Sierra Middle School
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 527-9640
District: Las Cruces Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 6,7,8 • 698 students
Sierra Middle School, a public school located in Las Cruces, NM, serves grades 6-8 in the Las Cruces Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Sierra Middle School is a public school located in Las Cruces, NM. 698 students attend Sierra Middle School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 5/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 Measures of Student Success and Achievement data from New Mexico Public Education Department, and using 2024 Assessment of Science Readiness data from New Mexico Public Education Department. |
| Student Growth | 6/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2023 Student growth data from New Mexico Public Education Department. |
Posted: July 25, 2025
As a teacher with over 10 years of experience in education, I can confidently say that Sierra Middle School is currently in the worst condition Ive ever seen. Under Principal Yong Vegas leadership, the school environment has become toxic for both students and staff.
Rather than supporting and guiding students through challenges, Principal Vega often resorts to immediate suspensioneven for minor issues like cursing. Theres little to no effort made to understand the root of a student's behavior or to offer constructive alternatives. This kind of disciplinary approach only pushes students away rather than helping them grow.
Teachers are also being targeted and micromanaged, which has created a culture of fear rather than collaboration. Morale is extremely low, and the sense of community that once made Sierra a good school is disappearing fast.
If you're a parent considering Sierra for your child, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. This school needs a serious change in leadership before it can be a safe and supportive environment again.
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: July 25, 2025
Posted: August 31, 2021
it a awsome school it aswome and very cool
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: August 31, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2020
If you have a child in special education you will not get support from teachers or administration. They push minority children and special needs children through. Really disappointing.
Posted: October 5, 2020
Posted: October 5, 2020
Only a select few favorites are given the attention and educational support that ALL students deserve.
Posted: October 5, 2020
Hard to reach and they do not return messages or follow up.
Posted: October 5, 2020
They do not recognize that different students learn differently. They do not respect students needs or support IEPs. Devastating environment for special needs students.
Posted: October 5, 2020
The school does nothing to address this issue. In my experience I have seem them scapegoat children. Most often times poor and minority children.
Posted: October 5, 2020
Worst school experience that I have had in this city and I have raised 5 children. As an educator and a parent I am telling parents to caution especially if you have children with special learning needs. You will be very disappointed.
Posted: February 6, 2012
The phrase "You get out of life what you put into it" definitely describes SMS accurately. As long as you are willing to put in the effort, you will succeed. Inappropriate language is everywhere, so it is not distinct at Sierra. The teachers (especially in the magnet programs) are great. I think they are inspired to teach by the students' desire to learn, and that made my learning experience especially unique. I never really interacted with my principal. P.S. The most successful students graduating from high school are...usually from Sierra Middle School. The LCHS BBC is dominated by Sierra media magnet alumni, and the academic rigor is pushed by Sierra science magnet alumni. Juuuust saying.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonoma Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Las Cruces | NM | 2.4 mi | |
| 2 | Redstone Cove | Neighborhood/Subdivision | El Paso | TX | 33.9 mi | |
| 3 | Mesquite Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | El Paso | TX | 34.1 mi | |
| 4 | Shadow Ridge Apartments | Apartment Complex | El Paso | TX | 44.8 mi | |
| 5 | Las Tierras | Neighborhood/Subdivision | El paso | TX | 47.5 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Crossing | Fort bliss | TX | 40.1 mi | |
| 2 | Downtown | El paso | TX | 42 mi | |
| 3 | Far East | El paso | TX | 47.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| White Sands Missile Range | 16.8 mi. |
| Fort Bliss | 40.9 mi. |
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