Portales School District

501 South Abilene
Portales, NM 88130
(District boundaries shown in map)
7/
10
Top 50%

Top Rankings

Portales School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in New Mexico for:

Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 20%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,106 students in Portales School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in New Mexico.
Public Elementary Schools in Portales School District have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the New Mexico public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 34% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public elementary school average of 81% (majority Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (NM)
# Schools
6 Schools
662 Schools
# Students
2,518 Students
205,986 Students
# Teachers
216 Teachers
16,027 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Portales School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 140 school districts in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 82% has increased from 77% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (NM)
#48 out of 141 school districts
(Top 50%)
26%
24%
35%
34%
37%
33%
(20-21)
80-84%
66%
(2022-23)
37.2%
43.1%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.48
0.57
% American Indian
1%
12%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
68%
62%
% Black
2%
2%
% White
25%
19%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $14,128 in this school district is less than the state median of $15,107. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $13,912 is less than the state median of $14,456. The school district spending/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
This School District
This State (NM)
Total Revenue
$36 MM
$4,694 MM
Spending
$35 MM
$4,492 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,128
$15,107
Spending / Student
$13,912
$14,456

Best Portales School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lindsey-steiner Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1000 North Ave M
Portales, NM 88130
(575) 356-7060
Gr: 5-6 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #22.
Valencia Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1415 South Globe
Portales, NM 88130
(575) 356-7090
Gr: 3-4 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
701 West 18th St
Portales, NM 88130
(575) 359-3675
Gr: 1-2 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 76%

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 6 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 2,518 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 75%
  • : 80-84% (Top 20% in NM)
  • : Top 50%
  • : 26% (Top 50%)
  • : 35% (Top 50%)
  • : 37% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

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