Serving 471 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Lafe Nelson School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 471 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Lafe Nelson School's attendance zone encompasses the entire Safford school district, covering approximately 422.8 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with some residents living up to 52.9 miles away from its furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lafe Nelson School's student population of 471 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
471 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Be Kind, Responsible, and Safe!
School Rankings
Lafe Nelson School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lafe Nelson School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#662 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
58%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
37%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.9%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
10%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Bulldog Pride: Be Kind, Responsible, and Safe!
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lafe Nelson School's ranking?
Lafe Nelson School is ranked #662 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Lafe Nelson School often compared to?
Lafe Nelson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ruth Powell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Lafe Nelson School?
471 students attend Lafe Nelson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Lafe Nelson School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lafe Nelson School?
Lafe Nelson School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Lafe Nelson School offer ?
Lafe Nelson School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lafe Nelson School part of?
Lafe Nelson School is part of Safford Unified District (4218).
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I just started going to this school and there are a lot of good people, and I am having a hard time just from some kids but it is overall a great school my teacher is Awsome!
5 10/10/2025
Lafe Nelson school teachers and staff are kind, caring, and at tentative to my daughter's needs. I especially love her kindergarten teacher, Mrs Taylor, who finds creative ways to help her read the sight words in a story form. This has helped her to feel accomplished at a kindergarten level of education. The binders she created to keep all her school task, notes and homework keep everything simple and easy for us. Mrs Taylor was highly recommended and I'm really impressed with her. Mrs Omeara the principle is engaged and active in the classrooms as well and has a smile to every child and parent she sees. I could go on and on about the teachers there. They really care about the kids and their success.
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