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 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
Enrollment
124
Student-Teacher
62:1
Score
3.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsRequires 2+ years of test data
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/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.
Funding & Resources
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (928) 737-2581
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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