Tularosa Municipal Schools are earning recognition for academic achievement, innovative career pathways, and a culture of pride that extends far beyond the classroom. While outside ranking systems may offer mixed views depending on their criteria, inside the district the story is one of growth, opportunity, and community spirit.
Graduation Success
Tularosa High School’s Class of 2024 achieved an impressive 91.8% graduation rate, marking nearly a 20% increase over recent years. The accomplishment drew praise from the New Mexico Public Education Department, which spotlighted the district in its RISE NM update. State leaders pointed to Tularosa’s commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and life after high school.
Recognition and Rankings
Independent ranking systems have highlighted different strengths in the district. The education research site Niche awarded Tularosa a C+ overall, but ranked the district #12 out of 87 for Most Diverse Districts in New Mexico and #19 out of 84 for Best Districts for Athletes. These distinctions reflect what residents already know—Tularosa’s students thrive in a welcoming environment and excel in athletics that emphasize teamwork, dedication, and excellence.
Meanwhile, test-heavy evaluators such as SchoolDigger and Public School Review place the district in the lower half statewide. But the state’s own NM Vistas accountability system presents a more comprehensive view. Tularosa High earned a composite school score of 57.4, which takes into account not only test scores, but also student growth, graduation rates, attendance, career readiness, and support for English learners.
Career and Technical Education: A State Model
One of Tularosa’s greatest points of pride is its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which offers 16 career pathways ranging from agricultural engineering through the CASE program to a wide range of hands-on, career-focused studies.
The district’s CTE programs have become so effective that educators from across New Mexico regularly reach out to learn from Tularosa’s model. Under the leadership of Our High School Administration, the programs provide real-world skills, work-based learning experiences, and a strong foundation for both college and workforce readiness.
The Bottom Line
Despite varying rankings, the trajectory of Tularosa Municipal Schools is clear. With a rising graduation rate, strong accountability scores, recognition for diversity and athletics, innovative CTE programs, and facilities that reflect community pride, Tularosa stands out as a district where students are prepared, supported, and celebrated.