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
Because Their Futures Start Sooner Than You Think
It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s educational journey. That’s why Albuquerque Academy believes that kids thrive when they’re known, supported, and inspired to explore their world. As an independent, coeducational day school for grades 6-12, the Academy offers a welcoming environment where students are known by their teachers, challenged to think deeply, and encouraged to grow into curious, confident learners.
Preparing Kids for a Future We Can’t Yet Imagine
The world is changing quickly, and so is Albuquerque Academy — preparing students to be global citizens with jobs that haven’t yet been imagined. The Academy shapes lifelong learners by teaching them to understand their own worldview and others’, to evaluate information, build strong arguments, and communicate clearly and respectfully.
Access for All
The school is committed to opening doors for families of all backgrounds. Albuquerque Academy is the only independent school in the city to offer full tuition assistance to students with the highest financial need — because cost shouldn’t stand in the way of a great education.
From Wonder to Purpose
When kids are encouraged to follow their interests, they discover what brings them joy — and who they want to become. Albuquerque Academy would love for your child to be part of the journey.
HOPE Christian School
HOPE Christian School is a top ranked private, independent, non-denominational Christ-centered school, serving Preschool through High School. (Ranked #1 Private K-12 in ABQ by Niche.com)
ALL CAMPUSES
OPEN HOUSES Oct 24th
Advanced Academics
Spiritual Development
Athletics & Arts Programs
Nationally Accredited
Armed Security all campuses
HOPE for the Next Generation Initiative
Application Process begins in October
PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY (PreK – 5th)
Newer State-of-the-Art Facility
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)
New High School opening 2025/26
College-Preparatory
Dual-Credit Program (college credits)
Senior Internship
Championship Athletics
Comprehensive Arts Program
Community Service, Missions Opportunities
College-Bound Graduates: 98%
Sandia Preparatory School
Sandia Preparatory School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school serving 500 students in grades 6 – 12. At Sandia Prep, students learn how to think, not what to think. They take meaningful risks in a supportive community while learning who they are and who they want to become.
Prep’s signature programs include our DesignLab engineering and innovation makerspace, year-round Outdoor Leadership Program, seven-year in-depth digital media and communications program, real-world
skills-building Impact Lab, a dynamic theater program beginning in 6th grade, and a no-cut athletics program with nearly 80% participation in both middle school and upper school.
With a graduation rate of 100 percent and an average class size of 15 students, Sandia Prep was named an A+ rated top private school in New Mexico. Alongside these achievements, 42% of their students receive financial aid, highlighting Sandia Prep’s dedication to both excellence and accessibility.
Learn more, schedule a campus tour, and apply at sandiaprep.org.
Montessori ONE Academy
Montessori ONE Academy is Albuquerque’s only AMI-recognized Montessori school, serving infants through elementary students. Our award-winning Montessori programs focus on an individualized, hands-on approach that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Infant Program – fosters freedom of movement, motor skills, language development, and early socialization.
Toddler & Primary Programs – introduces fundamentals such as universal values, practical life, and academic materials in a mixed-age group setting, providing opportunities for leadership development.
Elementary Program – emphasizes development of executive function, 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.
Bosque School
Bosque School is a college preparatory, independent school in Albuquerque serving grades 6–12. With small classes and a challenging curriculum, students think critically, take risks, and engage deeply in learning.
Beyond academics, Bosque emphasizes whole-child wellbeing, service learning, environmental stewardship, and community impact, while arts, athletics, and outdoor education build confidence, collaboration, and resilience. About half of families receive need-based financial aid, ensuring accessibility and diversity.
Bosque offers rigorous academics within a supportive environment where every student is seen, known, and valued. Join us for our Fall Open House on Saturday, October 18.
Escuela del Sol Montessori
Every day is a discovery at Escuela del Sol Montessori! Escuela nurtures enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Building a foundation of purposeful work and independence, our Toddler through Jr. 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 skills, and social responsibility.
Studio classes in art, music, gardening, and Spanish inspire exploration and expression while encouraging students to take age-appropriate risks in a safe, supportive environment. A culture of kindness, courtesy, self-respect, and consideration for others fosters a sense of dignity as well as academic success.
Colere Microschool
Colere is a Christian Charlotte Mason microschool with a deep commitment to cultivating both academic excellence and spiritual formation. We meet in person two days a week in Northeast Albuquerque, with three days of home learning supported by individualized plans and ongoing teacher-parent collaboration. Our unique hybrid model allows us to partner closely with families while fostering an intentional learning community for students. Our curriculum is rooted in beauty, literature, wonder, and the timeless rhythms of classical learning. We prioritize character, curiosity, and developing the moral imagination, allowing small cohorts to enable every child to be truly known and encouraged.
Albuquerque Christian School
Albuquerque Christian School has been serving students in Albuquerque for 42 years, combining Christian-based education with high academic achievements and student-oriented educational programs.
They accept students from 6 months to 8th grade. In Albuquerque Christian School, they offer: Christ-centered education, low student-teacher ratios, highly qualified teachers with many years of experience, small classes, free lunch program, various enrichment classes, sports program, ECECD acceptance for preschool, and a safe campus. Private School education is an investment in your child’s successful future. Call and enroll your child today!
Gospel Light Baptist Academy
Gospel Light Baptist Academy is a private, Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. We are honored to partner with families in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho communities to provide an excellent, Christ-centered education.
Our goal: Educate students with academic excellence. Inspire students to a life of learning and growing mentally, spiritually, academically, and socially. Equip students to be successful in the sight of God and others to the fulfillment of the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. Develop students with a heart for reaching others for the cause of Christ.
Eastern Hills Christian Academy
Eastern Hills Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education that equips and inspires students from Preschool through Middle School to serve God and impact their world.
ACADEMIC & SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE • Students outperform national averages with reading and math scores more than double local public-school ratings • Daily Bible instruction and Christian values integrated across all subjects
EARLY ED/LEARNING THROUGH PLAY & EXPLORATION • Full and half-day programs • Spanish, Music, and PE enrichments • New playground and fully renovated classrooms • Awarded state’s highest quality rating
ELEMENTARY/BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION • Strong academics with Art, PE, Music, and Coding • Independent reading program for personalized growth • Competitive athletics begin here
MIDDLE SCHOOL/PREPARING FOR HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND • Diverse elective offerings include PE, Art, Music, Life Skills, Yearbook, and Lab Rats • Advanced math with Algebra I pathway • Independent reading program • Competitive athletics continue at higher levels
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EHCA • Secure campus in NE Heights • Licensed, degreed teachers • Before & after-school care • ACSI and State Accredited • Financial assistance available • State contracts accepted for PS/PK and extended care • Year-round family events
Schedule a tour and experience the EHCA difference!
St. Mary's Catholic School
Saint Mary’s Catholic School is a vibrant dual-language community rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service. Located in downtown Albuquerque, St. Mary’s embraces the Gospel message while preparing students to become compassionate leaders who enrich the world. Their rigorous curriculum, infused with Catholic values, fosters intellectual growth, creativity, and moral character. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of family, they provide a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. From faith formation and academic achievement to service opportunities, St. Mary’s empowers students to live with purpose, confidence, and a love for God.
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Catholic School is a PK(3/4yo)-8th grade private school with around 135 students. Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association, OLA offers a strong academic program that includes Spanish, music, art, physical education, and technology. The school emphasizes faith formation, character development, service, and a supportive community environment. Its preschool is part of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), ensuring access to quality early learning opportunities. With small class sizes and dedicated staff, OLA provides families with a well-rounded education that prepares students for academic success, personal growth and spiritual development.
Parent & Teacher Private School Recommendations
“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.
“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.
“As a parent of two elementary aged children, I have been beyond pleased with what they are being taught. They have grown to love and admire their teachers and staff. I am excited, Lord-willing, that they [will] graduate from GLBA. They look forward to coming to school each day and love Chapel services! Their dad and I were brought up in public & boarding school. We are thankful God has allowed our children to be able to attend Gospel Light Baptist Academy. I highly recommend the school!”
“Great faculty, excellent and highly challenging curriculum with faith and moral based teaching added to provide a solid education. And positive environment for kids.”
-Sarah R., Parent at HOPE Christian School
“We are blessed to be a part of the Cross of Hope community, which is more like a family to us. Our son receives an outstanding education and is surrounded by love and grace.”
-A. Herrera
“I love working at Oak Grove because it is truly a Christ-centered environment. It is such a joy to get to work alongside parents as co-teachers to help build a strong foundation together for their children”
-Shanna H.
“Sunset Mesa has nurtured my daughter’s love for learning through a robust academic curriculum and a supportive learning environment. Ben and I will forever be grateful for the impact this has had on the early years of her life, laying a solid foundation for her future success!”
-Rathi C.
“Our experience with Menaul has been wonderfully refreshing! Warm and welcoming community with easy to access staff. Interesting class options with a focus on service.”
-Stacy A., Parent
“BEST decision ever to choose Bosque School for both of my daughters’ middle school and high school experience. Thank you, Bosque School, for preparing both of them for college . . . Thank you for making a difference. I will be forever grateful to you!”
-Jackie H.
“We have been enormously pleased with [our son’s] growth and development under the care of Mrs. Jeannie. He has developed such strong manners and the principles taught in the classroom have been well communicated to us to ensure we can provide consistency at home. I can’t speak enough how much I treasure the experience he has gotten at the school, and I have so much respect for Mrs. Jeannie and the teacher’s aides and all they have done to make this a positive experience for him. Thank you for your leadership and direction and we look forward to another successful school year!”
-C. Gutierrez, Parent at Montessori ONE Academy
“I chose Prep for my children because of its community of wholeness and its commitment to fostering deep and authentic understanding. The teachers here truly care about their students’ success and well-being.”
-Lisa G., Parent of three students at Sandia Prep
I love Albuquerque Christian, both of my daughters thrive academically and socially! Teachers love their students and are super invested in their wellbeing. We found friends among parents and have become a part of the community extremely fast.
Albuquerque Christian School is a true gem in our community! The staff is incredibly dedicated, nurturing, and genuinely invested in each student’s growth—both academically and personally. The academic program is rigorous and well-structured, preparing students for future success while fostering a love of learning.
One of the standout features is the comprehensive sports program, which offers opportunities for students from toddlers through 8th grade. It’s wonderful to see young children developing teamwork, discipline, and confidence through athletics at such an early age.
Overall, ACS provides a warm, faith-based environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Highly recommended for families seeking a strong academic foundation and a caring school community!