Serving 19 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Penasco Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥50% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 19 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in NM
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Penasco Elementary serves the west part of the Hope, NM school district, covering an attendance area of approximately 1,081.4 square miles. Families typically drive 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of about 19.6 miles to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 29.8 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Penasco Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Penasco Elementary School's student population of 19 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
19 students
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Motto
'It's Great to Be a Bulldog'
School Rankings
Penasco Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penasco Elementary School is 0.10, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#59 out of 796 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
Hispanic
5%
63%
White
95%
19%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(20-21) ⚠ COVID-19 impacted5.3%
31.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
33%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penasco Elementary School's ranking?
Penasco Elementary School is ranked #59 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while ≥50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Penasco Elementary School?
19 students attend Penasco Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Penasco Elementary School students are White, and 5% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penasco Elementary School?
Penasco Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Penasco Elementary School offer ?
Penasco Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penasco Elementary School part of?
Penasco Elementary School is part of Artesia School District.
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