Serving 479 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Desert Trail Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 479 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Trail Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Desert Trail Elementary School's student population of 479 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
479 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Rankings
Desert Trail Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Trail Elementary School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#295 out of 796 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
95%
63%
Black
1%
2%
White
3%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Gadsden School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Trail Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Trail Elementary School is ranked #295 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Trail Elementary School?
479 students attend Desert Trail Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Desert Trail Elementary School students are Hispanic, 3% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Trail Elementary School?
Desert Trail Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Trail Elementary School offer ?
Desert Trail Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Trail Elementary School part of?
Desert Trail Elementary School is part of Gadsden School District.
School Reviews
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