For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 482 students in Union County, NM.
The top ranked public schools in Union County, NM are Des Moines Elementary School, Des Moines High School and Clayton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of New Mexico public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Des Moines Elementary School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
500 Des Moines Avenue
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Grades: PK-6
| 79 students
Rank: #22.
Des Moines High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Des Moines Avenue
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Des Moines, NM 88418
(575) 278-2611
Grades: 7-12
| 58 students
Rank: #33.
Clayton High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
323 South 5th St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Grades: 9-12
| 119 students
Rank: #44.
Clayton Junior High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Grades: 7-8
| 62 students
Rank: #55.
Alvis Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
404 Aspen St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Grades: PK-4
| 164 students
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Amistad Charter (Closed 2009)
Charter School
P.o. Box 168
Amistad, NM 88410
(505) 633-2283
Amistad, NM 88410
(505) 633-2283
Grades: PK-8
| 26 students
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Grades: 5-6
| 54 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Union County, NM?
The top ranked public schools in Union County, NM include Des Moines Elementary School, Des Moines High School and Clayton High School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
5 public schools are located in Union County.
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.