Guide to Albuquerque Charter Schools

Choosing the right school is a big step, and we know how important it is to find a place where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. There are so many options, and the choice can feel overwhelming. Our Guide to Albuquerque Charter Schools is a comprehensive resource that will simplify this process and help you find the perfect fit for your family!

Whether you’re looking to get your kiddo into kindergarten or are looking at middle school or even high school, there are so many alternative school options for you. Maybe even in your part of town! Check out the info below and make sure to stop by one of the open houses for a more in-depth look at your school of choice.

Looking for a small school with big results? Apply now! Coral Community Charter is proud to be a NM Spotlight School, serving 240 PreK–5th grade students through its Boys’ and Girls’ Academy.

Their scholars are happy, engaged, and love coming to school! They offer weekly Art, PE, and STEAM classes, along with a free NM PreK program featuring a 4-day week (Fridays off with full-day childcare options). Their tailored, individualized learning plans empower students to excel well beyond their years at Coral, fostering independence, confidence, and strong, meaningful relationships.

Year after year, their students outpace their peers at both the local and state levels, and their teachers were recently recognized for their high quality instruction, achieving higher than average student gains in math. Families are an essential part of the learning process, collaborating to develop personalized learning plans.

The school also provides numerous engagement opportunities throughout the year, bringing students, staff, and community members together to connect, mentor, and support one another.

Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School is a high-performing, college-preparatory public charter school serving kindergarten through 8th grade. Scholars learn in a structured, joyful environment that emphasizes rigorous academics, strong literacy instruction, and data-driven support so every child can thrive.

Families value the safe, small-school setting where every scholar is known, supported, and challenged, as well as the close partnership between school and home. Dedicated educators help students build academic skills, confidence, and character for long-term success.

Interested families are encouraged to contact the school for a personalized tour. Apply by April 5 for the 2026–2027 enrollment lottery for kindergarten-8th grade.

Amy Biehl High School is an early college high school that allows students to earn dual-credit college credits by enrolling in real college classes. The school fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity is encouraged and students feel free to take risks and be accepted for who they are.

Community service plays a central role, giving students meaningful opportunities to contribute to the world around them. With its small, close-knit setting, Amy Biehl High School offers a well-rounded education that blends academic rigor, personal growth, and strong relationships, helping students develop confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging and success.

New Mexico International School (NMIS) is a free public charter school in Albuquerque serving grades K–8. They offer the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme through full Spanish language immersion.

At NMIS, students don’t just learn a language—they learn through it, developing curiosity, confidence, and a global mindset. NMIS combines strong academics, music, and the arts in a nurturing, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and community.

Recognized as a PED Spotlight School and a U.S. News “Best Elementary and Middle School,” NMIS prepares students to thrive in high school, college, and a connected world.

21st Century Public Academy is a free public charter school in Northeast Albuquerque located on Cutler Avenue. Founded in 2000, they serve students in grades 1–8, with plans to add Kindergarten, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

As a small school, they prioritize individualized attention, with a target of 20 students per classroom in grades K-8.

Their hallmark program, Out of School Instruction (OSI), takes learning beyond the classroom. Sixteen times per year, students engage in cross-curricular, real-world experiences throughout the community, reinforcing their mission to treat the Community as a Classroom.

In addition to a strong core curriculum, they offer an exciting selection of non-core classes, including Modern Band, Mural Painting, Graphic Design, 3D Modeling, and Programming, fostering creativity and innovation in every student.

Discover the 21st Century learning experience today!

Albuquerque School of Excellence is accepting year-round applications K – 12.

ASE is a tuition-free college prep school with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

They have earned multiple national and state recognitions and awards for providing a superb education for their fantastic students from wonderful staff. This year, they are thrilled to be opening a NEW West side campus for K-8 starting 2026.

Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education offers a distinctive dual-language program that intentionally integrates language, culture, and enrichment into daily learning. Students thrive in an engaging environment where learning a second language supports cognitive development, bilingualism, and the growth of the whole child.

Through meaningful instruction and strong cultural connections, SABE empowers scholars to become confident, capable learners prepared for academic success and a global future.

SABE is a tuition-free state charter school serving students from Pre-K through eighth grade, providing transportation and free breakfast and lunch. No prior bilingual experience is required. Join us at one of our open houses to experience SABE!

Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts (RioGAFA) is an arts-integrated charter school on Albuquerque’s Westside dedicated to academic excellence, culture, and community.

Now enrolling K-8 for the 2026-27 school year (eventually expanding to K-12), RioGAFA offers a unique curriculum that blends rigorous academics with the arts.

They provide free meals and supplies, along with bus transportation serving both the Westside and Eastside. Their extended school day is centered around the arts, ensuring students receive enriched learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.

At RioGAFA, family and community engagement is a priority. They cultivate strong relationships with families, local artists, and the broader community through meaningful initiatives and collaborations.

Driven by a mission to support both academic and artistic growth, RioGAFA fosters an equitable, collaborative, and vibrant learning environment where students thrive.

A quick quiz for future-ready thinkers:

• Do you want a high school that works around your schedule?
• Prefer learning at your own pace, online or in person?
• Want the freedom to explore your interests—and actually earn credit for it?
• Think ahead about college, careers, or certifications?
• Like small classes, real support, and hands-on learning?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you should check out Northpoint Charter School—a tuition-free public high school in Albuquerque for grades 9-12. Northpoint offers flexible hybrid learning, dual enrollment opportunities, an interactive STEAM lab, professional certifications, sports teams, school clubs, small class sizes, and personalized support every step of the way. Come see for yourself if Northpoint is for you.

Enrollment is open now. Call to schedule a tour.

You may also be interested in our Guide to School Choice as you make the best educational choices for your family.