For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 482 students in Union County, NM.
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, NM are Des Moines Elementary School, Kiser Elementary School and Des Moines High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public school average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Des Moines Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
500 Des Moines Avenue
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Gr: PK-6 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Kiser Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 5-6 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
Des Moines High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Des Moines Avenue
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Gr: 7-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Alvis Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 Aspen St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: PK-4 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Clayton Junior High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 7-8 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #66.
Clayton High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
323 South 5th St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 9-12 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Union County, NM?
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, NM include Des Moines Elementary School, Kiser Elementary School and Des Moines High School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
5 public schools are located in Union County.
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public schools average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.