For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,500 students in Belen, NM (there are 2 private schools, serving 339 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Belen, NM are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Belen, NM are Belen Family School, Gil Sanchez Elementary School and Dennis Chavez Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Belen, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Belen have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public school average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Belen, NM (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Belen Family School
Alternative School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4 Eastside School Road
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2270
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2270
Gr: 1-8 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Gil Sanchez Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
376 Jarales Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1900
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1900
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #33.
Dennis Chavez Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
19670 Hwy 314
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1800
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1800
Gr: PK-6 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #44.
Rio Grande Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
15 Eastside School Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2200
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2200
Gr: PK-6 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #55.
La Merced Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 Alame Loop
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2100
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2100
Gr: PK-6 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #66.
Belen High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1619 West Delgado Ave
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1300
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1300
Gr: 9-12 | 958 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #77.
La Promesa Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
898 Hwy 304
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2400
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2400
Gr: PK-6 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #88.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 W. Picard Ave
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1200
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1200
Gr: 4-6 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #99.
Belen Infinity High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
221 S 4th St
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1500
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1500
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #1010.
Belen Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
314 South 4th St
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1600
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1600
Gr: 7-8 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Belen, NM?
The top-ranked public schools in Belen, NM include Belen Family School, Gil Sanchez Elementary School and Dennis Chavez Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Belen?
10 public schools are located in Belen.
What percentage of students in Belen go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Belen are educated in public schools (compared to the NM state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Belen?
Belen public schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public schools average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Belen are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Belen include: Gil Sanchez Elementary School vs. La Merced Elementary School, Belen Family School vs. La Merced Elementary School, Belen Infinity High School vs. Belen High School
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