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La Cueva High School

La Cueva High School is a public high school in northeast , serving approximately 1,831 students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the district as of the 2023–2024 school year. Located at 7801 Wilshire Avenue NE, the school opened in the fall of 1986 with an initial enrollment of 1,200 students and has since established itself as a leader in academic and athletic excellence, guided by its motto, "Where Excellence is a Habit." The school's diverse student body reflects Albuquerque's demographics, with 43.7% , 39.2% , 8.6% Asian, and smaller percentages from other groups as of the 2023–2024 year, alongside a student-teacher of 19:1 and 37% of students identified as economically disadvantaged as of the 2023–2024 year. Academically, La Cueva offers a rigorous including () , dual credit programs, and for seven classes per semester, leading the district in AP course offerings and exam scores; 49% of students participate in at least one AP exam, with 37% passing as of the 2023–2024 year, contributing to a readiness index of 40.2 out of 100 as of the 2023–2024 year. The has earned an "A" from the Public Education Department (NMPED), ranked seventh among high schools by with an overall score of 91.31/100 as of the 2023–2024 year, and recognition as a National School of Excellence. In athletics, La Cueva maintains a storied program with 126 team state championships as of 2018, including recent successes such as the Class 5A Director's Cup in 2024 for top overall performance, state championships in boys' and girls' soccer in 2025, and multiple individual Player of the Year awards in sports like and . The school's athletic hall of fame honors notable alumni, underscoring its national reputation—once ranked 22nd in the nation by in 2005—and commitment to balancing high academic standards with a 3.3 GPA among student-athletes. Despite a graduation rate of 80% for the class of , La Cueva continues to emphasize comprehensive support for and extracurriculars to foster well-rounded development.

History

Establishment

La Cueva High School was established in 1986 as part of the district to address educational needs in the rapidly developing northeast Albuquerque area. Located at 7801 Wilshire Avenue NE in a suburban setting, the school was designed to accommodate a growing student population in the region. The campus spans 48 acres, providing space for academic and athletic facilities from its inception. The school opened its doors in the fall of 1986 under the leadership of its first principal, Allen Krumm, who prioritized community involvement and set the tone for the institution's culture. With the motto "Where Excellence is a ," La Cueva aimed to foster a environment focused on academic and extracurricular achievement. Krumm and the initial staff worked to build strong ties with local families and organizations right from the start. Initial enrollment reached 1,200 students, comprising freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in grades 9 through 11, as the school phased in its full grade structure. This setup allowed for a gradual integration of students from rezoned districts in northeast . The opening year emphasized operational readiness, including multi-use facilities that supported 21 interscholastic athletic programs, laying the foundation for the school's early success in sports and academics.

Expansion and Developments

La Cueva High School's has grown steadily since its opening, increasing from 1,200 students in grades 9 through 11 in the fall of 1986 to 1,831 students across all four grades by the 2023-2024 school year. This expansion necessitated infrastructural enhancements, including a multi-phased and completed in recent years that added 48,496 square feet, featuring new classrooms and support spaces for programs. Additionally, the school installed a synthetic turf field to accommodate growing athletic participation amid rising student numbers. Key milestones in the school's development include the addition of its first senior class in the 1987-1988 school year, marking the transition to a full four-year high with its inaugural graduating class in 1988. The institution has maintained an open policy for transfer students, with approximately 15% of its population coming from outside the designated boundaries through ongoing district rezoning and approval processes. In 2019, La Cueva established its Athletic Hall of Fame to honor distinguished alumni and contributors, initiating a nomination process that recognizes athletic achievements and community impact. Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Maurice Guerin as principal in July 2024, his resignation in December 2024, and the subsequent reappointment of Darrell Garcia, who has overseen initiatives to enhance student support and community engagement as of 2025. In 2024, discussions emerged regarding community access to school facilities, prompted by the temporary fencing of the track and tennis courts due to vandalism and safety concerns; committed to collaborating with neighbors to potentially restore supervised public use.

Campus

Location and Grounds

La Cueva High School is located at 7801 Wilshire Avenue NE in 87122. Situated in the northeast quadrant of the city, the school occupies a suburban setting near Paseo del Norte Boulevard and primarily serves residential neighborhoods such as Tanoan. Established amid the expansion of Albuquerque's suburbs in the 1980s, it draws students from nearby feeder institutions, including Desert Ridge Middle School. The campus encompasses a 48-acre site featuring multi-use grounds designed to support educational and recreational activities. A fenced perimeter enhances around the , restricting unauthorized . The layout centers on a communal area that serves as the core of the campus, characterized by a distinctive that extends outward to frame the main entrance. Complementing this is the school's closed-campus policy, which prohibits students from leaving the grounds during instructional hours except under specific circumstances.

Facilities and Amenities

La Cueva High School occupies a 48-acre campus featuring multi-use facilities that support academic instruction, athletic programs, and community events. The Central Commons serves as the primary gathering space, functioning as the central axis around which major academic and functional areas are organized. A key addition to the school's infrastructure is the Intensive Support Program (ISP) wing, completed in 2018, which provides specialized accommodations for students with disabilities. This 27,000-square-foot expansion includes 15 special needs classrooms, 24 offices for support staff, 8 restrooms, life skills labs, sensory rooms, and physical therapy spaces, enhancing accessibility and inclusive education. Athletic amenities are extensive, encompassing two (a main gym and an auxiliary gym), a weight room added alongside the ISP project, courts, a track, and various sports fields that accommodate 21 interscholastic programs. The main gym supports large-scale indoor activities such as and , while the auxiliary gym includes locker rooms and a . These facilities also promote through rental options managed via Facilitron, allowing public access to gyms, fields, and courts outside school hours. The (PAC) stands out as a state-of-the-art venue for creative expression, featuring a theater with advanced systems, a professional stage and backstage area, audio-visual equipment, and tiered seating for audiences. This facility is available for rent, enabling performances and events. Dining facilities include a equipped with rollaway tables, chairs, and a stage for versatile use in meals or assemblies, alongside a snack bar offering additional food options for students. In 2024, conducted a survey to explore enhanced to the and courts, aiming to balance with neighborhood needs, though subsequent addressed concerns over and maintenance.

Administration and Student Body

Leadership and Governance

La Cueva High School operates under the governance of the () District, which oversees its administrative policies, curriculum standards, and resource allocation as a public institution in . The school adheres to the regulations of the New Mexico Activities (NMAA) for its interscholastic athletics programs, ensuring compliance with state-level standards for competition, eligibility, and safety. Additionally, the student government structure at La Cueva is designed as an interconnected framework that supports extracurricular organizations and activities, fostering leadership development among students through collaborative roles in school events and decision-making processes. The current principal, Darrell Garcia, leads the school's daily operations, including instructional oversight, staff coordination, and community engagement initiatives to promote a supportive educational environment. Supporting the principal are assistant principals focused on key areas: Brian Hubbell manages facilities, grounds, and ; Heather Bassett handles curriculum and instruction; and Melanie Tapia oversees student success programs. The administrative team also includes deans of students, such as Eric Orell and Trey Saxon, who address disciplinary and behavioral support needs. In terms of specialized roles, Cat Casaus serves as the Activities Director, coordinating non-athletic extracurriculars and school-wide events, while Brandon Back acts as the Athletic Director, managing sports programs, compliance with NMAA rules, and facility usage for competitions. The counseling team, comprising professionals like Bernice Ulibarri, Bethany Headley, and others, provides guidance on course selection, academic planning, and personal support to ensure student progression through high school requirements. La Cueva High School maintains policies that facilitate transfer student acceptance in alignment with district guidelines, allowing enrollment from across the district and resulting in approximately 15% of the student body originating from outside its primary boundaries. Parents and guardians access student grades and information through ParentVUE, an online portal that offers secure viewing of assignments, attendance, and progress reports. The school also offers programs, including peer-led sessions supervised by staff, to assist students with academic challenges in various subjects.

Demographics and Enrollment

La Cueva High School serves students in grades 9 through 12, with an enrollment of 1,831 students during the 2023-2024 school year, distributed approximately as 503 freshmen, 489 sophomores, 424 juniors, and 415 seniors. The student body is nearly evenly split by gender, with 51% male and 49% female. The school's demographics reflect the diverse population of northeast Albuquerque, with 43.7% of students identifying as , 39.2% as , 8.6% as Asian, 4.4% as two or more races, 2.6% as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1.3% as African American or Black. La Cueva maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18.64 to 1, supported by 98.25 teachers. The primary feeder schools include Desert Ridge Middle School, Madison Middle School, and Eisenhower Middle School, along with elementary schools such as Dennis Chavez Elementary, Elementary, E.G. Ross Elementary, Elementary, and North Star Elementary. Since its opening in with an initial enrollment of 1,200 students, La Cueva has experienced steady growth to its current size. On state assessments, 51% of students demonstrated proficiency in , surpassing the district average and contributing to the school's overall performance above state benchmarks in key subjects.

Academics

Curriculum and Programs

La Cueva High School offers a standard core aligned with state requirements, including four credits each in English and , three in science, and four in for graduation. English courses cover foundational skills through English 9 to 12, with options like Bible Literature and Shakespeare; includes Algebra I, , and Pre-Calculus; sciences encompass I, Chemistry I, and Physics I; and features History, , U.S. History, , and . Honors tracks are available across these core areas, such as Honors English 9, Honors , and Honors , providing accelerated pacing and weighted grading open to all qualified students. The school provides advanced academic programs to prepare students for college, including over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Biology, AP English Language and Composition, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP African American Studies. The highly competitive AP Capstone program consists of AP Seminar and AP Research, emphasizing research and interdisciplinary skills. Dual credit opportunities through partnerships with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), the University of New Mexico (UNM), and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) allow sophomores, juniors, and seniors to earn college credits in courses like Engineering Design and Ethnic Studies. Electives offer diverse pathways for student interests, including academic options like , , and ; science-related courses such as and and forensics; and creative pursuits like ceramics, digital film production, and guitar. Special programs for gifted and talented students include dedicated courses like Gifted Contemporary Issues, Great Books, and Academic Career Experiences, alongside access to honors and tracks within the broader . Academic support services include peer programs where students mentor peers directly in classrooms, comprehensive counseling addressing academic, personal, and career needs, and a structured course selection process with online registration guided by counselors. The school utilizes with seven classes per year to facilitate deeper engagement in lab- and . Notable teachers have elevated the curriculum, including Pat Graff, who was named New Mexico Teacher of the Year in 1993 and National High School Teacher of the Year in 1995, contributing to and English programs. Frances Gruette, instructor for AB, received a Siemens Award for teaching in 2007, recognizing excellence in .

Achievements and Rankings

La Cueva High School has maintained a consistent 'A' letter grade from the Public Education Department (NMPED), including an A rating for the 2010-2011 school year, reflecting its exemplary status among state schools. In recent evaluations, it earned a 7/10 from , based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity metrics that emphasize support for diverse student groups, including low-income and racial/ethnic subgroups. Nationally, La Cueva ranks #1,555 out of 17,655 public high schools according to U.S. News & World Report, placing it #7 in New Mexico and #2 among APS schools, with an overall score of 91.31/100 driven by state assessment performance and college preparation. The school produced 13 National Merit Semifinalists in 2025—the highest number in APS—representing the top 1% of New Mexico PSAT takers, and advanced 18 students to finalist status earlier that year. Academic outcomes include 54% proficiency in mathematics and 74% in reading, a four-year graduation rate of 91% for the Class of 2024 (above the state average of 78%), and robust Advanced Placement (AP) engagement with 49% of seniors participating in at least one exam and a 69% pass rate among test-takers. In 2024, La Cueva received silver distinction on the College Board's Program School Honor Roll for expanding access to AP courses and achieving high participation among underserved students, underscoring its commitment to in a diverse body. The school's efforts have resulted in superior ratings across various academic programs, contributing to its reputation for preparing students from varied backgrounds for postsecondary success.

Student Life

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

La Cueva High School maintains a robust selection of extracurricular clubs and organizations, divided into interest-based and service-oriented categories, fostering student engagement beyond academics and athletics. Interest clubs, such as the Learning Club and Native American Student Union, promote cultural awareness, language skills, and community representation among students. Service clubs, by contrast, prioritize volunteerism and require completion of at least two projects per semester, including one off-campus initiative to benefit the broader Albuquerque community. To gain official recognition, prospective clubs must secure at least 10 founding members, appoint a faculty advisor from La Cueva staff, and submit a registration form with a detailed constitution to the Activities Director by the end of the first grading period. This process ensures structured governance and alignment with school policies, enabling access to facilities, funding, and event scheduling. The Activities Director, Catherine Casaus, oversees these registered clubs, coordinating their operations and integration into the school's master event calendar for visibility and participation. Prominent examples include the Speech and Debate club, a chapter of the , which emphasizes enhancing forensics education through competitive tournaments and skill-building workshops to develop and . Student government, structured around a school-wide Student Senate with representatives from each class, cultivates by organizing events and advocating for student needs under an umbrella framework that supports other organizations. Additionally, clubs centered on recreational or niche sports provide informal competitive outlets and team-building experiences distinct from programs. Active involvement in these clubs offers tangible recognition, including the chance to letter in service activities or receive for sustained participation of two or more years, motivating long-term commitment and personal growth. Events and meetings are listed on the school's centralized , facilitating broad access and coordination with schedules.

Performing Arts Programs

La Cueva High School's performing arts programs are integrated co-curricular offerings tied to the academic , providing students in grades 9-12 with opportunities to develop skills in music, theater, and dance through elective courses and ensemble participation. These programs emphasize performance-based learning, with required concerts, festivals, and competitions outside school hours, and are open to all grade levels subject to auditions or instructor approval. The music programs encompass band, choir, and orchestra ensembles, fostering technical proficiency and ensemble collaboration. The band program includes Marching Band I-IV, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble I-IV, Jazz Band I-IV, Advanced Jazz Band I-IV, and Concert Band I-IV, with auditions required for advanced levels and fees ranging from $100 to $200 to cover uniforms and travel. The choir offerings consist of Concert Choir I-IV, Treble Choir I-IV, Show Choir I-IV (including Underground Advanced Mixed Show Choir and Sapphire Sound Intermediate Treble Show Choir), and Mixed Chorus I-IV, all audition-based with $100 fees and participation in state competitions. The orchestra program features three ensembles—Concert Orchestra I-IV, Orchestra I-IV (strings), and the advanced auditioned Camerata—involving 90-100 students and incurring $150 fees for maintenance and events. Theater and drama are supported through the La Cueva Thespians, an active student society that produces plays and events in the school's . Courses include Drama I-III, I-II, Musical Theater Production, and Advanced Theater Production, with $15-40 fees and no prerequisites, focusing on , technical skills, and live performances. The dance program offers as a fine elective for grades 9-12, with a $20 fee and no prerequisites, integrating technique, choreography, and performance opportunities as a co-curricular extension of the . These programs have garnered numerous state awards, including superior ratings at Educators Association festivals and the 2025 Class 5A State Championship for the Wind Ensemble. The choir ensembles achieved superior ratings at state competitions and performed at the Year of the in 2025, while the band represented the school at the Midwest in 2021, and the Camerata participated in national festivals such as the 2019 National Orchestra Festival.

Athletics

Sports Programs

La Cueva High School offers 21 interscholastic athletic programs as part of the Activities Association (NMAA) in Class 6A District 2. The school's athletic teams, known as the Bears, compete in , silver, and white colors, with Eldorado High School serving as their primary rival. These programs emphasize competitive participation and development, supported by 48 acres of multi-use facilities dedicated to athletics. The boys' sports include , , , , , wrestling, and soccer, among others. Girls' sports feature , , , , , and soccer, with additional opportunities in cross country and . Co-ed and unified sports encompass , , and , providing inclusive options for student-athletes. Participation rates vary, with girls' athletic involvement rated as very low compared to national averages. Athletic operations at La Cueva are bolstered by dedicated booster clubs, such as the Booster Club, which supports training, equipment, and community events for specific teams. The programs place a strong emphasis on recruiting to colleges, with numerous athletes advancing to Power 5 institutions annually.

Championships and Honors

La Cueva High School's athletic programs have achieved significant success at the state level, accumulating 126 team state championships across its 21 sports as of 2018. The school continues to dominate in multiple disciplines, with recent highlights including the boys' tennis team's Class 5A state championship in 2025, marking their 19th title in the last 23 years. In soccer, the boys' team captured the Class 5A state title in 2025 with a 1-0 victory over Rio Rancho, securing the program's most state championships in the highest classification. The cheerleading team won the Class 5A state championship in 2025. Other notable team accomplishments include the boys' basketball team's District 2-5A regular season and tournament championships in 2022, as well as the football team's Class 6A state championship in 2023. On the national stage, La Cueva's athletics program earned recognition as the 22nd-best overall high school athletics program in the nation by in 2005. In 2017, MaxPreps ranked the program fifth nationally, highlighting its combination of competitive success and academic performance with an average GPA of 3.3 among athletes. Individual athletes from La Cueva have received prestigious honors, including multiple Players of the Year awards. Cameron Dyer was named the 2023-24 Football Player of the Year, becoming the fourth recipient from the school. Braiden Reynolds earned the same distinction for in 2023-24, also the fourth from La Cueva. Tanner Montano received the track and field honor in 2023 after winning multiple state titles. All-State selections are common, exemplified by Armenta, who earned first-team offense honors in 2022 while leading the team to district titles. The La Cueva Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2019 to honor student-athletes, coaches, and teams, has inducted multiple classes of distinguished contributors. Early inductees include Jennifer Woodcock (class of 1988), Heidi Anderson (1989), and Heath Spence (1988), recognized for their athletic achievements and contributions. The 2024 class featured Dorsey, a standout in girls' soccer from the school's inaugural graduating class. In 2025, coach Jim Ciccarello was inducted into the Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Hall of Fame for his 25 district championships and state titles.

Notable Alumni

In Entertainment and Arts

La Cueva High School has produced several alumni who have made significant contributions to the entertainment and arts industries, particularly in acting, music, and musical theater. , a member of the class of 1991, rose to prominence as a playing the title role in the medical drama series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993), which aired on and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for in a Television Series – Drama in 1990. He later achieved widespread recognition for portraying in the CBS sitcom (2005–2014), a role that garnered him five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Harris also hosted the multiple times, including in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and the in 2015, showcasing his skills as a performer and emcee. Freddie Prinze Jr., from the class of 1994, gained fame in the late 1990s as a teen idol through leading roles in romantic comedies such as She's All That (1999), which grossed over $100 million worldwide, and Down to You (2000). He expanded into family-oriented films like the live-action Scooby-Doo (2002) and its sequel Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), both of which were commercial successes. In addition to acting, Prinze transitioned into professional wrestling, serving as a commentator and producer for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2010 to 2013 and again in 2023. Terri Conn, class of 1993, established herself as a prominent figure in , portraying Katie Peretti on the As the World Turns from 1998 to 2010, a role for which she received multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series in 2008. She also appeared as Julia Morrisroe on the series One Life to Live (2011) and as Vanessa on the Tainted Dreams (2013–2014). Tony Vincent, who graduated in 1991, has built a career blending and on stage and screen, notably originating the role of Galileo in the Las Vegas production of Queen's We Will Rock You (2004–2005) and performing in the Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar (2012) as Judas Iscariot. His television credits include a recurring role as Eddie on the series The Blacklist (2015–2016), and he has released albums as a solo artist, including (2002), which featured collaborations with producer . Members of the indie rock band , including drummer (class of approximately 1993) and keyboardist Marty Crandall (class of 1994), attended La Cueva High School before the group formed in Albuquerque in 1996. and Crandall contributed to the band's breakthrough albums (2001) and (2003), which helped establish as a key act in the indie rock scene, with tracks like "New Slang" featured on the soundtrack of the film Garden State (2004). Crandall left the band in 2009, while departed in 2011, but both played pivotal roles in its early success.

In Sports

La Cueva High School has produced several alumni who have excelled in professional and collegiate athletics, particularly in basketball, , , and . Basketball Bryce Alford, a member of the class of 2013, starred as a shooting guard at UCLA, where he played in 141 games over four seasons, starting 105 and averaging 9.1 points per game. He broke a 50-year-old high school single-season scoring record with 1,050 points during his senior year at La Cueva. After college, Alford pursued a professional career, including stints in the with teams like the and . A.J. Bramlett, from the class of 1995, led La Cueva to the 1994 New Mexico 4A state basketball championship as a three-year letterman and still holds the school record for most offensive rebounds in a game with 13. At the , he contributed to the 1997 NCAA national championship team before being selected in the second round of the by the , where he played 49 games across two seasons. Bramlett later competed professionally overseas in leagues including and . Baseball Mitch Garver, class of 2009, was a standout at La Cueva, helping the team win the 2008 New Mexico 5A state championship while also earning a state title in soccer that year; he was named Male Athlete of the Year in 2009. After playing at the , Garver was drafted by the in the ninth round of the 2013 MLB Draft and debuted in the majors in 2018, playing six seasons with the Twins before signing with the Mariners in 2023. In 2019, he led catchers with 12 home runs and earned an selection. Jordan Pacheco, class of 2004, contributed to back-to-back state baseball championships at La Cueva while also winning a basketball title; he was a multi-sport standout before playing at the . Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft, Pacheco made his debut in 2011, appearing in 258 games over four seasons primarily as an with a .254 . After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, serving as hitting coach for the Triple-A in 2022 and promoted to the Rockies' staff in 2025. Track and Field Shadrack Kiptoo Biwott, class of 2004, emerged as a distance running talent after moving from to attend La Cueva, where he won the 2003 New Mexico 5A cross country state championship in his first season of competition. He continued his success at the before transferring to , becoming a two-time All-American in cross country. Biwott represented the in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing 55th, and won the 2018 U.S. marathon championship; however, in August 2025, he received a four-year suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for a doping violation. Football Nick Speegle, class of 2000, was a letterman in football and track at La Cueva before walking on at the University of New Mexico, where he started 42 consecutive games as a linebacker and earned Freshman All-America honors in 2001. Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Speegle played 22 games over two seasons, recording 29 tackles. Zach Arnett, class of 2005, was a two-time all-state linebacker and three-time all-metro selection in football at La Cueva while also excelling in baseball, helping the team to multiple state championships including a 70-game winning streak. He played linebacker at the University of New Mexico before embarking on a coaching career that included defensive coordinator roles at San Diego State (2018–2021) and Mississippi State (2022), where he served as interim head coach in 2023, followed by defensive coordinator at UNLV (2024–2025) and currently as a defensive analyst at Florida State as of 2025. Mason Posa, class of 2025, was a dominant inside linebacker and wrestler at La Cueva, recording 99 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in his senior season while winning four individual state wrestling titles across weight classes; he also helped the Bears to a 2024 6A state championship. Rated a four-star recruit, Posa committed to the University of Wisconsin to continue his career.

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