Placitas Elementary School

5 CALLE DEL CARBON

School District

Bernalillo Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:9
Type

public

School Map for Bernalillo Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 18, 2024

My son is a kindergartner at Placitas Elementary. He is reading and doing great with math. The class is small 12 students. The teacher is wonderful. They have a good amount of extra classes, art, PE, music, STEM. My son loves going to school here.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2015

A great small school. Very good teachers and staff. Lots of after school programs. I've had kids at all grade levels here over the last three years, and it's been consistently high quality.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2014

I have to say, the test scores tell the real story. The scores are good, the teachers are great, and we are very happy with the school. I agree, if you have concerns, take them to the Governance Board!
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

I have a 4th grader and a Kindergartner at this school, and we love it. Placitas is a small community which lends to small class sizes, which lends nicely to attentive teachers. There's a wealth of activities for them to participate in, and I feel the principal and all the staff are very responsive and approachable. There's a great school spirit here, and I wouldn't have my kids go anywhere else. P.S. I'm not rich.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2014

After a disappointing first few weeks I have to retract my earlier comments. The white wash that the school received is all just for show. This school was about to be closed 2 years ago because its segregationist and practically useless in our community as a whole. It was failing in all testing areas amongst other things. The building's facelift and rearranging of staff may have helped with some specific complaints by parents but the underlying message is that a few squeaky rich wheels get the grease. This is a doomed social project at tax payers expense.
Submitted by other on September 06, 2014

Placitas elementary school in Placitas NM is the kind of school that you think of
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

Too remote and isolated. A country school with a one room feel. New building does not add to the value. No variety for the kids.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2014

The veracity of the comment regarding special needs students is questionable. The school's special education is managed by the district and they work hard to conform to the law. If there is a problem, that's where the blame belongs. All the special needs kids that I am aware of at Placitas Elementary are integrated into the normal classes. Some have specially assigned aides. This is a really good elementary school. My two kids love it and are making great progress.
Submitted by other on April 05, 2014

Special needs students have all been relegated to one classroom, violating federal standards on Least Restrictive Environment. Any school can do much better when/ir students who prove disruptive to other students are shuttled off into one classroom.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2013

As stated numerous times here, the school went through a major switch in teaching and administration. My son LOVES his school and is being challenged (FINALLY), he has been at PES from 1st grade and didn't learn anything from 1st to 2nd grade but has excelled greatly with the new teaching staff! I am so impressed that the Bernalillo School District was willing to do a major change and put in a new staff! Way to go - it was good to see our school system listen. Sorry to say that this type of positive influence doesn't extend to the middle school or high school in Bernalillo. The administration should think about an overhaul on those schools and then maybe kids that went to PES would go to the middle schools and high school and the school district would not lose them!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2013

My son is just starting school here and the administration, support staff and teachers at this school are amazing. Everyone I've encountered has been kind, helpful, organized, and courteous. The school is neat and in a beautiful setting, the halls very well kept with art work and it seems everyone has a smile on their face. They strongly encourage parent involvement and it's clear that the students are their top priority.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Placitas Elementary has done amazing strides since 2011. the teachers have been knowledgable, supportive caring and extremely involved with all school activities. I highly recommend you to think about sending your child to PES. Having been in the private school system a few years back, I can say that PES is more up to date with academic innovation and child development issues.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2013

Placitas Elementary School (PES) has a great principal, enthusiastic staff, and wonderful learning environment with fabulous kiddos and good parent involvement. I recommend PES highly. As a result of epidemic past problems, I applied to charter schools for my first grade daughter. However, last year the school underwent a total and impressive positive transformation. I declined both charter school spots offered and am very pleased to have my daughter educated in my community, where friends are nearby and every teacher now at the school is excellent. My daughter LOVES first grade and has had a phenomenal learning trajectory. PES has demonstrated to me how, sometimes, our expectations can be greatly exceeded. As a parent who cares about education, I am so very grateful.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2012

The school didn't make AYP this year or last year and it may shut down. After kindergarten, your child can look forward to burned out teachers and lack of leadership make homeschooling or private school the best options. From PES, the kids go on to Bernalillo Public Schools for 6th grade which is even worse.