Serving 671 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cottonwood Elementary School ranks in the bottom 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 24% (which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20% (which is lower than 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 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 671 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cottonwood Elementary School's student population of 671 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
671 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Rankings
Cottonwood Elementary 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 Cottonwood Elementary School is 0.29, 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
#501 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
33%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
12%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
83%
62%
Black
1%
2%
White
15%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cottonwood Elementary School's ranking?
Cottonwood Elementary School is ranked #501 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?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary School?
671 students attend Cottonwood Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Cottonwood Elementary School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cottonwood Elementary School?
Cottonwood Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Cottonwood Elementary School offer ?
Cottonwood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cottonwood Elementary School part of?
Cottonwood Elementary School is part of Carlsbad School District.
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