Grants High School in Grants, New Mexico is proud to be the Home of the Pirates and the legendary "Angry Jack". At the Port of the Pirates, we foster academic excellence, character, and school pride while preparing students for success beyond graduation through strong traditions, dedicated educators, and a supportive community.
Choosing Grants High School offers students a unique, tight-knit learning environment where the benefits of a small-town community meet diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities. With a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, students receive more personalized attention than in larger metropolitan districts, fostering a supportive atmosphere where educators can truly get to know their pupils. Beyond the classroom, GHS provides a vibrant campus life through its "Rowdy Crowd" spirit, Future Farmers of America, SkillsUSA organizations, and a range of competitive athletics. Furthermore, as part of the New Mexico educational landscape, graduates are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, which can provide 100% tuition coverage for those continuing their education at any public college or university in the state. By attending Grants High, students benefit from a culture that celebrates its rich local history and cultural diversity while preparing them for future success through dedicated college and career readiness programs.
The administrative team at Grants High School, led by Principal Stevy Elkins, is defined by a "students-first" philosophy and a deep connection to the local community. Supported by Assistant Principals Reyes Jaramillo (who also serves as Athletic Director) and Miranda Barajas, the leadership team focuses on creating a safe, innovative, and equitable learning environment. Their strategic vision is closely aligned with Superintendent Lane Widner, a former GHS principal himself, who has championed the implementation of the Marzano instructional framework to ensure high-quality teaching across all classrooms. By prioritizing transparency and collaboration, the GHS administration maintains an open-door policy for parents and works tirelessly to bridge the gap between academic rigor and the social-emotional needs of their students. This leadership ensures that every "Pirate" has a clear pathway toward college, trade school, or the workforce.
The faculty at Grants High School is characterized by a deep-seated commitment to student success and a focus on continuous professional growth. Educators at GHS benefit from a robust professional development framework, recently adopting the Marzano "Art and Science of Teaching" model to refine research-based instructional strategies that prioritize student outcomes. This dedication to "good quality teaching" is supported by a favorable 15:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for the personalized, one-on-one attention that is often cited by students as a highlight of their experience. Furthermore, the staff's expertise is bolstered by district-wide initiatives in technology and safety, with the GCCS network being recognized as one of the most secure in New Mexico—a testament to the high caliber of the technical and instructional support teams. Whether through mentorship, college guidance, or innovative classroom management, the faculty at GHS strives to create a safe, inclusive, and academically challenging environment for every Pirate.
Grants High School provides a comprehensive athletic program that caters to a wide variety of interests, fostering both physical development and school spirit through its "Pirate" identity. Students can participate in year-round competitive sports, including football, soccer, cross country, and volleyball in the fall; basketball, wrestling, and powerlifting during the winter months; and baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and track and field in the spring. The school boasts modern facilities, such as a professional-grade synthetic turf fields installed for football, Soccer, Baseball and Softball, ensuring a high-quality environment for both practice and home games. With a dedicated coaching staff focused on character building and teamwork, GHS athletes are encouraged to excel not only on the field but also in the classroom, often moving on to compete at the collegiate level.
Grants High School offers a rich variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their passions beyond the traditional classroom setting. The school is home to a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, which serves as a hub for the community and provides a professional-grade venue for the band, orchestra, and choir programs. For students interested in modern competition and technology, the Esports club offers a platform to build strategic skills and pursue collegiate scholarships. GHS also hosts diverse student organizations, ranging from Future Farmers of America (FFA) to culturally focused groups and service-oriented clubs like National Honor Society. These programs are designed to foster leadership, boost student engagement, and ensure that every "Pirate" finds a sense of belonging while building a competitive resume for life after graduation.
