Serving 820 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Desert Willow Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 820 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Willow Elementary School's student population of 820 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has grown by 61% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
820 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
School Rankings
Desert Willow Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 810 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Willow Elementary School is 0.42, 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
#374 out of 810 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
33%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
12%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
72%
62%
Black
1%
2%
White
26%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Willow Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Willow Elementary School is ranked #374 out of 810 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Willow Elementary School?
820 students attend Desert Willow Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Desert Willow Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Willow Elementary School?
Desert Willow Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Willow Elementary School offer ?
Desert Willow Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Willow Elementary School part of?
Desert Willow Elementary School is part of Carlsbad School District.
School Reviews
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