Serving 451 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 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 35%). 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 23:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 451 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lafe Nelson School's student population of 451 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
451 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lafe Nelson School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lafe Nelson School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#671 out of 1956 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
55%
47%
Black
1%
6%
White
40%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
29%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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 #671 out of 1,956 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?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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?
451 students attend Lafe Nelson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Lafe Nelson School students are Hispanic, 40% 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 23:1, 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
What school district is Lafe Nelson School part of?
Lafe Nelson School is part of Safford Unified District (4218) School District.
School Reviews
5 1/20/2020
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.
5 8/14/2019
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!
Review Lafe Nelson 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
Should Teacher Salaries be Public Information?
Public school teachers are considered public servants – but does that make their salary details public information? Learn about the heated debate surrounding whether teacher salaries should be made public.
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
Bussing: North Carolina's New Student Assignment Plan
We analyze a new plan for student assignment in two North Carolina school districts and the public reaction to the idea of bussing students – as well as alternatives that have been proposed by education experts.
