District sees strong literacy growth and steady improvements in math and science

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools reported notable gains in state assessment results this spring, including significant improvements in literacy and steady growth in math and science across nearly every campus.

The New Mexico Public Education Department released its Spring 2025 results this week, showing statewide literacy proficiency has climbed ten percentage points since 2022. LCPS mirrored that trend, with elementary, middle and high school students posting measurable gains in key academic areas.

Several schools recorded standout growth, according to NMPED. Those include:

• Desert Hills Elementary — literacy up 9.8 percent
• East Picacho Elementary — literacy up 18 percent; math up 8 percent
• Highland Elementary — literacy up 9.1 percent
• Mesilla Elementary — literacy up 17.9 percent; math up 16.4 percent
• Mesilla Park Elementary — literacy up 13.9 percent
• Sonoma Elementary — literacy up 12.1 percent
• Tombaugh Elementary — literacy up 12.8 percent; math up 9.7 percent
• Camino Real Middle School — literacy up 4.2 percent; math up 3.5 percent
• Picacho Middle School — literacy up 9.2 percent
• Vista Middle School — literacy up 8.8 percent; math up 6.9 percent
• Zia Middle School — literacy up 10.4 percent
• Centennial High School — math up 0.4 percent
• Mayfield High School — math up 1.7 percent

LCPS officials said the results track with statewide improvements in early literacy, where proficiency among kindergarteners rose by 13 percentage points in one year. District leaders credit structured literacy programs, expanded professional development and the work of campus literacy coaches for that progress.

“These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, principals and instructional support staff who continue to close learning gaps and move our students forward,” Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz said in a written statement. “But assessments are not the destination. They are one piece of our overall goal of ensuring every student, in every school, has access to high-quality instruction that prepares them for the next level.”

Ruiz said the gains align directly with the LCPS Strategic Plan, which focuses on student success, instructional excellence and school culture. He pointed to data-driven instruction, structured math support and evidence-based literacy practices as key drivers of improvement.

While statewide math scores remain an area of concern, LCPS noted promising growth among early grades and targeted campuses. The district cited new K–8 benchmark assessments and continued professional learning for math instruction as contributing factors.

“Every gain represents a student’s success story,” Ruiz said. “Our mission is to ensure this momentum continues, especially as we invest in instructional supports and enrichment programs that help every student thrive. To that point, I am very proud that 97 percent of our schools are now designated as a Spotlight or Traditional school.”

Under the state’s accountability system, Spotlight schools rank among the top statewide and have no student subgroup flagged for additional support. Traditional schools meet state expectations without major areas of concern.

The district said the 2025 assessments will guide LCPS’ strategic priorities as it continues work on academic excellence, equity and continuous improvement.