Albuquerque New Mexico Education
The Albuquerque Public School District is the 27th largest independent
school district in the nation, with an enrollment of over 86,000. There
are approximately 80 elementary schools, 26 mid-schools,11 high schools,
and 9 alternative schools. Schools are dispersed widely over the city
and Bernalillo County as well as a portion of neighboring Sandoval County,
including the communities of Alameda, Corrales, Los Ranchos and Tijeras.
Elementary schools are grades kindergarten through 5th grade; middle
schools are grades 6th through 8th; and high schools are grades 9th
through 12th. Rio Rancho, to the Northwest of Albuquerque, formed an
independent school district in 1997 with an enrollment of over 9,000.
All New Mexico schools are funded through an equalization formula whereby
all state revenues going to public schools are equally distributed.
This funding accounts for more than 95 percent of our districts' operating
funds; the remaining funds come from federal and categorical programs,
as well as grants. Local district property taxes fund capital (buildings
and equipment) projects. Projects include computers, school renovations,
classroom additions, and new schools. There are several fine private
schools, from pre-school through high school. Additionally, there are
several home-school programs in the Albuquerque area. Special education
services are available for 3 and 4 year olds through Child Find/Early
childhood, (505) 298-6752; Title 1 Early Learning services for 4 year
olds; pre-school labs for 4 year olds at most high schools, offered
in conjunction with the parenting and teaching classes in the family
consumer science departments. For more information on early childhood
programs, call the Early Childhood Education Office, (505) 880-8249.
Summer school is open to all students. There is a fee for classes taken.
For more information, call the Summer School Office, 505-342-7204. Many
before and after school programs are available. These services are provided
by Campfire, Albuquerque Parks and Recreation, and the YMCA.