Academies of Albuquerque

A Community-Connected Redesign of High School in Albuquerque Public Schools

The Academies of Albuquerque: A New Vision for High School

The Academies of Albuquerque represent Albuquerque Public Schools' vision for high school – a district-wide redesign that blends rigorous academics with real-world learning, career exploration, and strong community partnerships so students graduate prepared, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

Introducing Our Freshman Academy

During the 2026 - 2027 school year, Freshman Academy will expand to 6 more schools for a total of nine:

Albuquerque High
Cibola
Del Norte
Eldorado
Highland

Manzano
Rio Grande
Valley
West Mesa

Why It Matters

High school shouldn't just be about checking boxes. It should help students discover who they are and what they want to become. The Academies give students:

Strong academics + applied learning – building knowledge and real-world skills together.
Purposeful learning – helping students understand why what they are learning matters and how it connects to their interests and goals.
Personalized guidance – ongoing advisement that helps students understand their options, plan coursework, and make confident choices about college, career, and life after high school.

The High School Daily Experience

The Academies provide a four-year journey built around themed pathways, such as engineering, health science, business, arts, and more, where students:

Explore interests in 9th grade
Connect academics to career pathways in 10th grade
Deepen skills and work-based learning in 11th grade
Showcase learning with internships and senior capstone projects in 12th grade

Rooted in a Shared Vision for Albuquerque's Future

The Academies of Albuquerque reflect the community’s vision for what students should know and be able to do when they graduate. That vision is grounded in the APS Board of Education's Goals, which focus on both expanding access to – and ensuring successful completion of – advanced coursework, dual credit and dual language programs, and industry-recognized certifications. It is further reinforced by New Mexico's House Bill 171, passed in 2024, which calls on public schools to modernize graduation requirements and rethink the high school experience.

Guided by the APS Profile of a Graduate, the Academies focus on developing the skills, habits, and mindsets our community values most – including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, civic engagement, cultural awareness, and a growth mindset. More than a school initiative, the Academies are an investment in students and in Albuquerque's future. By connecting learning to real experiences and strong community partnerships, students gain confidence, discover their strengths, and graduate prepared to contribute meaningfully to their community.

Join Us

The Academies are more than a school program – they're a community effort. Families, businesses, educators, and partners help shape pathways and opportunities, enabling every student to succeed.