For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public preschools serving 4,302 students in Lea County, NM.
The top ranked public preschools in Lea County, NM are Mills Elementary School, Tatum Elementary School and Stone Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lea County, NM public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the New Mexico public pre school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 31% statewide average). Pre schools in Lea County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public preschool average of 82% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Lea County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Mills Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
200 West Copper
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2400
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2400
Grades: PK-5
| 406 students
Rank: #22.
Tatum Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
115 West 3rd St
Tatum, NM 88267
(575) 398-4455
Tatum, NM 88267
(575) 398-4455
Grades: PK-6
| 141 students
Rank: #33.
Stone Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1015 Calle Sur
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2500
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2500
Grades: PK-5
| 409 students
Rank: #44.
Jal Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
307 East Utah
Jal, NM 88252
(575) 395-2101
Jal, NM 88252
(575) 395-2101
Grades: PK-5
| 272 students
Rank: #55.
Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1520 N. Breckon
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2000
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2000
Grades: PK-5
| 393 students
Rank: #66.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1200 West Park
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1700
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1700
Grades: PK-5
| 354 students
Rank: #77.
Southern Heights Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 East Texas
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1900
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1900
Grades: PK-5
| 445 students
Rank: #88.
Will Rogers Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 East Clinton
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2200
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2200
Grades: PK-5
| 316 students
Rank: #99.
Edison Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 East Gypsy
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1600
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-1600
Grades: PK-5
| 228 students
Rank: #1010.
Booker T. Washington Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1200 East Humble
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2100
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2100
Grades: PK-5
| 174 students
Rank: #1111.
Murray Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
510 N Dal Paso St
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2700
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 433-2700
Grades: PK-5
| 443 students
Rank: #1212.
Mettie Jordan Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1715 Avenue M
Eunice, NM 88231
(575) 394-2440
Eunice, NM 88231
(575) 394-2440
Grades: PK-5
| 339 students
Rank: n/an/a
1000 South First
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 739-2670
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 739-2670
Grades: PK-K
| 382 students
Lea County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Alternative High School (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
P.o. Box 1030
Hobbs, NM 88240
(505) 397-3241
Hobbs, NM 88240
(505) 397-3241
Grades: 9-12
| 108 students
2107 North Kingley Dr
Hobbs, NM 88240
(505) 433-0100
Hobbs, NM 88240
(505) 433-0100
Grades: PK
| 69 students
Lea Cy. Detention Cn High School (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
310 North Fifth St
Lovington, NM 88260
(505) 739-2200
Lovington, NM 88260
(505) 739-2200
Grades: 8-11
| 12 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Lea County, NM?
The top ranked public preschools in Lea County, NM include Mills Elementary School, Tatum Elementary School and Stone Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Lea County?
13 public preschools are located in Lea County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lea County?
Lea County public preschools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New Mexico public preschools average of 82% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
