great education that will prepare you for the real world.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Students 782

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: This is my child's 2nd year at ASE and we absolutely love it! The teachers and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, the diversity is unbelievable and overall just a very welcoming place to be. They communicate well and welcome the parents to be involved in everything, especially to follow your child's progress and their grades. It has also been a relief to know all the safety measures and precautions they have in place to protect the students during this pandemic. They truly take their health and well being seriously. I highly recommend this school!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Students 905

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rio Rancho, NM•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: Good school, good academic, not many clubs. All scholars and staff get along with each other. Middle school academy is very poor quality though.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A

• Students 567

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: I am an older brother to two sibling that attend Rio Rancho Middle school. My younger brother is autistic and the faculty have been amazing to him. The teachers overall are very nice, although the administration leaves a lot to be desired.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,159

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  754 reviews

Alum: My experience at Eldorado was actually decent. The teachers care about helping you take in information easy. The school truly prioritizes mental health and inclusivity. There are many electives and clubs to get involved in. The school sprit is spectacular, especially during school assemblies. The campus is kind of outdated, but is slowly being renovated. However the school needs to work on diversity. Being a POC at this school can be truly challenging sometimes. Overall I enjoyed my experience at Eldorado. Go eagles!... Read 754 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,694

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student at desert ridge, I think it is a good school, I have learned a lot but the teachers don’t care about the students, and I think the amount of homework is awful, I cannot express to you how many anxiety attacks I’ve had because I get very stressed.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Public School•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 862

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

High School Senior: The last day of school parties and teachers... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 826

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Public School•

• 4-8

• grade A minus

• Students 156

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque, NM•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  185 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 185 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,387

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 229

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 4-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: 21st Century Public Academy has kept my high functioning son extremely challenged and kept him at an ability based program, not just grade level and age based. The administration has been so cooperative and open to hearing from parents. The teachers are extremely responsive and communicate frequently with parents. We absolutely have loved 21st Century Public Academy!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 351

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: We have been very happy with NMIS. We've had excellent teachers and our child really enjoys school. The language immersion and IB programs are wonderful. I think the IB projects are great learning experiences. I also really appreciate the art and music classes. The past year has been rough with covid and online learning, but NMIS teachers and staff have worked so hard to make the best of the circumstances. We are so happy to be back to full time in-person school now!... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 389

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  47 reviews

Junior: The arts are very fun to partake in, and most of the teachers are very kind and understanding! The one thing that I would like to see change is the cleanliness of the campus. The building is way too small and highly outdated, and we need more than one janitor!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 449

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: I love Eagle Ridge it is an awesome school. The teachers really care and it is well taken care of. There are good elective choses and well as after school clubs and sports. I would recommend Eagle Eidhe to any of my friends.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 875

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Moriarty, NM•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: Estancia Valley Classical Academy has been a wonderful school to attend. Policies are consistent and easy to understand, teachers are exceptional and the school culture is professional and pleasant. I would love to see a wider variety of classes, especially foreign languages! I’d also be interested in more practical classes like home economics. I appreciate that one math and one science credit are open and allow students to start exploring specialized interests while still in high school. Scheduling and transferring can be an arduous process but has greatly improved over the past few years as far as I can tell. The senior thesis is unrivaled in terms of preparing students for college and critical thinking.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Albuquerque Public Schools, NM•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 389

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1