Serving 270 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 10:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 270 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: White Sands Elementary serves the eastern part of Las Cruces, NM, covering an area of approximately 191.9 square miles, with most families typically facing a 15-20 minute drive to the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 10.1 miles, extending up to 15.7 miles at its furthest point.
- 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
School Overview
White Sands Elementary School's student population of 270 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
270 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
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%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
24%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
42%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
42%
19%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.5%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
7%
4%
Showing 2006–2016. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
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?
270 students attend White Sands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of White Sands Elementary School students are Hispanic, 42% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 1% 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 10:1, 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 10/10/2025
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.
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