Desert Hills Elementary vs Explore Academy Las Cruces
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New Mexico, United States, 1.8 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Desert Hills Elementary
Las Cruces · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
502 students
Explore Academy Las Cruces
Las Cruces · Charter other · Grades K–11
599 students
| Measure | Desert Hills Elementary Las Cruces, New Mexico | Explore Academy Las Cruces Las Cruces, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 44 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank | #55 of 416 | – |
| National rank | #29256 of 50,301 | – |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Other |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades K–11 |
| Students | 502 | 599 |
| Enrollment | 502 | 599 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 100% | 46.6% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 11.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 53% | – |
| Math proficiency | 46% | – |
| city | Las Cruces | Las Cruces |
| state | New Mexico | New Mexico |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Explore Academy Las Cruces does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (46.6% vs 100%).
- •Explore Academy Las Cruces does better on students per teacher (11.7 vs 12.2).
- •Explore Academy Las Cruces is the larger school with 599 students compared with 502.
- •Desert Hills Elementary is a public school while Explore Academy Las Cruces is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Desert Hills Elementary better than Explore Academy Las Cruces?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (US). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Desert Hills Elementary and Explore Academy Las Cruces?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Las Cruces and Las Cruces in New Mexico.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Desert Hills Elementary: 502. Explore Academy Las Cruces: 599. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Desert Hills Elementary and Explore Academy Las Cruces rank in New Mexico?
Desert Hills Elementary is 55th of 416 and Explore Academy Las Cruces is unranked among elementary schools in New Mexico on the 2025 Success Index (US).