Our education is second to none. All five municipalities boast statewide and even national honors in music, debate, agriculture, science, math, essay writing and all varieties of sports, including rodeo, football, basketball, golf, baseball, swimming, soccer, tennis, track and wrestling. Many of the area churches also sponsor youth activities to build leadership and team participation. Recently, the city of Hobbs opened a new teen building dedicated to providing a safe and staffed facility for the area youth. The Boys and Girls Club provides after-school and Saturday programs for children.
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Hobbs Municipal Schools has transformed public education by raising academic standards, lowering drop-out rates and engaging students in hands-on learning. HMS is one of the few districts to incorporate a strong Advancement Placement program in all of its secondary schools.
The AP program offers unique monetary awards for students and teachers based on national AP testing results. Almost 40 percent of students are enrolled in Pre-AP or AP classes. A large number of students also take the national AP exam.
In addition, HMS believes that exposing students to the latest in communication tools prepares them for a work world in which they’ll be asked to adapt and quickly change with the technological times.
Hobbs schools also have a rich athletic history boasting state and district championship teams in almost every sport. But HMS students who participate in extracurricular activities – including band and choir – must maintain a minimum grade point average and sign a contract in which they pledge to remain drug and alcohol free.
Finally, HMS recognizes that art instruction gives students a window on the world while also stimulating creativity and problem-solving skills. For that reason, an elementary fine arts program offers students musical, band and artistic instruction as well as the opportunity to perform in large-scale drama productions every year.
New Mexico Junior College
Known as “The JC,” New Mexico Junior College was the first independent junior college in New Mexico. Since 1965, it has been a leader in innovative educational programs, high school dual credit education, industrial and professional workforce training and a critical player in the region’s economy. Situated on 219 acres, the college has about 3,000 students. The JC offers AA and AAS degrees, along with certifications in various fields.
The Training and Outreach department is ranked No. 2 in New Mexico among all community colleges. It is a national leader in energy education and training, for both the oil industry and nuclear technology. Students in the nursing program have been ranked in the top 10 percent of all nursing students in the nation.
The JC also features athletic programs, including men’s and women’s basketball, track & field, baseball, golf and rodeo, winning many regional and national championships.
University of the Southwest
It’s a great time to be a Mustang. Located in Hobbs, University of the Southwest is a faith-based university committed to student development in spirit, mind and body. As a private institution of higher learning, USW offers a premium education at an affordable price. An emphasis on servant leadership is at the center of the USW experience, equipping our graduates to make a meaningful impact on their chosen professions and contributing to success in all aspects of life.
USW’s intimate campus setting is home to a close-knit community where friendships are forged to last a lifetime. Small classes taught by talented and dedicated faculty ensure familiarity with students and a constant awareness of student progress in the classroom. USW offers 53 majors in its undergraduate degree programs, a Masters of Business and Masters of Education. All graduate programs are fully online. An active student life program is in place to help all students feel at home. This all translates into a great educational value for USW students and their families.