Photo: Navajo Region Fire and Aviation Management Bureau of Indian Affairs · Public domainNavajo’s public schools score below 71% of New Mexico districts on tests and graduation
In Navajo, 22% of tested students read at a proficient level, below the New Mexico average (34%). The grade covers the public school district serving Navajo, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New Mexico, not nationally.
From New Mexico state tests taken in spring 2022, when 83% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Navajo’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 59 New Mexico towns with household incomes within a quarter of Navajo’s, its schools beat 24%, lower than their 29% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 22% of tested students were proficient in reading and 18% in math, against 34% and 24% statewide; 83% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
75% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 76% across New Mexico. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,469 per student, against $17,681 across New Mexico (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Navajo Middle School, then Navajo Pine High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Dzit Dit Lool School of Empowerment Action and Perseverance is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Navajo’s grade
C: better than 29% of New Mexico school districts. Both inputs trail the New Mexico average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Navajo, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
Kindergarten in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
1st grade in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
2nd grade in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
3rd grade in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
4th grade in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
5th grade in Navajo
Navajo Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 310 students
6th grade in Navajo
Navajo Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 224 students · 5:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Navajo
Navajo Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 224 students · 5:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Navajo
Navajo Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 224 students · 5:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Navajo
Navajo Pine High
Grades 9–12 · 140 students · 2:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Navajo
Navajo Pine High
Grades 9–12 · 140 students · 2:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Navajo
Navajo Pine High
Grades 9–12 · 140 students · 2:1 students per teacher
Navajo’s public schools are run by Gallup-McKinley County Schools, which also serves Gallup. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Navajo vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Mexico towns that share Navajo’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Navajo | C | Gallup-McKinley County Schools |
Every school in Navajo
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New Mexico’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Navajo’s schools
Are Navajo’s schools good?
On New Mexico’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Navajo children attend score below 71% of New Mexico’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 24%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Navajo in?
Gallup-McKinley County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 12,698 students in 33 schools (2024–25).
Where do Navajo kids go to high school?
Navajo Pine High, with 140 students.
What is Navajo’s graduation rate?
75% of the class of 2023 in Gallup-McKinley County Schools graduated in four years, against 76% across New Mexico.
How much does Navajo spend per student?
$20,469 in Gallup-McKinley County Schools (FY2024), against $17,681 across New Mexico. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Navajo families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Navajo → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New Mexico. Stars are from neighbors.