APS Begins Construction for Montessori of the Rio Grande

Charter elementary school is one of six working in partnership with district

October 30, 2012

Albuquerque Public Schools is working with Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School to build a permanent facility. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony at the school on Friday, Oct. 26. 

“While we’ve set up a few charter schools in portables on APS property, Montessori of the Rio Grande is scheduled to be the first permanent building we construct for a charter,” APS Chief Operations Officer Brad Winter said. “We look forward to helping to secure our charter partners in public facilities by 2015, as required by state law.” 

Montessori of the Rio Grande, located in the Duranes neighborhood in the North Valley, serves kindergarten through fifth grade students. Currently, it is using a facility APS acquired in 2009. Its charter is authorized by APS. 

The $2.6 million project includes a new four-classroom building, multipurpose room with shared community and instruction space, and a new parking lot with student drop-off loop. The project is expected to be completed by July 2013. 

“To see the first phase of our new building taking form is astounding. The partnership with APS is what has made this possible,” Montessori Principal Bonnie Dodge said. “The Albuquerque community supporting charters through bond approvals is heartwarming. This new building will provide a learning environment for our students that says we do care and we want the best for each and every student.” 

The Montessori opened in 2004 and has an enrollment of about 230 students, 30 of whom are 3- and 4-year-olds in a pre-school. 

G. Donald Dudley Architect, Ltd., designed the project and Famco, Inc., serves as the general contractor. 

APS is also working with South Valley Academy, Public Academy for the Performing Arts, 21^st Century Public Academy, Native American Charter Academy and Robert F. Kennedy Charter School to secure appropriate public facilities for them.