James Elementary School serves 364 students in grades 1-2.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 1-2
- Enrollment: 364 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Math Proficiency: 54%
- Reading Proficiency: 61%
- Attendance Zone: James Elementary's attendance zone covers the entire Portales school district, encompassing approximately 350.6 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 20.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
James Elementary School's student population of 364 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-2
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
364 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of James Elementary School is 0.44, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(09-10)54%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(09-10)61%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
71%
63%
Black
1%
2%
White
24%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.8%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% NM state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% NM state average).
How many students attend James Elementary School?
364 students attend James Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of James Elementary School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Elementary School?
James Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does James Elementary School offer ?
James Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 1-2 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Elementary School part of?
James Elementary School is part of Portales School District.
School Reviews
Review James 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
