APS Advances High School Redesign at Second Academies of Albuquerque Convening

Family and parent voices sought to ensure the model works effectively for students in real classrooms and real-life settings.

Albuquerque Public Schools, in partnership with the United Way of North Central New Mexico, took another step forward in reimagining high school during the second Academies of Albuquerque Community Convening, held Jan. 13 at the APS Berna Facio Professional Development Complex. The gathering marked a transition from vision-setting to hands-on design, bringing together more than 200 students, educators, families, community members, higher education partners and business leaders to begin shaping a community-connected master plan for APS high schools.

What are the Academies of Albuquerque?

The Academies of Albuquerque is a districtwide high school redesign initiative that connects rigorous academics with career-connected learning and real-world experiences. Through themed academies and career pathways, students explore their interests, develop practical and academic skills, and graduate prepared for college, career and life.

From foundation to design

The first Academies convening, held in fall 2025, focused on building a shared understanding of why this work matters. Participants helped define the commitments and principles that should guide high school redesign in Albuquerque, including relevance, equity, student voice and strong community connections.

This second convening transitioned the work from foundational vision-setting to active planning, with participants organizing into design teams to develop a master plan tailored to Albuquerque.

“This is where we roll up our sleeves and begin the real work of reimagining high school in a way that works for our students, our educators and our community,” said Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. “This stage is deeply collaborative. It requires the voices, expertise and lived experience of educators. It requires honest input from students. And it depends on strong partnerships with our families, community, and business partners.”

Why this work began

The Academies of Albuquerque grew out of New Mexico’s House Bill 171, which the New Mexico Legislature passed in 2024, calling on the state’s public schools to modernize graduation requirements and rethink the high school experience. In response, APS began asking a fundamental question: what should high school look like if it is truly preparing students for what comes next?

That question continues to anchor the work. The focus is on making learning more relevant, helping students plan earlier and more intentionally for their futures, and ensuring academic rigor and career-connected learning move forward together.

A community-built effort

APS is intentionally seeking representation from every part of the community. Students, teachers, school leaders, parents and caregivers, community organizations, higher education institutions and business partners all play a role in shaping the Academies of Albuquerque.

While participation at the second convening was strong, APS is especially encouraging more family and parent voices to join the design teams. Family perspectives are crucial to ensuring the model works effectively for students in real classrooms and real-life settings.

The design teams

Participants joined one or more design teams focused on key elements of the Academies master plan, including:

• Career-Focused Academics and Inquiry Learning
• Learning and Work Pathways and Credit Opportunities
• PreK–12 Profile of a Graduate; Student Voice and Leadership
• Teacher Collaboration
• Professional Learning
• Family Engagement
• Community-Connected Partnership System
• Data Systems
• Shared Governance Systems and Structures
• Communications and Marketing
• Freshman Academy
• Building Innovative Learning Spaces
• Alternative Schools Career Planning

These cross-stakeholder teams will continue meeting over the coming months to research, draft, and refine action plans that will guide implementation.

What comes next

The Academies of Albuquerque design process will continue with the next community convening on Feb 18, when design teams will share their progress, gather feedback and continue to shape the master plan.

APS invites anyone interested in helping design the future of high school in Albuquerque, especially families and caregivers, to get involved.

Anyone interested in joining a design team or learning more is encouraged to email academiesofabq@aps.edu