- DATIL ELEMENTARY — 18.6 mi · Grades K–6 · 16 students
| Metric | Quemado Independent Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 168 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $33,396/yr | $17,619/yr | Small district — per-pupil varies |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quemado Independent Schools (this district) | 9/10 | 88th | 168 |
| Magdalena Municipal Schools | 7/10 | 60th | 285 |
| Reserve Independent Schools | 8/10 | 77th | 105 |
| Truth or Consequences Schools | 5/10 | 40th | 1,287 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 88 rated districts in NM → 88th percentile → 9/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Quemado Independent Schools
Zip code 87821 in Datil, New Mexico is served by Quemado Independent Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Quemado Independent Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
With a rating of 9/10 (top-tier), Quemado Independent Schools ranks among New Mexico’s top-tier-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Mexico is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
⚠️ Small-district caveat. Quemado Independent Schools enrolls 168 students. A percentile rank drawn from so few test-takers is statistically unstable — it can move several points from one year to the next on normal variation alone, and a single class of students can swing it. Treat this rating as a rough signal rather than a precise ranking, and look at the school-level detail below before drawing conclusions.
Quemado Independent Schools ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in New Mexico on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 87821 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 87821
Children in zip code 87821 are assigned to Quemado Independent Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 87821, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Quemado Independent Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Mexico districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Datil
For families considering a purchase in the Datil area, district assignment matters financially. Because Quemado Independent Schools serves zip code 87821, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 87821. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Mexico, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Quemado Independent Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 87821.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Quemado Independent Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 87821 data.