Serving 462 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Lafe Nelson School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 462 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lafe Nelson School's student population of 462 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
462 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Motto
Be Kind, Responsible, and Safe!
School Rankings
Lafe Nelson School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lafe Nelson School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#662 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
17:1
American Indian
3%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
59%
48%
Black
1%
6%
White
36%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lafe Nelson School's ranking?
Lafe Nelson School is ranked #662 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Lafe Nelson School often compared to?
Lafe Nelson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ruth Powell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Lafe Nelson School?
462 students attend Lafe Nelson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Lafe Nelson School students are Hispanic, 36% of students are White, 3% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lafe Nelson School?
Lafe Nelson School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Lafe Nelson School offer ?
Lafe Nelson School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lafe Nelson School part of?
Lafe Nelson School is part of Safford Unified District (4218).
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