NM public schools post highest graduation rate in more than a decade
New Mexico’s graduation rate climbed to 80.6% in 2025, the highest in more than a decade, as eight schools exited intensive intervention and Gadsden schools sustained rates above 89%.
Statewide rate rises to 80.6%; Gadsden schools maintain graduation rates above 89%
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - New Mexico’s public schools achieved their highest graduation rate in more than a decade, with southern New Mexico districts continuing to post some of the state’s strongest numbers.
The statewide graduation rate rose 2.4 percentage points to 80.6% in 2025, according to the New Mexico Public Education Department.
In Gadsden Independent School District, Gadsden High School and Santa Teresa High School maintained graduation rates near or above 90% over multiple years. The schools reported rates of about 89% in 2024 and 89.8% and 94.5%, respectively, in 2025.
Statewide, eight schools exited school improvement status, including seven that left More Rigorous Intervention status, the state’s highest level of support for chronically struggling schools.
The schools are:
- Albuquerque Public Schools: Mark Armijo Academy, Highland High School, Rio Grande High School, Siembra Leadership High School and Technology Leadership High School
- Farmington Municipal Schools: Rocinante High School
- Roswell Independent School District: University High School
- PEC Charter School: Vista Grande High School
State officials said the schools met academic benchmarks and improved graduation rates by strengthening leadership, using student data to guide instruction and expanding targeted support services.
Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla credited educators and communities for sustained improvement.
“Exiting More Rigorous Intervention is no small feat,” Padilla said. “These schools, their educators and their communities have committed to meaningful change to ensure more students cross the graduation stage ready for college or career.”
Shawn Morris, executive director of Mark Armijo Academy, said the school redesigned internal systems and strengthened teacher support.
“While we celebrate exiting school improvement, we remain focused on sustaining progress and continuing to improve outcomes for our students, community and staff,” Morris said.
Rio Grande High School and Highland High School in Albuquerque exited More Rigorous Intervention status after increasing graduation rates over multiple years.
Vista Grande High School expanded math and English language arts interventions, strengthened data tracking and increased access to dual enrollment and career pathways. The school partnered with Bridges, UNM-Taos and the Field Institute of Taos to expand postsecondary and experiential learning opportunities.
The department said teachers, administrators, students and families contributed to the statewide gains.
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