Frequently asked questions of the School Liaison Office
1. Is there a school at White Sands Missile Range?
There is a combination Elementary/Middle School for students in grades K-8 at
White Sands Schools located on the installation at, #1Viking Street. White Sands Schools are part of the Las Cruces Public
2. How old do you have to be to start Kindergarten in New Mexico? Is Kindergarten full-day?
Students must be 5 years of age by 12:01 am on September 1 of the year they intend
to start school to be eligible to enroll (exceptions are not made for students who turn 5
years of age after the September 1 deadline). Kindergarten students attend full-day
sessions. The White Sands Schools currently do not have Pre-Kindergarten
programs but do provide Developmentally Delayed Pre-School (DD Pre) for students
who meet the Special Education requirements.
3. Where is the High School?
High School students attend Onate High School (also part of the Las Cruces Public
Schools), thirty miles from WSMR. Currently Onate High School has
approximately 2000 students in grades 9-12. Students with an appropriate driver’s
license may drive themselves to and from Onate High School (approximately a 30
minute drive).
4. How do students get to Onate High School if they don’t drive?
The school district provides bus transportation for all registered high school students
both to and from school each day. Buses leave White Sands designated bus stops for
Onate High School at 6:25 am. Classes begin each day at 8:40 am and end at
3:40 pm.
5. Is there a dress code at either school?
There is no specific dress code for students at White Sands Schools or Onate High
School; however, students are required to dress in a manner that is conducive to a
learning environment. Visit the district website for Dress specific guidelines.
6. Are any extracurricular activities available?
Onate High School has a variety of sports, band, chorus, ROTC, theatre and many
other opportunities for students to take advantage of. Go to the Onate High School
website for specific information on your area of interest. WSMR through the School
Liaison Services provides an activity bus that will transport registered students to and
from Onate High School prior to and after school so students can participate in school
related extracurricular activities. Activity bus departs WSMR at 6:15 am and leaves
Onate High School at 6:45 pm. This timeframe allows for participation in all
extracurricular activities.
7. I am concerned about credits transferring, my class rank, graduation requirements etc., whom do I talk to?
Visit the Onate High School website or telephone the school at (505) 527-9430 and
speak to one of the Registrars or Guidance Counselors. Onate High School
administration has participated in the Military Child Education Coalition Transition
Counselor Institute and is aware of and ready to assist mobile military students with
their unique education transition needs. Staff is available to assist you throughout the
school year as well as on Wednesdays during the summer months when school is not in
session.
8. If we choose not to live on WSMR can our children still attend White Sands Schools?
Students whose parents live off WSMR but work on the installation are still eligible to attend White Sands Schools. You will need to get a transfer request from the school district prior to enrolling at White Sands Schools.
9. Are any before and after school programs offered?
In conjunction with Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services, the School Age Services program offers before and after school care. You may bring your school age children to the Alan A. Nord Youth Services Center (YSC) building as early as 5:30 am. Students are given a light breakfast at the YSC and transported by YSC staff to school or can eat breakfast at school. After school YSC staff pick up the students and transport them to the YSC where they are provided with a snack as well as “Power Hour”. Power Hour provides students time to complete the day’s homework assignments with assistance from the staff. School age students may stay at YSC as late as 6:00 pm. Students must be registered with CYS to take advantage of the before and after school programs.
10. I also have Pre- School children that I will need care for, is there a waiting list?
Child Development Services provides care for infants 6 weeks to Kindergarten
age. Participants must be enrolled with CYS Services to obtain services. Program Assistants
are highly qualified, experienced individuals who provide excellent care for your
children allowing you to meet your mission requirements with peace of mind knowing
your children are being well cared for. CDS currently does not have a waiting list.
Children must be registered with CYS in order to use the CDS program.
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