For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 482 students in Union County, NM.
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, NM are Des Moines Elementary School, Kiser Elementary School and Des Moines 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 38% (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 81% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public 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 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Kiser Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
224 Spruce St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 5-6 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: 7-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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
Gr: 7-8 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #66.
Clayton High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
323 South 5th St
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9611
Gr: 9-12 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
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, Kiser Elementary School and Des Moines 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 81% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
