February 27, 2026
NM public schools achieve highest graduation rates in over a decade
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) today announced that the statewide graduation rate has risen 2.4 percentage points to 80.6%, the highest rate in more than a decade.
Eight schools have exited school improvement status, including seven that successfully exited More Rigorous Intervention (MRI) status, the state’s highest level of support for chronically struggling schools.
The eight schools are:
Albuquerque Public Schools: Mark Armijo Academy, Highland High School, Rio Grande High School, Siembra Leadership High School, Technology Leadership High School
Farmington Municipal Schools: Rocinante High School
Roswell Independent School District: University High School
PEC Charter School: Vista Grande High School
After multiple years of focused effort, these schools met benchmarks for academic improvement and, where applicable, boosted graduation rates by strengthening leadership, using data to guide instruction and providing targeted student support. The PED supported this progress through on-site monitoring, structured reflections aligned with each school’s goals, and professional learning and executive coaching designed to build strong systems, enhance leadership skills and sustain long-term improvement.
“Exiting More Rigorous Intervention is no small feat,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. “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. Their progress shows that with the right support, strong school leadership, and an unwavering focus on student success, more young people can earn their diplomas and build stronger futures right here in New Mexico.”
"Through intentional redesign of our systems, fostering reciprocal accountability, and providing meaningful support to our teachers, we’ve built a culture of shared responsibility and growth,” said Mark Armijo Academy Executive Director Shawn Morris. “While we celebrate exiting school improvement, we remain focused on sustaining progress and continuing to improve outcomes for our students, community and staff.”
Rio Grande High School and Highland High School in Albuquerque Public Schools exited MRI status after sustained gains in graduation rates, marking a significant turnaround following years of focused improvement supported by stronger instructional leadership and targeted PED coaching and monitoring.
Vista Grande High School, a state charter school, exited MRI status through a systems-level approach that strengthened data use, expanded math and English language arts interventions, and increased access to dual enrollment and career pathways. Partnerships with Bridges, UNM-Taos and the Field Institute of Taos enhanced postsecondary and experiential learning opportunities, supported by PED coaching and professional development.
In Gadsden Independent School District, Gadsden High School and Santa Teresa High School maintained high graduation rates across multiple years — about 89% in 2024 and 89.8% and 94.5%, respectively, in 2025 — by strengthening data collection, attendance tracking and multi-layered student supports. Both schools participate in Perkins and NextGen career technical education programs.
Today’s announcement reflects the dedication of teachers, school leaders, students and families who worked together to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for New Mexico students.
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The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram.
Link: NEWS RELEASE: NM public schools achieve highest graduation rates in over a decade