Education

Education is important to the citizens of Carlsbad, as evident by our excellent school system and the fact that we have a local university in our own backyard. This allows students to go from Pre-K through their Associates Degree without ever leaving town. There are currently 6,935 students enrolled in the Carlsbad public school system, a number that has grown by nearly 600 in just two years. This signifies the incredible growth taking place in our region. As a community, we are focused on the success of all our students and invite you to learn more about why this is such an excellent place to raise a family.

desert willow elementary

high school

ocotillo elementary

Here is a list of the Carlsbad schools serving students Pre-K through high school. Visit carlsbadschools.net for more information!

Our Schools

  • Carlsbad Early College High School
  • Carlsbad High School
  • PR Leyva CIS
  • Alta Vista CIS
  • Carlsbad Enrichment Center
  • Early Childhood Education Center
  • Hillcrest Preschool
  • Jefferson Montessori Academy
  • Cottonwood Elementary School
  • Desert Willow Elementary School
  • Monterrey Elementary School
  • Ocotillo Elementary School
  • Sunset Elementary School

SENMC

Southeast New Mexico College is an incredible asset to our community. It allows local students and adults to receive their advanced degree, without ever leaving town. Many of their academic paths, like nursing and manufacturing programs, are designed to give students the skills they need to enter the workforce after completing two years of schooling. This is ideal for students who are interested in starting their career quickly. Other students choose to complete their first two years here and then transfer to a four-year university.

About

Southeast New Mexico College “SENMC” was established in 1950 as the State’s first Community College and was named the Carlsbad Instructional Center. Ten years later, the Center was renamed as a branch campus of New Mexico State College System. In 1980, the campus was relocated to a new building, which was expanded with an additional wing of classrooms in 1987. In 1996, computer facility wing for occupational programs was added to the existing facilities. The newest building, the Allied Health Center was completed in 2011 to house programs in Nursing and Allied Health.

The College celebrated its 70th year record of accomplishments on October 2, 2020. Throughout its existence, the College has helped shape lives and in turn, shape the community of Carlsbad. The College appreciate the continued support of Carlsbad and Eddy County community. Effective July 1, 2021, SENMC Carlsbad started another phase of its rich history by transitioning from NMSU Carlsbad to Southeast New Mexico College as an independent Community College.

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For 1998, 1999, and 2000, SENMC was the only two-year college in the state to be recognized consecutively by Quality New Mexico. SENMC has a student population of approximately 2,000 students, approximately 41 full-time faculty members, 63 part-time faculty members, and 72 full-time staff members.

For more information, visit senmc.edu.