Serving 295 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Desert Willow Family School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 295 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Willow Family School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Desert Willow Family School's student population of 295 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
295 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
School Mascot
Dragon
School Rankings
Desert Willow Family School ranks within the top 5% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Willow Family School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#9 out of 796 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
33%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
12%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
30%
62%
Black
1%
2%
White
60%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Dragon
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Willow Family School's ranking?
Desert Willow Family School is ranked #9 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Desert Willow Family School often compared to?
Desert Willow Family Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Albuquerque Institute Of Math & Science by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Willow Family School?
295 students attend Desert Willow Family School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Desert Willow Family School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Willow Family School?
Desert Willow Family School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Willow Family School offer ?
Desert Willow Family School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Willow Family School part of?
Desert Willow Family School is part of Albuquerque School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Willow Family School located?
Desert Willow Family School is located in the McKinley neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM. There are 2 other public schools located in McKinley.
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