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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

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 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics2.3Needs Improvement60%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency15%
Overall Proficiency10%
Expected (poverty-adj.)29%
vs. Expected-18.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment9.2Exceptional40%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio6.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,669

Chama Elementary — Students at Chama Elementary score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores NM EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 5.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 15.0%
School
State
N/A

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.

Overall Score
5.1/10
23th percentile in NM
Academic
2.3/10
2.3/10
Environment
9.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
76%
Teaching Staff
7:1 student-teacher ratio
8 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

CHAMA VALLEY
District Enrollment
325
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$23,025
District Rank
#3 of 3

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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