Serving 466 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Desert Star Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (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 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 466 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NM
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Star Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Desert Star Elementary School's student population of 466 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
466 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Rankings
Desert Star 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 Desert Star Elementary School is 0.59, 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
#505 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
56%
63%
Black
4%
2%
White
30%
19%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Star Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Star Elementary School is ranked #505 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Desert Star Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Star Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunset Hills Elementary School, Sierra Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
How many students attend Desert Star Elementary School?
466 students attend Desert Star Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Desert Star Elementary School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Star Elementary School?
Desert Star Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desert Star Elementary School offer ?
Desert Star Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Star Elementary School part of?
Desert Star Elementary School is part of Alamogordo School District.
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