When considering schools for our kids, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. I am a mom of two small children, and school choices feel overwhelming to me. Do I send my kids to our local public school? Are we paying for private school? Do we have the budget for private school? I tend to forget that there are other options. You can have a choice of school without crazy tuition.
Charter schools, by definition, are tuition-free, public schools that have the flexibility to be innovative and self-governing and yet are held accountable for student and operational performance.
Charter schools are independent, public schools with rigorous curriculum programs. They exist to offer families a choice in the public education system. Each charter school offers different innovative educational programs. Differences also include school and/or classroom size, approach, and programming, allowing families to select a school that best fits their child’s unique learning style.
Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts was founded on the belief that all students deserve access to rigorous academics and an arts education.
I sat down and talked to one of the school’s founders, Jordan Franco, about what makes the school special. Let me tell you, he has created something incredible at RioGAFA. As an Albuquerque native and son of an immigrant, Jordan’s family always believed in giving their children the best education possible. His parents made many sacrifices to ensure that he had access to the best schooling. Jordan appreciated everything, but he still felt it was unfair that his family had to make so many sacrifices for his education.
As he got older, Jordan discovered the art of dance and never looked back. He became a dance coach at a local school. Here, he realized that he wanted to open a school that combines rigorous academics with the arts.
Michele Platis, the school’s other founder, found her love of art through drawing. When it came time to send her kids to school, she searched for the best possible option for her son but could not afford the private school price tag. She discovered charter schools and never turned back. She became an advocate for schools of choice. Michele has served on the New Mexico Art Education Association Executive Board since 2016. She advocates for both charter schools and arts in education. This helped her realize her dream of an art-integrated charter school.
Four years ago, Jordan and Michele’s dream came true, and Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts opened its doors as the first K-12 integrated charter school in the state of New Mexico.
Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, or RioGAFA, has an art-integrated curriculum, allowing students to learn in different ways than a regular classroom.
RioGAFA contracts with local artists who come in to teach their skill. These arts range from cultural storytelling to culinary and fiber arts to printmaking.
In the classroom, students learn through a variety of art forms. They may be asked to create a podcast, participate in a play, sing, or paint. Some teachers even teach topics like the digestive system through a dance. RioGAFA recognizes that not every person is an artist, but every person is a creative.
RioGAFA takes this a step further by using authentic art integration to help their students develop interpersonal skills, showcase their knowledge, and immerse themselves in different cultures. Art integration allows students to receive a more well-rounded education by providing them a chance to be creative while also having a rigorous academic schedule.
RioGAFA is dedicated to creating an environment that values creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. By integrating art into curriculum, students are required to deepen their understanding and mastery of both art and academics. This, in turn, naturally deepens their comprehension.
RioGAFA operates on three core values: dedication, determination, and diversity. The faculty members hold themselves to these core values as they create a sense of community for the students. Every morning, as students walk through the doors, the founders and administration are there to greet them. The founders know every student by name. They make sure that the environment is welcoming, fun, and a place for all students to thrive.
RioGAFA sets aside time every day for artistry blocks. What does this look like?
Every day, students are given a 60-minute block of time dedicated to dance, theater, music, media, and visual arts. Each day is different, so students never get too stuck in a pattern. Some activities include painting, dance basics, ukulele, sewing, culinary, hip hop, recycled fashion, or theater. Every week, students even get to choose their own art blocks. This helps students remain truly engaged in their schooling. Elementary students get to choose one day each week. Secondary students choose three days per week.
Every year, students have at least five different opportunities to perform and present their work. At the end of each semester, there is a big showcase where students can show off their work. The showcases help students of all abilities come together and gain confidence to perform in front of a large audience.
RioGAFA is community-centered and embraces everyone. They encourage students to learn about their own cultures and other cultures so that each child is more well-rounded and accepting of others. They partner with a variety of artists across many different cultures. This helps students develop a deep appreciation and understanding of those around them.
How can I apply?
Personally, my kids are always singing, creating, dancing, and ready to learn about the world around them. They are still little, so kindergarten is a bit down the road, but it’s never too early to start exploring schools. RioGAFA is an incredible choice for any family.
Open enrollment is happening now, and spaces are available in grades K-4 and grades 6-8. Currently, there is no waitlist, but spots are limited. If the drive seems a little too far, RioGAFA provides transportation for students throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
You can also contact RioGAFA to find out if this school may be a good fit for you!
