Serving 166 students in grades 4-6, Central 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 18% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 4-6
- Enrollment: 166 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Elementary serves the northern part of Belen, NM, covering an area of approximately 59.9 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 8.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Elementary School's student population of 166 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
166 students
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Motto
We soar in academics and character
School Rankings
Central 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 Central Elementary School is 0.32, 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
#530 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
81%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
16%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)68.1%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (05-06)
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Elementary School's ranking?
Central Elementary School is ranked #530 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?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
166 students attend Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Central Elementary School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central Elementary School offer ?
Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 4-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Elementary School part of?
Central Elementary School is part of Belen School District.
School Reviews
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