For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,836 students in Belen, NM.
The top ranked public preschools in Belen, NM are Gil Sanchez Elementary School, Dennis Chavez Elementary School and Rio Grande Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Belen, NM public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the New Mexico public pre school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 31% statewide average). Pre schools in Belen have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of New Mexico public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public preschool average of 82% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Belen, NM (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 304 students
Rank: #22.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 281 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 359 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 433 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 205 students
Rank: #66.
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
Grades: PK-3
| 254 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Belen, NM?
The top ranked public preschools in Belen, NM include Gil Sanchez Elementary School, Dennis Chavez Elementary School and Rio Grande Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Belen?
6 public preschools are located in Belen.
What is the racial composition of students in Belen?
Belen public preschools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Mexico public preschools average of 82% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Belen are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Belen include: Gil Sanchez Elementary School vs. La Merced Elementary School, La Merced Elementary School vs. Gil Sanchez Elementary School, Rio Grande Elementary School vs. La Merced Elementary School
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