VELARDE ELEMENTARY

Set in VELARDE, New Mexico, VELARDE ELEMENTARY is a rural-scale elementary campus, operated by ESPANOLA. It serves 39 students across grades K through 6. Compared to the state average of about 287 students per school, that is 86% smaller than typical.

ESPANOLA runs 12 schools in total, collectively educating 1,876 students. VELARDE ELEMENTARY is one of those campuses.

In terms of who attends, VELARDE ELEMENTARY records that nearly all students (97%) are Hispanic; the rest consists of 3% Native American. The wider county runs roughly 67% Hispanic, putting the school's mix considerably more Hispanic than the area baseline.

In terms of school funding signals, The school reports having 4 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 9.0:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 12.9:1, putting VELARDE ELEMENTARY tighter than the state norm the norm. Roughly 100% of students at VELARDE ELEMENTARY qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment.

Across the wider county, ACS estimates for Rio Arriba County put the typical household earns roughly $57,155 per year, 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 15%. VELARDE ELEMENTARY is one of 30 public schools in Rio Arriba County (combined enrollment of about 3,127 students).

The closest other public school is ALCALDE ELEMENTARY, roughly 4.8 miles away. 5 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a ten-mile radius, suggesting a relatively low-density school footprint.

VELARDE ELEMENTARY operates from a small-town location.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at VELARDE ELEMENTARY has edged down 24%, going from 51 students in 2018 to 39 in 2025.

On the community side, members of the VELARDE ELEMENTARY community share and discuss school events, parent volunteer needs, and clubs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.