Serving 326 students in grades 7-8, Portales Jr High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 326 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Portales Jr. High's attendance zone covers the entire Portales school district, encompassing approximately 350.6 square miles around the city of Portales, NM. Families typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 20.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Portales Jr High School's student population of 326 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
326 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Rankings
Portales Jr High School ranks within the top 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Portales Jr High School is 0.45, 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
#297 out of 796 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
71%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
21%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.5%
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 Jr High School's ranking?
Portales Jr High School is ranked #297 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Portales Jr High School?
326 students attend Portales Jr High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Portales Jr High School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 4% 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 Jr High School?
Portales Jr High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Portales Jr High School offer ?
Portales Jr High School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Portales Jr High School part of?
Portales Jr High School is part of Portales School District.
School Reviews
3 10/10/2025
This school is okay I guess. The teachers are nice and the new principle too.
Review Portales Jr High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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