For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,158 students in Belen, NM.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Belen, NM are Belen Family School, Gil Sanchez Elementary School and Dennis Chavez Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Belen, NM public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the New Mexico public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 34% statewide average). Elementary schools in Belen have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of New Mexico public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Belen, NM (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Belen Family School
Alternative School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4 Eastside School Road
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2270
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2270
Gr: 1-8 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Gil Sanchez Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
376 Jarales Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1900
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1900
Gr: PK-6 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Dennis Chavez Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
19670 Hwy 314
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1800
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1800
Gr: PK-6 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #44.
Rio Grande Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
15 Eastside School Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2200
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2200
Gr: PK-6 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #55.
La Merced Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 Alame Loop
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2100
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2100
Gr: PK-6 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
La Promesa Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
898 Hwy 304
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2400
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2400
Gr: PK-6 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Jaramillo Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Esperanza Dr
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2001
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2001
Gr: PK-3 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #88.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 W. Picard Ave
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1200
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1200
Gr: 4-6 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Belen, NM?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Belen, NM include Belen Family School, Gil Sanchez Elementary School and Dennis Chavez Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Belen?
8 public elementary schools are located in Belen.
What is the racial composition of students in Belen?
Belen public elementary schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Belen are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Belen include: Gil Sanchez Elementary School vs. La Merced Elementary School, Rio Grande Elementary School vs. La Merced Elementary School, Belen Family School vs. La Merced Elementary School
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