SW New Mexico News

On Monday, January 27, students in Las Cruces Public Schools will receive letters from the district detailing their updated school zones for the 2025-2026 academic year. The redistricting changes were approved by the LCPS Board of Education on December 17, 2024. Not all students will be affected by these changes.

Each student will receive a personalized letter indicating their designated school for the next school year. Certain students may qualify for exemptions from the new zoning based on criteria set by the LCPS Board of Education. These criteria include:

- Students entering 5th grade in Fall 2025.

- Students entering 8th grade in Fall 2025.

- Students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2025.

- Students listed on a competition roster for athletics, activities, or fine arts during the 2024-25 school year.

- Students with siblings who meet one of the above criteria and are currently enrolled at the same school.

- Students enrolled in a magnet program at their current school.

- Students participating in a dual language program not available at their zoned school. Dual Language programs are offered at various schools including Alameda, Booker T. Washington, Central, Cesar Chavez, Columbia, Conlee, Doña Ana, E. Picacho, Fairacres (K), Hermosa Heights, Highland, Jornada, Loma Heights, MacArthur, Sonoma, Sunrise, Tombaugh, Valley View, Mesa, Zia and La Cruces.

- Students attending schools of choice such as Arrowhead Park or Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy.

- Students enrolled in specialized special education satellite classrooms or programs will be contacted individually regarding their assignments.

Parents whose children meet any exemption criteria can submit a transfer request form available online. The deadline to submit this form is Friday, February 7, 2025 at 5 p.m., with one form required per student.

Earlier this month saw the approval of a revised transfer policy by the LCPS Board of Education aimed at supporting balanced enrollment. Transfer approvals will be limited and transportation services will not be provided for those who transfer out of their zoned schools. Parents interested in applying for transfers must do so by February 7 using an online link.

For further inquiries about these changes or assistance with transfer requests and exemptions processes parents can contact a dedicated hotline available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., reachable at (575) 525-7121 or via email at tlc@lcps.net. More details about the redistricting process initiated in August 2024 are accessible online.