May 2025 | Issue No. 60

Hello and welcome to my May newsletter! The end of the school year is quickly approaching; while your main focus may be just making it to summer break, it's also a good time to start thinking about options for next year. Did you know that Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) offers numerous routes for students who may thrive in a more unconventional environment? The Office of Innovation and School Choice is devoted to serving Albuquerque students and parents through alternative programs and educational opportunities. There are magnet schools with pathways such as Engineering the Future and Sustaining the Future (STEM focused), and International Baccalaureate Programs, just to name a few. APS International High School-opening August 2025-is enrolling now for the 2025-26 school year and will serve recently arrived Multilingual English Learners from across the city. The goal of these programs is to create an environment in which all students are given their best opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Magnet Schools of America is the national association of magnet and theme-based schools with a certification process based on five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence. Several local Albuquerque schools have earned certifications from the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership, which recognizes the best programs nationally. These alternative models are helping to diversify and strengthen the educational landscape of Albuquerque and New Mexico, and create a more competitive and advanced future workforce. 

Regardless of a students' interests or competencies, APS likely has a school/program that will help achieve their academic goals. With programs in global leadership, STEM/STEAM, dual language, various paths to graduation and college/career readiness, exploring the available alternate routes may help your student identify and access their individual journey toward personal fulfillment and academic accomplishment. 

For those interested in global issues, the Global Leadership Magnet Program at Roosevelt Middle offers action-driven learning to prepare students to be problem-solvers and informed global citizens. Cleveland Middle is home to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Sandia High offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. 

If your student is an artist or creative, the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts may be the opportunity to delve independently and collaboratively into a tailored learning approach that you won't find in the traditional school setting. 

For students who are interested in global or international study or career opportunities, one of the many dual language schools may be the perfect avenue to pursue. Coronado and Longfellow Elementary and Hayes Middle offer curriculum for speaking and learning in both English and Spanish. Coronado was the first Nationally Certified Magnet School in APS. Students can also earn a bilingual seal on their diploma through completion of a dual language program in high school. 

APS International High School is opening August 2025 for recently-arrived Multilingual English Learners. The school will offer classes taught through hands-on projects revolving around real world problems. The goal is to provide a safe space rooted in celebrating students and multilingual culture. Learners will engage in involvement via community service and projects, job shadowing, and internships, along with college and career guidance. 

Engineering The Future

Supported by a Department of Education grant, three Albuquerque schools-Mission Elementary, Garfield Middle and Valley High-provide the STEM: Engineering the Future K-12 pathway. Students experience learning through hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This exciting opportunity aims to create the next generation of engineers, programmers, scientists and STEM professionals. Through established partnerships with University of New Mexico, the Air Force Research Lab, Sandia National Laboratory and NMSU, students participate in field trips and interactive learning that are not part of traditional school curriculum. 

Sustaining The Future

One of the most recent innovative pathways being implemented at four schools-Los Padillas Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Polk Middle and Rio Grande High-is Sustaining the Future: K-12 Environmental STEM Pathway. This curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning experiences, environmental STEM curriculum and opportunities unique to these schools. 

We know how important technology is in today's workforce and life, as well as the likelihood that it will continue to be crucial in the future. There are many options available for APS students who show interest and competency in technological advances. BlendED at eCademy focuses on skill development through digital and project-based learning. 

Students who attend nex+Gen Academy High School learn through collaborative and rigorous scenarios utilizing real-world projects in a technology-rich environment. 

Yet another unconventional activity that relies heavily on technology is APS Esports. Like traditional sports, esports are competitive events between individuals or teams, they just take place in video games instead of on a field or court. Students who participate in organized video gaming competitions benefit by practicing multitasking, decision making, teamwork and communication.  These events can also lead to scholarship and STEM opportunities, as well as opening pathways to college. Additionally, some students who show interest or aptitude in actively participating in video game competitions, may be the same students who pursue coding, designing new games or other technology or IT career paths.

There are many pathways to explore if college or career readiness are high priorities. School on Wheels provides a learning community where job shadowing, internships and work study programs prepare students for college and careers. Freedom High School emphasizes close student-teacher relationships and a personalized, small school setting for students who may have faced obstacles but are motivated to graduate. 

There are even opportunities that have established partnerships with CNM where courses can earn toward both graduation and college credit. College & Career High School, Early College Academy and Career Enrichment Center re-imagine the path from high school into the collegiate environment. Classes are available in nursing, cosmetology, emergency medicine, engineering, and many other practical career avenues.

Giving Back!

National Teacher Appreciation Week was last week, May 5-9th, but honestly every week should involve teacher appreciation. There are quite a few organizations that support teachers and students by way of grants, and other means, that you can support through donations or volunteering your time or resources. The APS Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Albuquerque Public Schools. They partner with the local community to invest resources to help APS students reach their potential through grants, programs and other innovative channels.

Albuquerque real estate inventory is slowly rising along with prices. If you have been waiting to buy, you have more homes to choose from than in the last 5 years. Appropriately priced homes are still selling within a week. If you are considering buying or selling, give me a call. Thinking of selling and want to know the current market value of your home? Just scan the QR code below, it only takes a few minutes to submit your info and I'll send over your complimentary, personalized home value estimate.

Thanks for joining me here again this month. I hope this overview was helpful! I was surprised at just how many alternative academic paths are available for students now. Quite different from my school days, and so important to celebrate different ways of learning. With much focus on technology and creative, real world approaches to learning and problem solving, students in school today are preparing for the future in relevant and unique ways. Do you have students in Albuquerque Public Schools? Have you considered any of the magnet programs, or have kids enrolled in them? I'd love to hear your personal success stories. I hope you'll tune in again next month-I'll be sharing some fun inspiration with you just in time for our hot summer days and nights. See you in June!

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