La Cueva High School

La Cueva is a monument to economic segregation, thanks to a school board that won't allow kids to cross the street from a trailer park to go to the high school they can see from their front doors. That's not the school's fault, necessarily, but it is disgusting, and it's a reflection that perhaps it's not so much the teaching that is different than any other school but the proficiency of the kids coming in.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is overrated by the community... Our children went outside our school district to La Cueva based on the suggestion of the APS school district personnel. The school is too large for the staff to handle effectively and many kids fall through the cracks. The school is also plagued by drug problems and problems with its sports management. As military family, we've had our kids attend school in five different states and even more school districts. This is by far the worst. Our daughter thought she was basically repeating her coursework. NM schools are some of the worst in the country and even though La Cueva is rated as the best among them, it is a far cry from being a "great school". The curriculum does not challenge the kids and the teachers and staff display an arrogance and lack of honor and integrity that i haven't seen anywhere else. NM curriculum is well below the national average... You'll also find that athletics come before academics - not a recipe for success in today's world. If you care about your child's education and preparation for college and life beyond high school, don't put them in NM public schools and certainly don't send them to La Cueva.
--Submitted by a parent

In my opinion La Cueva is by far the best school in the state. Many of the characteristics that critics argue to be downfalls are exactly the opposite. Some teachers have favoritism but that is to be expected at any school and also is a large part in the real world. College and the work force often times play favorites which is no different than any other high school.The school's principal is harped on quite often for being too hard on students. La Cueva and all of the students are held to a higher standard than any other school which requires this kind of behavior from the faculty and administration. The atmosphere is competitive which encourages hard work and the staff encourages extra curricular activies which help in forming more well rounded people. Any high school will have pit falls but in my opinion La Cueva High School is the most well rounded state in the state.
--Submitted by a parent

Two of my children have attended LC, both unathletic self-described nerds. I didn't know that LC is considered a top athletic HS until I read it on the internet, and certainly my children found their niches. The band was a central EC in the first two years, while debate took over later. In regards to scholarship: 9th grade has a mandatory schedule that makes a lot of the classes a waste of time for advanced students. 'Honors' classes are not, really, and grade inflation is at least one whole point across the whole school. AP classes that I am familiar with include math, physics, chemistry, english, enviro science and history, vary in rigor and quality from average to really good. Chemistry, math, and history are stand-outs, although I am sad to say the brilliant history teacher will be retiring this year. Take AP tests for believable assessment.
--Submitted by a parent

Historically this school has top of the line everything compared to other schools in the city of Albuquerque. They are provided the tools to excel.

I go to LCHS and I think it is an incredible school. Yeah we have some problems, but overall academically it is incredible. Our FIne arts department and Band are also immaculate!
--Submitted by a student

It's always interesting to read reviews of schools by people on the outside. Having been a teacher and also had two children that went through 7 years (total) of academic training at La Cueva, I made it a point to get to know as many teachers as possible and using former connections would sit in lunch meetings with science, math, english, foreign language, etc... I'm sure your aware that LCHS has one of the highest academic records in the state if not the highest. They have won more math, science bowl, knowledge masters, speech and debate titles, better SAT, ACT scores overall than any other school in the state. The JETS (Junior engineering) team was undefeated at a state level while they had one and went to nationals, as does DECA and their ROTC. So exactly what are you basing your assessments on?
--Submitted by a parent

A great school in general, but with a poor administration and a principal that never should have been placed at this school. Both of my kids graduated in top 1% of class, had nothing to do with extreme politics that dominate this school. Principal sees athletics only, and according to kids runs school like a prison. AP classes, particularly calculus teacher, is phenomenal. Art department, especially ceramics teacher, is incredible. English teachers seem to 'determine' the valedictorians based on arbitrary grading in senior year, also 'determine' who gets to participate in National Honor Society and who doesn't. Very elitist school, but it does prepare the advanced student that tunes out the heavy politics, heavy sports, and poor administration.
--Submitted by a parent

By and large, the school is in need of improved leadership and improved academics. Teachers who have a passion for teaching and who promote encouragement and creative ways of learning would be welcome. This school is behind the times due to teachers and leadership who lack understanding of educational advances. Students at either end of the spectrum are not adequately supported .Easily successful students are simply not challenged. An equal emphasis should be placed on high expectations for both students and teachers. Teachers who poorly reflect teaching should be transferred out. Above all, a significant effort should be made for APS to provide more training for its teachers in special need areas that will promote understanding, communication and support for all types of students.

My child attends this school. Students are not welcoming to new kids, a common problem in this area of the city. There are many good and dedicated teachers, but overall, the education at LCHS suffers from the limited abilities of the principal. This school is not for thinkers. Conformity is everything here.
--Submitted by a parent