Serving 127 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Penasco Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 127 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penasco Elementary School's student population of 127 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 53% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
127 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penasco Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penasco Elementary School is 0.24, 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
#572 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
6%
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
87%
63%
Black
n/a
2%
White
5%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
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)
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penasco Elementary School's ranking?
Penasco Elementary School is ranked #572 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Penasco Elementary School?
127 students attend Penasco Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Penasco Elementary School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penasco Elementary School?
Penasco Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Penasco Elementary School offer ?
Penasco Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penasco Elementary School part of?
Penasco Elementary School is part of Penasco School District.
School Reviews
Review Penasco Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
