Albuquerque Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in New Mexico, and it includes many well-known schools. One of the most popular and established schools in the district is Cibola High School. Located in northwest Albuquerque, this school is known for its strong academics, active sports programs, and long history.
In this blog, we will explain everything about Cibola High School in simple and easy English. You will learn about the school’s history, academics, grades, student demographics, sports achievements, and famous alumni. This is a complete and detailed guide for students, parents, and anyone interested in Albuquerque Public Schools.
What is Cibola High School?
Cibola High School is a public high school located at 1510 Ellison Drive NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was established in 1974 and is part of Albuquerque Public Schools. The school serves students from the northwest part of the city and has a suburban campus environment. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for both education and extracurricular activities.
In the past, Cibola High School became the largest high school in New Mexico due to rapid population growth in Albuquerque’s west side. At one point, the school had more than 3,000 students, which made it overcrowded. To manage this, a new school, Volcano Vista High School, was opened in 2007. After that, Cibola was renovated and expanded in 2008. Today, the school has a balanced student population and modern facilities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cibola High School |
| Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Type | Public High School |
| Established | 1974 |
| District | Albuquerque Public Schools |
| Principal | Kimberly Finke |
| Enrollment | ~1,600+ students |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Mascot | Cougar |
| Colors | Gold, Brown, White |
Albuquerque Public School Grade
The school grading system in New Mexico is managed by the New Mexico Public Education Department. This system replaced the older No Child Left Behind model and focuses on overall performance, including student results and graduation rates.
Cibola High School received an “A” grade in the 2010–2011 school year. This shows that the school performed very well in academic areas and student success.
School Grade Table
| School Year | Grade |
|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | A |
The grading system looks at different factors like test scores, improvement levels, and graduation rates. An “A” grade means the school meets high standards and provides quality education to students.
Demographics
The student population at Cibola High School is diverse. Students come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which creates a rich and inclusive learning environment.
| Ethnicity | School % | State Average % |
|---|---|---|
| White | 58% | 29% |
| Hispanic | 33% | 56% |
| American Indian | 4% | 11% |
| African American | 2% | 3% |
| Pacific Islander | 3% | 1% |
This diversity helps students learn about different cultures and perspectives. It also creates a balanced environment where students can grow socially and academically.
Albuquerque Public Athletics
Cibola High School has a strong athletics program and competes in the New Mexico Activities Association as a Class 6A school. It is part of District 1 and competes with schools like Volcano Vista High School and Rio Rancho High School.
Sports play an important role in student life at Cibola. The school has won multiple state championships in different sports over the years.
| Season | Sport | Championships | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Volleyball | 3 | 2014, 1981, 1974 |
| Fall | Boys Cross Country | 2 | 2009, 2008 |
| Fall | Girls Soccer | 2 | 2016, 2015 |
| Winter | Wrestling | 1 | 1982 |
| Winter | Boys Swimming | 1 | 2014 |
| Spring | Baseball | 1 | 1983 |
| Spring | Softball | 3 | 2009, 2008, 2007 |
| Spring | Boys Golf | 3 | 1994, 1991, 1990 |
| Spring | Boys Track | 2 | 2010, 2008 |
| Spring | Girls Track | 1 | 2003 |
| Total | 20 Titles |
The school mascot is the Cougar, and students actively participate in sports competitions. Athletics help students build teamwork, discipline, and confidence.
Notable Alumni
Cibola High School has produced many successful people in different fields like sports, media, politics, and arts.
Famous Alumni List
- Alan Branch
- Raven Chacon
- Carlos Condit
- Erik Cook
- Ryan Cook
- Christian Cunningham
- Rosie Jones
- C. J. Maestas
- John Roskos
- Gadi Schwartz
- Kevin A. Short
- Melanie Stansbury
- Mike Vento
- Xzibit
- Lisandra Tena
- Cole Christiansen
These alumni show how the school helps students achieve success in different careers.
Final Thoughts
Cibola High School is one of the most well-known schools in Albuquerque Public Schools. It has a strong history, good academic performance, diverse student community, and excellent sports achievements.
The school continues to provide quality education and opportunities for students to grow in academics, sports, and personal development. Whether you are a student, parent, or researcher, Cibola High School stands as an important part of Albuquerque’s education system.