Serving 74 students in grades 6-8, Penasco Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 74 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Penasco Middle's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Penasco, NM, covering an area of approximately 261.8 square miles. Parents can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 16.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penasco Middle School's student population of 74 students has grown by 48% over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
74 students
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
School Rankings
Penasco Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penasco Middle School is 0.24, 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
#422 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
5%
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
87%
63%
Black
n/a
2%
White
4%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.9%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
10%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penasco Middle School's ranking?
Penasco Middle School is ranked #422 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Penasco Middle School?
74 students attend Penasco Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Penasco Middle School students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are White, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penasco Middle School?
Penasco Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Penasco Middle School offer ?
Penasco Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penasco Middle School part of?
Penasco Middle School is part of Penasco School District.
School Reviews
Review Penasco Middle 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
