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Needs Improvement

#1951 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Based on limited data

First Mesa Elementary School

Elementary School · First Mesa Elementary School

PO Box 750, Polacca, AZ 86042

Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on AZ statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

124

Student-Teacher

62:1

Score

3.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Arizona elementary schools

#1,178 of 1,216

About First Mesa Elementary School

First Mesa Elementary School is a small rural public elementary school located in Polacca, Arizona. Serving kindergarten through sixth grade, the school has an enrollment of 124 students and only two full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a high student-to-teacher ratio of 62 to 1. Despite these challenges, First Mesa Elementary focuses on providing a supportive environment for its students.

The school's MySchoolScout rating is low at 1.1 out of 10, reflecting the need for academic improvement and growth. With limited test score data available, it’s clear that there are opportunities to enhance educational programs and support student learning outcomes. However, the small class sizes offer a personalized approach to education where teachers can give individual attention to students.

First Mesa Elementary is situated in a remote rural area with close ties to its community. The setting offers a unique backdrop for learning, allowing students to connect with nature and traditional Navajo culture while still pursuing academic goals. Despite the challenges, First Mesa Elementary remains committed to fostering a nurturing environment where each student can thrive.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 124 students, First Mesa Elementary School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at First Mesa Elementary School is 62:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, First Mesa Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Partial Profile · 2/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics6.3Above Average49%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on AZ state average
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.1Significantly Below Average51%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio62:1

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How First Mesa Elementary School Compares

See how First Mesa Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.7/10
3th percentile in AZ
Academic
6.3/10
6.3/10
Environment
1.1/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
62:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers

Location

PO Box 750, Polacca, AZ 86042

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering First Mesa Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hotevilla Bacavi Community School (rated 8.1/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Hotevilla), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jeehdeez'a Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 18.3 miles away, in nearby Pinon), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Seba Dalkai Boarding School (rated 8.1/10, 21.8 miles away, in nearby Winslow), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Polacca, see our Polacca schools guide .

Nearby Schools

16 within 33.9 mi
School Distance Rating
NATIVE - Hopi HS Keams Canyon 5.1 mi
Hopi Jr/Sr High School Keams Canyon 5.1 mi
Second Mesa Day School Second Mesa 6.1 mi 4.0
Keams Canyon Elementary School Keams Canyon 11.7 mi 6.2
Hopi Day School Kykotsmovi 12.9 mi 3.7
Jeddito School Keams Canyon 14.8 mi 7.1
Hotevilla Bacavi Community School Hotevilla 16.9 mi 8.1
Jeehdeez'a Elementary School Pinon 18.3 mi 8.1
Seba Dalkai Boarding School Winslow 21.8 mi 8.1
Rocky Ridge Boarding School Kykotsmovi 21.0 mi 7.8
Pinon Community School Pinon 22.3 mi 8.1
Pinon Elementary School Pinon 23.3 mi 7.5
Pinon Accelerated Middle School Pinon 23.3 mi 6.9
Pinon High School Pinon 23.3 mi 7.0
Dilcon Community School Winslow 30.7 mi 4.7
Indian Wells Elementary Holbrook 33.9 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 86042 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,107

Median Home Value

$61,000

Median Rent

$1,088/mo

Population

1,868

College Educated

9.9%

Homeownership

55%

Poverty Rate

17.1%

Median Age

40.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding First Mesa Elementary School has a median household income of $64,107. It is a community where 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $61,000, with a median rent of $1,088/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Havasupai Elementary School Supai, AZ 3.7
Hopi Day School Kykotsmovi, AZ 3.7
Hudlow Elementary School Tucson, AZ 3.7
Santa Rosa Day School Sells, AZ 3.7
Faras Elementary School Douglas, AZ 3.8
Greasewood Springs Community School Inc. Ganado, AZ 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about First Mesa Elementary School

What grades does First Mesa Elementary School serve?

First Mesa Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend First Mesa Elementary School?

First Mesa Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 124 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at First Mesa Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at First Mesa Elementary School is 62:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does First Mesa Elementary School rank in AZ?

First Mesa Elementary School is ranked #1951 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is First Mesa Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

First Mesa Elementary School has a composite rating of 3.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is First Mesa Elementary School a charter school?

No, First Mesa Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is First Mesa Elementary School a Title I school?

No, First Mesa Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for First Mesa Elementary School?

97.6% of students at First Mesa Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Low (217/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
124
Student-Teacher Ratio
62:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Navajo County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

First Mesa Elementary School
District Enrollment
124
Schools in District
1
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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