Best Belen Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,635 students in Belen, NM.
The top-ranked public preschools in Belen, NM are Gil Sanchez Elementary School, Dennis Chavez Elementary School and Rio Grande Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Belen, NM public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the New Mexico public pre school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 32% statewide average). Pre schools in Belen have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of New Mexico public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the New Mexico public preschool average of 84% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Belen, NM (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gil Sanchez Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
376 Jarales Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1900
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #22.
Dennis Chavez Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
19670 Hwy 314
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-1800
Gr: PK-6 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Rio Grande Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
15 Eastside School Rd
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2200
Gr: PK-6 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #44.
La Merced Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
301 Alame Loop
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2100
Gr: PK-6 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #55.
La Promesa Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
898 Hwy 304
Belen, NM 87002
(505) 966-2400
Gr: PK-6 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Belen, NM?
The top-ranked public preschools in Belen, NM include Gil Sanchez Elementary School, Dennis Chavez Elementary School and Rio Grande Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Belen?
5 public preschools are located in Belen.
What is the racial composition of students in Belen?
Belen public preschools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the New Mexico public preschools average of 84% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Belen are often viewed compared to one another?

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