Serving 283 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, White Sands Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 283 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
White Sands 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
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
White Sands Elementary School's student population of 283 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
283 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Motto
It's a great day to be a Sun Chief
School Rankings
White Sands Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of White Sands Elementary School is 0.64, which is more 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
#27 out of 796 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
12%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
38%
62%
Black
4%
2%
White
46%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
9%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White Sands Elementary School's ranking?
White Sands Elementary School is ranked #27 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are White Sands Elementary School often compared to?
White Sands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Vista Middle School, Zia Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend White Sands Elementary School?
283 students attend White Sands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of White Sands Elementary School students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of White Sands Elementary School?
White Sands Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does White Sands Elementary School offer ?
White Sands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is White Sands Elementary School part of?
White Sands Elementary School is part of Las Cruces School District.
School Reviews
5 4/12/2024
I'm not kidding when I say all the teachers are really nice, sports are really fun, there are a lot of options for electives, and in general, it's really a fun school to be at.
Review White Sands Elementary 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

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.