
We are excited to present our readers with the ABQ Mom’s Guide to Charter Schools. This Charter School guide aims to be a one-stop-shop for our families out there who are considering charter schools for their children.
Check out the info below! Consider a virtual open house or school tour for a more in-depth look at schools you may be interested in.
Also, note that most of these schools have lotteries for admittance. Make sure you’re aware of when each school’s lottery takes place.
Digital Arts and Technology Academy

Digital Arts and Technology Academy is an Albuquerque charter school serving grades 7-12. DATA’s vision is to develop creative, independent thinkers capable of choosing their own path and purpose. We do this by designing supportive learning environments that promote academic curiosity, social justice, equity, joy, and empathetic practices.
We believe it is important for students to engage in their learning through being introduced to a variety of perspectives and learning about others, so they are better prepared to develop their own unique identities. Learning at DATA is a collaborative process, working with peers and faculty members to better understand and appreciate the experiences we each bring to the classroom and how to use this insight to better understand our current world.
We are a creative school, using technology as a tool for creative expression. Our elective choices include drawing, painting, graphic arts, photography, film, editing, acting, technical drama, PC repair, scriptwriting, creative writing, and others. We strive to have our students explore, develop, and use their creative skills to demonstrate their understanding throughout all their coursework.
The International School at Mesa del Sol

The International School at Mesa Del Sol (TIS) is a PreK-12th grade public charter school located in Albuquerque, NM. TIS is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School for its Primary Years Programme (K-5) and is a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (6-8).
TIS firmly believes that all children, regardless of personal circumstance, are entitled to a meaningful, contemporary education that prepares them not only for the world that is but also for the world that will be. TIS strives to provide an academic program that is rich, relevant, challenging, and international in its scope, content, standards, and benchmarks.
The International Baccalaureate curriculum encourages inquiry, exploration, collaboration, and discovery by developing knowledgeable and caring learners who engage in meaningful actions in their communities. The rigorous learning experiences and skill sets that the IB program offers our students ensure the successful execution of our school’s mission and vision.
Solare Collegiate Charter School

Through academic rigor, individualized supports, and character development, Solare Collegiate Charter School equips all scholars in grades 5-8 with the academic and personal skills to excel in the high school and college of their choice. Solare is tuition free and provides free breakfast, free lunch, free afterschool program, and free school supplies. Solare offers a safe and structured environment with an extended school day and year – we aim to make two years of academic growth within a single school year. On top of all the benefits, there is typically no homework! Come and take a tour of our beautiful campus. Contact Solare Collegiate Charter School today at (505) 554-1513.
Coral Community Charter School

Are you looking for a small school with big results? Apply now! We serve 240 PreK – 5th grade students in a Boys’ and Girls’ Academy. Our scholars are happy and love coming to school to see classmates and teachers each day. Offerings include weekly Art, PE, and STEAM Maker; extended school year (K-5th grade); and a 4-day week (Fridays off) for PreK. We focus on tailored, individual learning plans for all students, allowing them to flourish well beyond their years at Coral. Scholars learn to build meaningful relationships and acquire independence and confidence. Year after year, our students grow more than their peers at the local and state level. Families play an important role in the learning process and are included in developing individual learning plans. Numerous engagement opportunities are scheduled throughout the year when students, staff, and community members connect, mentor, and support each other. Join our community today!
Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School

Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School is a college-prep focused elementary school, located in the heart of the South Valley. We are currently enrolling students in grades K-5 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Albuquerque Collegiate provides an excellent public-school option for Albuquerque families guided by four core tenants:
• A small, safe, and joyful environment- In a small school setting with frequent family communication, we are fostering a love and excitement for learning.
• High expectations and high supports- We believe all students can achieve at the highest level. Intensive academic support for every scholar is essential to individual student success.
• Teachers who care- Our highly trained and supported teachers are 100% focused on your child’s success.
• A focus on college preparation- With a college prep focus and reading results among the top in the state of New Mexico, we are establishing the path to possibility for your child today. Enroll today, and secure a seat for your child for the 2023-2024 school year!
Altura Preparatory School

“My kids love going to school- I love that they have more than one teacher, their teachers truly know them, and they (kids and teachers) have fun daily. The Altura team is focused on making sure each child there is seen and valued.” – Altura Prep Parent
Altura Prep is an elementary charter school with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program, daily enrichment, and teachers who specialize in just one or two subject areas. A student’s day at Altura Prep includes morning mindfulness, STEAM class, enrichment classes (PE, Chess, Art, and Lego Engineering), and best-in-state English Language Arts and Mathematics instruction. In a class with 21 other students, your child can focus on small group reading and math instruction, explore a new passion, and build strong relationships with caring adults. Altura Prep is a place where students learn to love learning – joy and rigorous academics go together!
Sandoval Academy Bilingual Education

Our mission at Sandoval Academy is to enable students to maintain their native language, reconnect with their heritage language, or discover a new and enriching language. Students will attain Spanish and English fluency and literacy through two-way immersion, which will expand the worldview and educational and career opportunities.
All children come to SABE with a culture and assets that contribute to who they are. We provide an educational environment where they can develop & grow not only academically, but physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
An education of the highest quality demands that our students understand how they are a part of and impact the larger global community. In a thoughtful and nurturing environment, we build a culture of understanding the human experience from the perspective of others.
Our distinctive and educator-developed curriculum, aligned with the Common Core State Standards in language arts, math, the New Mexico Social Studies Standards, and the Next Generation Science Standards, helps equip our teachers in providing a rich and robust bilingual program focused on developing our students. We strive to better our students through educational experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Siembra Leadership High School

Siembra Leadership High School is a project-based learning high school in the field of entrepreneurship located in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque. In addition to a unique, real-world curriculum that is newly developed each semester, students have the opportunity to make an impact in regard to economic development and social justice in New Mexico and beyond. Lastly, students have the opportunity to start their own business while in high school, participate in paid internships, and start college classes.
Additional charter schools in the Albuquerque Metro area
Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School
Albuquerque School of Excellence
Albuquerque Sign Language Academy
Christine Duncan Heritage Academy
Coral Community Charter School
International School at Mesa del Sol
Mission Achievement and Success Charter School
Native American Community Academy
Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts
Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education (SABE)
Solare Collegiate Charter School
Southwest Preparatory Learning Center
The Montessori Elementary & Middle School
William W. & Josephine Dorn Community
For more school choice options, check out APS’s magnet school programs.
Albuquerque School of Excellence
Albuquerque Sign Language Academy
Christine Duncan Heritage Academy
Coral Community Charter School
Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School
International School at Mesa del Sol
Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
Mission Achievement and Success Charter School
Native American Community Academy
Public Academy for the Performing Arts
Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts
Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education (SABE)
Solare Collegiate Charter School
Southwest Preparatory Learning Center
South Valley Preparatory School
Southwest Aeronautics, Mathematics, and Science Academy
The Montessori Elementary & Middle School
For more school choice options, check out APS’s magnet school programs.
Albuquerque Talent Development Academy
Albuquerque School of Excellence
Albuquerque Sign Language Academy
Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School
Digital Arts and Technology Academy
Gilbert L. Sena Charter High School
Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
Mission Achievement and Success Charter School
Native American Community Academy
New Mexico Connections Academy
Public Academy for the Performing Arts
Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education (SABE)
Siembra Leadership High School
South Valley Preparatory School
Southwest Aeronautics, Mathematics, and Science Academy
Southwest Secondary Learning Center
For more school choice options, check out APS’s magnet school programs.
You may also be interested in our Guide to Preschools or Guide to Private Schools as you make the best educational choices for your family.