Middle Schools in Belen

The middle schools in Belen, New Mexico, a city located in Valencia County, are struggling to meet state academic standards. The two middle schools in the area, Belen Middle and Central Elementary, have consistently performed below the state average on key metrics such as proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Belen Middle School has been ranked in the bottom half of New Mexico middle schools in recent years, ranking 153rd out of 235 schools in the 2023-2024 school year and 152nd out of 239 schools in 2022-2023. Central Elementary does not have statewide ranking information available. Both schools have proficiency rates well below the state average, with Belen Middle School's English Language Arts proficiency at 37% (compared to the state average of 39%) and Mathematics proficiency at 12% (compared to the state average of 25%). Central Elementary's proficiency rates are even lower, with 21% in English Language Arts and 13% in Mathematics.

The high-poverty student population, with 100% of students at both schools qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, suggests that the Belen school district may face significant socioeconomic challenges that impact academic achievement. The consistently low performance and lack of improvement over time indicate a potential need for targeted interventions and support to address the unique challenges faced by the Belen school district and its students.