For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 243 students in Union County, NM.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, NM are Des Moines Elementary School and Alvis Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, NM public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the New Mexico public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 34% statewide average). Elementary schools in Union County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of New Mexico public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Des Moines Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | 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
Gr: PK-6 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
Alvis Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 Aspen St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: PK-4 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Amistad Charter (Closed 2009)
Charter School
P.o. Box 168
Amistad, NM 88410
(505) 633-2283
Amistad, NM 88410
(505) 633-2283
Gr: PK-8 | 26 students Minority enrollment: 35%
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 5-6 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, NM?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, NM include Des Moines Elementary School and Alvis Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Union County?
2 public elementary schools are located in Union County.
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.