Dennis Chavez Elementary School currently serves children in preschool through sixth grade.  The enrollment is a diverse combination of 430 students with a population that includes Hispanic, Anglo, African American and Asian ethnicities.

The staff is comprised of 22 regular education, 1 bilingual and 6 special education teachers.  In addition, there are 2 speech therapists, 1 occupational therapist, a counselor and a nurse.  Also part of the Dennis Chavez Elementary school team are our principal, school secretary, lunch cashier, 1 library technician, 7 educational assistants, 4 custodians and 5 cooks.

History

Dennis Chavez Elementary School is named after the late Senator Dennis Chavez, who was born and spent his early years in the community of Los Chavez.  Los Chavez is located approximately three miles north of Belen.  Its residents are commonly referred to as the "machetes," a combination of old Hispanic families and a large group of newcomers to the area.  Los Chavez dates back to the earliest times of New Mexico history.  It is a very pleasant and progressive community.  Los Chavez continues to experience very rapid population growth.