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James Elementary School (2026 Ranking) - Portales, NM

James Elementary School

701 West 18th St
Portales, NM 88130
(School attendance zone shown in map)
James Elementary School serves 364 students in grades 1-2. 
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-2
  • Enrollment: 364 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 76%
  • : 54%
  • : 61%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

School Overview

James Elementary School's student population of 364 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-2
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
364 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

The diversity score of James Elementary School is 0.44, 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.
This School
State Level (NM)
(09-10)
54%
43%
(09-10)
61%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
71%
63%
Black
1%
2%
White
24%
19%
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.44
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% NM state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% NM state average).
How many students attend James Elementary School?
364 students attend James Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of James Elementary School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Elementary School?
James Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does James Elementary School offer ?
James Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 1-2 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Elementary School part of?
James Elementary School is part of Portales School District.

School Reviews

Review James Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-2
  • Enrollment: 364 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 76%
  • : 54%
  • : 61%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education

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