We are excited to present our readers with ABQ Mom’s Guide to Private Schools. This guide aims to be a one-stop shop for families who are considering private education for their children.
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!
Albuquerque Academy
DIVERSE COMMUNITY, SHARED GROWTH
Albuquerque Academy is a non-denominational, coeducational, independent day school serving 1,198 students in grades 6-12. The diversity of the student body fosters mutual respect and the sharing of unique ideas, important components of learning and growing. The Academy is the only independent school in Albuquerque offering full tuition grants to students with the highest financial need.
EDUCATION FOR A CHANGING WORLD
The world is changing and so is Albuquerque Academy, preparing students to be global citizens with jobs that have not yet been imagined. The Academy shapes lifelong learners by teaching them to think – how to understand their own worldview and that of others, how to find and evaluate information, how to construct and analyze an argument, and how to communicate clearly, authentically, and diplomatically.
TRANSFORMING PASSION INTO PURPOSE
Albuquerque Academy believes that children’s lives change when their natural passion for learning is nurtured and transformed into habits of lifelong learning and reflection. Albuquerque Academy commits itself to this mission and continues to evolve, keeping pace with the needs of tomorrow. They are Academy in Motion, and they hope you will join them for the journey! Find out how your child can benefit from and be served by their community.
Hope Christian School
Hope Christian School is a top-ranked private, independent, non-denominational Christian school, serving preschool through high school.
ALL CAMPUSES
Advanced Academics
Spiritual Development
Athletics & Arts Programs
Nationally Accredited
Armed Security on all campuses
HOPE for the Next Generation Initiative
Application Process begins in October
PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY (PreK – 5th)
New State-of-the-Art Building
Extended Care / After School Enrichment Programs
Music, PE, and Cursive in Curriculum
Extracurricular Athletics from 1st grade
MIDDLE SCHOOL (6th – 8th)
Advanced Math & Science classes
Variety of Electives
Community Service & Outreach
Full Athletics Program; 8th Graders eligible for HS Sports
HIGH SCHOOL (9th – 12th)
College-Preparatory
Dual-Credit Program (college credits)
Senior Internship
Championship Athletics
Comprehensive Arts Program
Community Service, Missions Opportunities
College-Bound Graduates: 96%
NEW State-of-the-Art Campus breaking ground this summer!
Manzano Day School
Manzano Day School provides students an opportunity to experience Joy in Learning®.
Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is a pre-k through fifth-grade independent nonprofit school. Manzano Day School’s mission is to develop the whole child. The school’s inspired curriculum, dedicated and caring faculty and staff, and warm and nurturing academic setting give children the foundation to be lifelong learners.
The school prides itself on its unique blend of tradition and innovation, co-curricular subjects of art, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology, and core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and striving for excellence. Manzano Day School offers students many unique experiences, such as an outdoor environmental education at Fenton Ranch, the school’s sprawling property in the Jemez Mountains, and each grade level participates in a service learning project. Class sizes at Manzano Day School average around 18 students.
Manzano Day School is hosting an Open House for prospective families on Sunday, October 15. You can also schedule campus tours throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact the Admission Office at 505-243-6659 or [email protected] for more information. Financial aid is available.
Joy in Learning® is not just Manzano Day School’s motto; it’s the way of life!
Montessori ONE Academy
Montessori ONE Academy is a private, AMI-recognized Montessori school serving infants, preschool, and elementary students. These award-winning programs are based upon the internationally celebrated and scientifically-supported Montessori Method: an individualized, experiential approach to education whereby the child’s needs, curiosity, and interests are prioritized leading to a lifelong love of learning.
The Infant Program fosters freedom of movement, fine motor development, early socialization, and language development in a nurturing environment.
The Toddler & Primary Programs introduce Montessori fundamentals such as universal values, practical life, and academic curriculum materials in a mixed-age group setting–a key to providing opportunities for leadership development.
The Elementary Program continues these elements with an emphasis on executive function and soft skill development–independence, confidence, focus, leadership, collaboration, abstract thinking, problem-solving, and time management.
Graduates are prepared to succeed at any of the top private middle schools and beyond. Call (505) 822-5150 to schedule a tour.
Bosque School
At the heart of Bosque School is a supportive, welcoming community in which a commitment to academic excellence and whole-education child education prepares students for the challenges of college and equips them with the skills to excel in all aspects of life. Intentionally small class sizes allow the passionate and dedicated teachers to establish meaningful, individual connections with each student and serve as mentors as they guide them throughout their years at Bosque School.
In this supportive environment, they challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and encourage them to take risks, create, and try new things. This mindset ensures that students are prepared for life after high school, instills in them a lifelong passion for learning, and gives them the confidence to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Sandia Preparatory School
Sandia Prep is small by design, offering a kind environment with dynamic academics. Students take meaningful risks in a supportive community while learning who they are and who they want to become. Through a blend of contemporary and traditional education, students at Sandia Prep think creatively, critically, and without limits. They grow in confidence and resilience as they navigate the world.
Sandia Prep has 505 students in grades 6 – 12. The average class size is 15 students. Forty percent of students receive tuition assistance. With a graduation rate of 100 percent, Sandia Prep has been named a top private school in New Mexico, earning an A+ rating. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are open, and the always popular open house–Passport to Prep–is coming up on October 15. Students at Sandia Prep love this school, and they think you will, too! Visit sandiaprep.org to see why the future goes to Sandia Prep.
Escuela del Sol Montessori
Escuela del Sol Montessori nurtures an enthusiasm for lifelong learning. The toddler through junior high program fosters fundamental academic and emotional skills as part of an interdisciplinary curriculum that cultivates creativity, collaboration, and ingenuity while developing critical thinking, communication, and social responsibility. Studio classes in art, music, garden, and Spanish support exploration and expression while encouraging students to take age-appropriate risks in a safe, reassuring environment. Escuela shares a lush urban campus with its community outreach organization, the Harwood Art Center. Students are invited to experience and participate in exhibitions by working artists. They often work with Harwood artists to explore ideas, learn techniques, and share inspiration. A culture of kindness, courtesy, self-respect, and consideration for others is crucial to moral development, a sense of dignity, and academic success. Escuela del Sol Montessori, New Mexico’s first accredited Montessori school, has a 50+ year history of providing solid education that will last a lifetime. Escuela is accepting applications for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Jr. High, ages 18 months to 14 years. Limited spaces are available. Escuela del Sol Montessori, an independent not-for-profit school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides the best educational conditions to engage and nurture every child’s innate passion to learn.
Menaul School
At Menaul School, they provide individualized attention in a rigorous academic environment for grades 6-12. Students thrive in an internationally diverse environment, where character and spirit are important elements of a well-rounded education. A commitment to a diverse and well-rounded curriculum ensures that students can explore their passions while developing critical thinking skills. They offer a safe and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity as they prepare your students for success in a rapidly changing world. Menaul graduates leave the campus with a strong academic foundation and the tools they need to excel in college and beyond. Find your place in the world at Menaul School.
Immanuel Lutheran School
Immanuel Lutheran School offers private Christian Education from two-year-old Preschool through 8th grade, conveniently located in downtown Albuquerque off of I-25 and Central. ILS has been nationally recognized as its students test above national averages. Enrollment is open, and transfers are accepted. Individualized instruction in a secure, gated campus is worth it for your child.
For 100 years Immanuel has been producing graduates who are confident, caring, and well-prepared for the next step in their educational journey. Traditional values and Christian character are taught by certified teachers in all your child’s academic classes along with strong academics. ILS offers Spanish, PE, music (band and choir), art, and Bible time in all grades throughout the year. Athletics and after-school clubs round out your child’s success at ILS.
Call today for your Educational Success Consultation with the principal to see how your child will blossom in the Immanuel Lutheran School family!
Sunset Mesa School
Sunset Mesa is a private, family-owned Preschool and Elementary School serving students as young as two and a half and potty trained all the way through fifth grade. Sunset Mesa prides itself on small class sizes, an exceptional enrichment program, and a strong curriculum taught by experienced teachers.
Axiom Christian Classical School
Unapologetically Christian, enduringly classical, forming virtuous scholars! The lifelong journey of learning begins at the trailhead of three paths known from antiquity as the Trivium. Axiom seeks to create virtuous scholars who understand the grammar, logic, and rhetoric of what is true, beautiful, and good. Axiom is a K-12, 5 day a week, classical Christian school serving the greater Albuquerque area. Setting Axiom apart is their classical pedagogy, purposeful scheduling, small class size, and experienced teaching staff. The days run from 8 am through 3:15 pm. All academic teaching is completed by 12:15 with athletics and activities in the afternoon.
Acton Academy
Gospel Light Baptist Academy
GLBA has been serving the Rio Rancho and ABQ communities for 25 years. Starting with kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, GLBA partners with families to provide rigorous academics and Christian character training.
At GLBA, they believe God is focused on the whole individual–mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. From teaching reading with a phonics foundation, to traditional math in small classroom settings, to extracurriculars such as music and athletics, GLBA strives to develop students that are well-rounded and balanced. They desire to partner with parents to provide a safe, structured, spiritual, and inspiring environment where students can thrive!
Albuquerque Christian School
Albuquerque Christian School is a private, non-denominational Christian school offering programs for children six weeks old – 6th grade, providing Christ-centered guidance and quality academics. Since its founding in 1982, its mission is to help children grow spiritually and academically. It’s this same dedication that has earned them ASCI accreditation and has established them as a leading Christian school in Albuquerque. Their desire is that when students leave the doors of the school, they are equipped to navigate the world around them using Biblical principles in life decisions and emerging as leaders with strong ethics.
They provide:
- Strong academic programs
- Affordable tuition
- Christ-centered guidance
- Various enrichment programs
- Secure and safe facilities
- Before and after school care (Rams Club)
Ages they serve: 6 weeks – 6th grade
Address: 4931 McLeod Rd. NE | Albuquerque, 87109
Phone number: (505) 872-0777
St. Mary's Catholic School
St. Mary’s provides a Catholic education to preschool through 8th grade students in the greater Albuquerque area. They are uniquely situated in downtown Albuquerque, and for over 100 years, they have defined their success by the dedication of teachers and staff as well as the academic, spiritual, and professional achievements of students. The faculty are certified and degreed by the State of New Mexico and follow standards prescribed by the State of New Mexico and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. They are proud of their rich history and record of academic excellence in the community.
Besides the subjects of Religion, Math, Reading, English, Science, and Social Studies, students attend Art, Music, P.E., Computer, Spanish, and Library classes on a weekly basis all year. Their curriculum includes hands-on experiences and projects to engage students in their own learning. The school has recently added a technology program, so the staff and students can gain more knowledge in computer sciences, as well. Their students repeatedly score above the national average on standardized achievement tests. Students are assessed three times per year using Star 360 for both math and reading. Their 5th and 8th graders also take the ACRE test each spring, which is a nationally normed religion achievement test. Children with different learning abilities can receive varying levels of instruction from our special education teachers and our Title I reading and math teacher. St. Mary’s School has a full-time Counselor available to all students as well as testing services provided by APS personnel.
Parent & Teacher Private School Recommendations
Manzano Day School has provided our boys with the most magical education experience. It has not just been a school but a joyful community for our whole family!
-Tara M.
“Albuquerque Academy is an institution where our children will become critical thinkers in this ever-changing world. The performing arts, technology, college prep, and athletics programs are best in class. What we didn’t realize is that we would be invited into a community of educators and families, a place where our children would feel safe and encouraged to be themselves and find their passions and independence. And that is priceless!”
-Sarita W.
“It (Hope Christian School) has the feel of a smaller school where the teachers and staff know and care about the students, yet large enough to provide socialization among classmates, excellent athletic opportunities, and programs such as music and drama as well as a strong academic program.”
-GreatSchools.org parent review
“The unique thing about Bosque School is that I got a rigorous, academically challenging education but in an environment where it was safe to make mistakes. I may have been able to get an equally academically challenging education somewhere else, but I wouldn’t have been supported and nurtured the way I was at Bosque School. There was plenty of room for everyone to be successful in what they wanted to be successful at, and I’ve learned that’s not true everywhere. The confidence I gained from Bosque School’s encouraging environment set me up for success as I worked toward my undergraduate and graduate degrees — and it continues to serve me well as I begin my career.”
-Lauren D., class of 2013, Ph.D., Civil Engineering and Climate Science, Penn State University
“Escuela del Sol Montessori has been a place where my son’s mind and his spirit have been nurtured. His intellectual growth has been encouraged and has blossomed under Escuela del Sol’s guidance, and his emotional growth has always been supported. Escuela has done so much to make him the bright, engaged, caring young man he is, for which I will be forever thankful.”
-Douglas C.
“My child is in a safe, caring Christian environment. I know that my child is loved and cared for every single day. My fellow parents are a blessing and also love ILS and devote their time, energy and resources to providing a safe and fun Christian School environment”
-Jennifer C.
“Since coming to Sunset Mesa, my children have both grown leaps and bounds. Their ability to speak, read and write in an academic manner always takes me by surprise. The teachers communicate about my children’s needs honestly and kindly. We could not be happier with the change we’ve made by coming to Sunset Mesa.”
-Paul B.
“The quality of teaching at Axiom is simply excellent! Our children are receiving the best whole man education through the lens of the truth of Christ in a loving environment. Axiom has been a miracle for our family!”
-Lynn T.
“I love the ACS community. I feel that every staff member knows and cares about my child. I know that my child is surrounded by good Christian role models.”
-Anonymous
“Our son started at Menaul School this year,as an 8th grader. He has been in online school for the past three years so deciding on a brick and mortar school to go back to was a big decision for us. The inclusivity is apparent from the very beginning. The staff has been very welcoming and helpful. The class sizes are small, allowing for personalized attention. The teachers are helpful, responsive, and engaging. The options for electives, clubs, and athletics are impressive and allow students to find their niche. We are very pleased with Menaul School!”
– Lisa C.
“As a parent who has two students enrolled at Sandia Prep, I cannot express enough how lucky we are. Anyone who is involved as a parent at Sandia Prep can feel the sense of community from the very beginning. You know that your kids are being challenged academically, but Prep is a school where they can thrive socially and athletically as well.”
-James H.
