Average
#664 of 864 schools in NM
Based on limited data
Chama Elementary
Elementary School · CHAMA VALLEY
182 NORTH PINE AVE, Chama, NM 87520
Enrollment
55
Student-Teacher
6.9:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
55
Student-Teacher
6.9:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
New Mexico elementary schools
#362 of 468
In district
#3 of 3
CHAMA VALLEY
School environment
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Chama Elementary
CHAMA ELEMENTARY is a small, rural public school located in Chama, New Mexico. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 55 students and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6.9:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention. With eight full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to their education, CHAMA ELEMENTARY focuses on providing a nurturing environment for young learners.
The academic performance at CHAMA ELEMENTARY currently ranks in the lower half of New Mexico's public schools, with test scores showing room for improvement across both ELA and math subjects. The school’s MySchoolScout rating reflects its ongoing commitment to student development and growth. CHAMA ELEMENTARY is situated in a remote rural setting where community ties are strong and supportive.
The small size of the school fosters a close-knit atmosphere, making it a tight-knit part of the Chama community.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 55 students, Chama Elementary 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 6.9:1, Chama Elementary offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Chama Elementary 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
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Chama Elementary — Students at Chama Elementary score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Component weights adjusted due to data availability.
Test Scores NM EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 2 test records from NM state assessments. About our data
How Chama Elementary Compares
See how Chama Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
182 NORTH PINE AVE, Chama, NM 87520
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chama Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Pagosa Springs Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 34.7 miles away, in nearby Pagosa Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is TIERRA AMARILLA ELEMENTARY (rated 6.3/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Tierra Amarilla), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pagosa Peak Open School (rated 6.1/10, 36.1 miles away, in nearby Pagosa Springs), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Chama, see our Chama schools guide .
Nearby Schools
12 within 36.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ESCALANTE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL Tierra Amarilla | 14.2 mi | 6.1 |
| TIERRA AMARILLA ELEMENTARY Tierra Amarilla | 14.2 mi | 6.3 |
| ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Lumberton | 19.6 mi | 5.8 |
| DULCE ELEMENTARY Dulce | 21.3 mi | 5.1 |
| DULCE HIGH Dulce | 22.7 mi | 7.2 |
| DULCE MIDDLE Dulce | 22.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Pagosa Springs High School Pagosa Springs | 34.0 mi | 6.0 |
| San Juan Mountain School Pagosa Springs | 34.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Pagosa Springs Middle School Pagosa Springs | 34.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Pagosa Springs Elementary School Pagosa Springs | 34.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Pagosa Peak Open School Pagosa Springs | 36.1 mi | 6.1 |
| PAGOSA VALOR ACADEMY Pagosa Springs | 36.5 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 87520 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,583
Median Home Value
$207,200
Median Rent
$529/mo
Population
1,088
College Educated
28.8%
Homeownership
80.4%
Poverty Rate
9.7%
Median Age
65.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Chama Elementary has a median household income of $59,583. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $207,200, with a median rent of $529/month. The local poverty rate of 9.7% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| MIKE SENA ELEMENTARY Las Vegas, NM | 5.1 |
| SAN ANTONIO ELEMENTARY San Antonio, NM | 5.1 |
| SAN JON ELEMENTARY San Jon, NM | 5.0 |
| Dibe Yazhi Habitiin Olta' Inc. Crownpoint, NM | 5.2 |
| LYBROOK ELEMENTARY Counselor, NM | 5.4 |
| RESERVE ELEMENTARY Reserve, NM | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chama Elementary
What grades does Chama Elementary serve?
Chama Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Chama Elementary?
Chama Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 55 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chama Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Chama Elementary is 6.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Chama Elementary rank in NM?
Chama Elementary is ranked #664 out of 864 schools in NM.
What is Chama Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Chama Elementary has a composite rating of 5.1 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.
What are the test scores at Chama Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Chama Elementary has 5.0% math proficiency and 15.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Chama Elementary a charter school?
No, Chama Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Chama Elementary a Title I school?
No, Chama Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Chama Elementary?
76.4% of students at Chama Elementary 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 55
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 6.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Rio Arriba County
- Phone
- (575) 588-7285
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
CHAMA VALLEY- District Enrollment
- 325
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $23,025
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.