Serving 754 students in grades 9-12, Portales High 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 10-14% (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 16:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 754 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Top 30% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Portales High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Portales, NM, covering approximately 350.6 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 10.8 miles to the zone's edge and the furthest edge being 20.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Portales High School's student population of 754 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
754 students
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Portales High 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 Portales High School is 0.49, 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
#474 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
67%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
26%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(19-20)78%
77%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.6%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
7%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portales High School's ranking?
Portales High School is ranked #474 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?
10-14% 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).
What is the graduation rate of Portales High School?
The graduation rate of Portales High School is 78%, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 77%.
How many students attend Portales High School?
754 students attend Portales High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Portales High School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Portales High School?
Portales High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Portales High School offer ?
Portales High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Portales High School part of?
Portales High School is part of Portales School District.
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