Albuquerque Academy

previous
Albuquerque Academy Photo #1 - Albuquerque Academy's 6-7 Division has a unique structure in which teachers plan together, teach cooperatively, model teamwork, and get to know students well. Sixth-grade students are placed in small "families" of a teacher and about 10 classmates. These families stay together all year, meet every morning, and eat lunch together every day.
next
Albuquerque Academy Photo #1 - Albuquerque Academy's 6-7 Division has a unique structure in which teachers plan together, teach cooperatively, model teamwork, and get to know students well. Sixth-grade students are placed in small "families" of a teacher and about 10 classmates. These families stay together all year, meet every morning, and eat lunch together every day.
Albuquerque Academy Photo #2 - A feature of an Albuquerque Academy education since 1975, the experiential education curriculum is mandatory in grades 6 through 9, with students completing outdoor trips of increasing challenge and duration. In grades 10-12, students may elect to participate in the outdoor leadership program.
Albuquerque Academy Photo #3 - Albuquerque Academy has a long, proud tradition of scholarly, artistic, and athletic excellence and is considered one of the nation's top independent schools.
Albuquerque Academy Photo #4 - Academy athletes have earned more than 190 state championship titles through their dedication, earnest effort, and character. Many of our students have received scholarships based on their athletic performance at the Academy, and some have gone on to compete at the professional level. Whether or not they're in uniform, Chargers display their integrity throughout their lives.
Albuquerque Academy Photo #5 - Albuquerque Academy's visual arts program teaches skills and concepts through a series of rigorous sequential courses. Students develop the ability to produce conceptually sophisticated work and the capacity to articulate their ideas. Two student art exhibitions are held each year.
Albuquerque Academy Photo #6 - Each year Albuquerque Academy's Performing Arts Department presents approximately 15 full concerts (choral, band, orchestra, dance, and guitar), seven student solo and group recitals, one musical (five performances), one faculty-directed play (eight performances), and two student-directed plays (two performances each).
Albuquerque Academy is a school that honors its past while embracing the future of education.
We give our students access to opportunities and experiences that both challenge and inspire them, helping them prepare for a world we can't fully imagine. In addition to distinguishing themselves in athletics and extracurriculars at the state and national levels, Chargers have successfully lobbied for legislation at the New Mexico Roundhouse, won awards for climate research, performed on Broadway, had artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol, and so much more.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NM School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 1,186 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,066
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 7 / Feb. 8
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Guitarists Perform in Austin - 05/20/2022
    Six students traveled to Austin, TX to perform in a guitar orchestra hosted by the Austin Classical Guitar Society. They got to share the stage with internationally acclaimed musicians Jorge ...moreCaballero and the Mir String Quartet. hide
  • Academy Picks Up Two Enchantment Awards - 05/09/2022
    Junior Brooke Caperton and Performing Arts faculty member Laurie Thomas took home honors from the Enchantment Awards on Saturday, May 7 at Popejoy Hall. Both were recognized for their work ...morewith Bright Star, the 2022 Academy spring musical. hide
  • Mock Trial Team Finishes 7th in Nation - 05/09/2022
    The Albuquerque Academy mock trial team, which included only two members with national-level experience, finished seventh at nationals in May. "This is a remarkable achievement for any team," said ...moreCoach Joaquin Sanchez. hide

Top Rankings

Albuquerque Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or other diagnosed learning differences
Year Founded
1955
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
1,186 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Albuquerque Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
162 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
72%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
26 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Arabic, Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Chamber Players, Advanced China and the World, Advanced Chinese, Advanced Chorus, Advanced Classical Guitar Orchestra, Advanced Classical Guitar Soloist, Advanced Cybersecurity, Advanced Dance Technique, Advanced Drawing and Painting, Advanced French, Advanced German, Advanced Global Perspectives on Dance, Advanced History Through Sports, Advanced Indigenous History in Comparative Context, Advanced Internet of Things, Advanced Japanese, Advanced Jazz Ensemble, Advanced Logic and Probability, Advanced Modeling with Multivariable Calculus, Advanced Music Theory, Advanced Organic and Biochemistry, Advanced Performance Modalities, Advanced Photography, Advanced Principles of Engineering, Advanced Research in Molecular Genetics, Advanced Sculpture, Advanced Spanish Literature and Culture, Advanced Symphonic Band, Advanced Theatre Wheelhouse, Advanced Topics in Computer Science, Advanced Voice, Advanced World Religions, AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Drawing, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French Language and Culture, AP German Language and Culture, AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP United States History
Average SAT score
1294
Average ACT score
28
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 7 / Feb. 8
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition includes lunch
Summer Program Cost Notes
Albuquerque Academy has a robust summer program. Learn more at www.aa.edu
% on Financial Aid
24%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$17,532
Admissions Director
Melissa Seligman
Admissions Associate
Becky Richards
Endowment Size
$91.3 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
67 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Advocate (student newspaper), Best Buddies, Bible Club, Birding Club, Black Student Association, Chess Club, Class Officers, Classics Club, Club Shred, Coding Club, Connect (community service club), CyberChargers, Dean’s Council, DECA - Business Club, Engineering Club, Environmental Club, Esports Team, Hispanic Student Association, HOSA Future Health Professionals, Jewish Student Association, Magic: The Gathering Club, Math Club, MathCounts, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, No Place for Hate, Other Voices (literary magazine), Philosophy Club, Politics Club, Puberty Club, Quiz Bowl Team, Read to Excel Tutoring Program, SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance), Science Bowl, Science Fair Club, Science Olympiad, SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Club), Speech and Debate, Starwatching Club, Strategy Games Club, Student Diversity Leadership Club, Student Senate, Student-Directed One Act Plays, TedX Youth Day, UNM-PNM Statewide Mathematics Contest, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Bel Canto (classical singing), Ceramics Club, Dance Troupe, En Pointe Dance, Honor Guitar Quartet, Latin American Guitar Ensemble, Mariachi Band, Musical, Open Studio - Visual Art, Opera Project, Pep Band, Roots Music Club, Shakespeare Festival, Steel Drum Band, Technical Theater, Thespians, Unaccompanied Minors (modern a capella)

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bike Park, Frisbee Golf, Mountain Biking Club, Ultimate Frisbee

School Notes

  • The academic program at Albuquerque Academy is at the heart of our school, and the school`s mission is lived out daily in the wide array of rich learning experiences we offer students. Whether they are participating in Model UN, coding in AP statistics, contrasting the philosophies of Zen Buddhism with those of western thinkers, or critiquing a portfolio of self-portraits, we aim to nurture children`s natural passion for learning and to instill habits of life-long curiosity and reflection.
  • Our approach to teaching, to student leadership, to community service, and to the many other aspects of school life reflects our hope that we will model and instill in students our most deeply held values of kindness, empathy, creativity, inclusion, justice, life-long learning, and connection to the natural world and to the Southwest. We believe that a liberal arts education is vital to becoming a global citizen in a world where future jobs have not yet been fully imagined, and we believe our students graduate from the Academy knowing how to think; how to understand their own worldview and those of others; how to find and then evaluate information; how to construct and analyze an argument; and how to communicate clearly, authentically, and diplomatically.
  • We also believe that students leave our school with an internalized sense of the Academy`s mission - that it is their privilege and responsibility to serve country and community with wisdom, conviction, and compassion.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • James Borrego '96 - NBA coach
    • Kate Gallegos '00 - Mayor of Phoenix
    • Notah Begay III '90 - PGA golfer
    • Mira Jacob '91 - Novelist
    • Alex Bregman '12 - MLB third baseman
    • David Eagleman '89 - Neuroscientist, writer
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Albuquerque Academy cost?
Albuquerque Academy's tuition is approximately $27,066 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Albuquerque Academy?
Albuquerque Academy famous alumni include: James Borrego '96, Kate Gallegos '00, Notah Begay III '90, Mira Jacob '91, Alex Bregman '12 and David Eagleman '89.
Does Albuquerque Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Albuquerque Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Albuquerque Academy offer?
Albuquerque Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, E-sports, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Albuquerque Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for most sports offered.
What is Albuquerque Academy's ranking?
Albuquerque Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Albuquerque Academy?
The application deadline for Albuquerque Academy is Dec. 7 / Feb. 8.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Great school, great food, great campus, great teachers, and great response to COVID. Offers a wide range of clubs, from guitar to track. Student's will love it here, and most resources are supplied by the school. However, based on what I have seen, tuition is a tad bit high.
- Posted by
5  
I have two girls grade 6 and 8 at the Academy. Both are thriving and love their school. Academic requirements are very challenging and they encourage the kids to grow in knowledge, maturity and awareness of others. I could not have designed a better program for my girls.
- Posted by
5  
Cross country and track are amazing. I got very fit. Guitar is fun and there are many after school activities. There is also a club swim team. Ex Ed is camping and we camp on private land in bear canyon and it is great.
- Posted by

Endorse Albuquerque Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NM School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 1,186 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,066
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 7 / Feb. 8
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Albuquerque, NM is $10,470 for elementary schools and $13,951 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Albuquerque, NM is 86% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links