- CHAPARRAL ON-TRACK PREK CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 160 students
- ANTHONY ON-TRACK PREK CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 136 students
- GADSDEN ADMIN COMPLEX PREK CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 135 students
- LA MESA ON TRACK PREK CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 91 students
- GADSDEN MIDDLE — Grades 7–8 · 650 students
- CHAPARRAL MIDDLE — Grades 7–8 · 546 students
- SANTA TERESA MIDDLE — Grades 7–8 · 528 students
- GADSDEN HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1,219 students
- SANTA TERESA HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1,154 students
- CHAPARRAL HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 1,067 students
- ALTA VISTA EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 180 students
- RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 550 students
- DESERT VIEW ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 524 students
- SANTA TERESA ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 484 students
- DESERT TRAIL ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 479 students
- YUCCA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY — Grades K–6 · 439 students
- CHAPARRAL ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 437 students
- VADO ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 415 students
- SUNRISE ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 406 students
- LOMA LINDA ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 398 students
- GADSDEN ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 379 students
- LA UNION ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 340 students
- NORTH VALLEY ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 338 students
- BERINO ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 300 students
- DESERT PRIDE ACADEMY — Grades 7–12 · 221 students
- ANTHONY ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–6 · 163 students
| Metric | Gadsden Independent Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 13,000 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 28 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,536/yr | $13,700/yr | ↓ 27% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gadsden Independent Schools (this district) | 5/10 | 47th | 12,551 |
| Rio Rancho Public Schools | 9/10 | 88th | 17,272 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | 7/10 | 66th | 79,805 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 88 rated districts in NM → 47th percentile → 5/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Gadsden Independent Schools
Gadsden Independent Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 88044 in La Mesa, New Mexico. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 88044. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
Gadsden Independent Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 5/10, placing it in the average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Mexico is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Gadsden Independent Schools ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in New Mexico on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 88044 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 88044
Children in zip code 88044 are assigned to Gadsden Independent Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 88044, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Gadsden Independent Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Mexico districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in La Mesa
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Gadsden Independent Schools serves zip code 88044, homes in and around zip code 88044 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Mexico, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Gadsden Independent Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 88044.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Gadsden Independent Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 88044 data.