- JAL ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–5 · 290 students
- JAL JR HIGH — Grades 6–8 · 119 students
- JAL HIGH — Grades 9–12 · 158 students
| Metric | Jal Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 527 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 27% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jal Public Schools (this district) | 4/10 | 32nd | 527 |
| Rio Rancho Public Schools | 9/10 | 88th | 17,272 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | 7/10 | 66th | 79,805 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 88 rated districts in NM → 32nd percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Jal Public Schools
Jal Public Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 88252 in Jal, New Mexico. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 88252. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Jal Public Schools 4 out of 10 — below average among New Mexico public school districts. 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.
Jal Public Schools holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in New Mexico on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 88252
Children in zip code 88252 are assigned to Jal Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 88252, 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 Jal Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. 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 Jal
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Jal Public Schools serves zip code 88252, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 88252. 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 Jal Public 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 88252.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Jal Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 88252 data.