James Elementary School

701 West 18th St
Portales, NM 88130
(School attendance zone shown in map)
James Elementary School serves 375 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%).
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-2
  • Enrollment: 375 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 75%
  • : 54%
  • : 61%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

School Overview

James Elementary School's student population of 375 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has declined by 86% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-2
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
375 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

The diversity score of James 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.
This School
State Level (NM)
(09-10)
54%
43%
(09-10)
61%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
13:1
American Indian
1%
12%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
72%
62%
Black
n/a
2%
White
25%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
0.42
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
7%
1%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

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?
375 students attend James Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of James Elementary School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
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.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-2
  • Enrollment: 375 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 75%
  • : 54%
  • : 61%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

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