Manzano Day School Photo - Joy in Learning!

Best New Mexico Private Elementary Schools Belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 private elementary schools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) serving 3,865 students in New Mexico. You can also find more schools membership associations in New Mexico.
The top-ranked private elementary schools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in New Mexico include Bosque School, Sandia Preparatory School, and Manzano Day School.
The average acceptance rate is 65%, which is lower than the New Mexico private elementary school average acceptance rate of 85%.
11% of private elementary schools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in New Mexico are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).

Top-Ranked Private Elementary Schools Belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in New Mexico (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque Academy Photo - Albuquerque Academy's 6-7 Division has a unique structure in which teachers plan together, teach cooperatively, model teamwork, and get to know students well. Sixth-grade students are placed in small "families" of a teacher and about 10 classmates. These families stay together all year, meet every morning, and eat lunch together every day.
(3)
6400 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 828-3208
Gr: 6-12 | 1,180 student Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 67 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Sandia Preparatory School
Sandia Preparatory School Photo - Sandia Preparatory School provides a rigorous college prep education in a small class setting for grades 6 - 12.
(5)
532 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 338-3000
Gr: 6-12 | 509 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 16 | Extracurrculars: 36 Tuition listed
Bosque School
Bosque School Photo - Service Learning is an educational experience that takes students from the classroom into community settings, applying academic and real-world concepts while meeting a real community need. At Bosque School, we believe strongly that integrating meaningful service with instruction and reflection will enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and engage students in issues affecting the larger community locally, nationally, and globally.
(34)
4000 Bosque School Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 898-6388
Gr: 6-12 | 486 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 24 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Manzano Day School
Manzano Day School Photo - Joy in Learning!
(2)
1801 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 243-6659
Gr: PK-5 | 468 students Avg. class size: 18 students Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Rio Grande School
Rio Grande School Photo
715 Camino Cabra
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-1621
Gr: PK-6 | 165 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Mary's School
Special Program Emphasis (Catholic)
224 7th St Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 242-6271
Gr: PK-8 | 363 students
Santa Fe Prep School
1101 Camino De Cruz Blanca
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-1829
Gr: 7-12 | 318 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
1101 Camino Cruz De Blanca
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-3181
Gr: 7-12 | 325 students
4100 New Vistas Ct Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 898-1500
Gr: K-5 | 51 students Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.