Central Elementary vs La Merced Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New Mexico, United States, 4.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Central Elementary
Belen · Public middle · Grades 4–6
166 students
La Merced Elementary
Belen · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
463 students
| Measure | Central Elementary Belen, New Mexico | La Merced Elementary Belen, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 19 Lower 50% | 18 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #74 of 138 | #272 of 416 |
| National rank | #13983 of 15,369 | #45922 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 4–6 | Grades PK–6 |
| Students | 166 | 463 |
| Enrollment | 166 | 463 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 99.4% | 100% |
| Students per teacher | 11.9 | 16.0 |
| Reading proficiency | 27% | 32% |
| Math proficiency | 19% | 29% |
| city | Belen | Belen |
| state | New Mexico | New Mexico |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (US) scores (18.7 vs 18.3).
- •La Merced Elementary does better on math proficiency (29% vs 19%).
- •La Merced Elementary does better on reading proficiency (32% vs 27%).
- •Central Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (99.4% vs 100%).
- •Central Elementary does better on students per teacher (11.9 vs 16.0).
- •La Merced Elementary is the larger school with 463 students compared with 166.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Central Elementary better than La Merced Elementary?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (US). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Central Elementary and La Merced Elementary?
About 4.4 km in a straight line, between Belen and Belen in New Mexico.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Central Elementary: 166. La Merced Elementary: 463. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Central Elementary and La Merced Elementary rank in New Mexico?
Central Elementary is 74th of 138 and La Merced Elementary is 272nd of 416 among middle schools in New Mexico on the 2025 Success Index (US).