Fayette St. Academy

Our daughter started at Fayette as a very young kindergartner, and we couldn`t be happier. This is a special school. It eschews the flashy and high-tech (ahem, Rio Grande) for the really meaningful: human interaction and genuine learning, tailored to each student by teachers who know them and their families. My daughter grew so much emotionally and intellectually here over the last year. What`s remarkable is that they don`t shortchange the academic for the personal and emotional, but somehow manage to combine both well. When they go on field trips, other people remark on how kind and well-behaved the children are. The older ones learn to watch out for the younger ones. And where else are you going to spend an hour with both your child`s teacher and the head of the school at a parent-teacher conference?

I feel very fortunate that our daughter can go to Fayette, which is truly a special place. The school understands the importance of balance. While many schools follow a drill-and-kill approach in order to maximize test scores, Fayette understands the importance of developing the whole person. While it is true that our daughter had developed much more academically here than at her prior school, that isn't what I think is most important. What I really like is seeing the relationships among the kids, how when she was new the older kids looked after her and now she is doing that for kids younger than her. It's not just that the teachers care for the kids, but the kids care for each other. The level of social development makes them stand out where even the youngest kids display a level of emotional intelligence lacking in many adults. Fayette has numerous field trips within Santa Fe and even to Albuquerque that gives the kids an amazing range of experiences, far beyond anything I had at their age. It is a unique place and it is important that parents who send their children there buy into its concept, but for those who do it is hard to imagine a better school.

This school is not only a wonderful learning experience for myself but I have met countless amazing children and teachers. Me being a munchkin [5th grade] I have learned so much and am so grateful to Fayette street academy or with Bara the school dog roaming about endogamy!

My child feels safe, confident and inspired at Fayette.

My son started at Fayette mid-year in fourth grade. He had been falling through the cracks at one of the top public schools in the district. Within a couple months, the transformation was remarkable. He went from a kid who was to struggling to engage successfully in the academic program to a student who was beginning to find some traction academically, and really begin to show up. It has been almost three years since he moved and he is now a strong, confident, fully engaged student. His teacher at the school has managed to meet him where he is every step of the way to keep him challenged and feeling successfully engaged. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any family in Santa Fe in search of a supportive, loving, academic environment for its children.

The homework is spread out over the week, allowing the individual child to choose what they work on any given day. This has taught my daughter personal responsibility, time management, and a deeper understanding of where she is on any given day and what she can handle on any given day. Her dedication to the work she chooses to do makes a big difference in her success in learning the work as she does it. The teachers have the skill and time to focus on the student's individual needs. The teachers are in constant discussion. They are involved with all aspects of the school and the curriculum. My child has been given the opportunity at this wonderful school to develop her emotional intelligence and a civic minded perspective.The students in the school who experience learning differences are given what they need to excel while also keeping them active and integrated in the entire school community. If there is a problem within in the student body it is dealt with quickly, effectively, compassionately, and directly. This school has made a world of difference to my child, who was doing well at her old school, but was slowly shutting down in order to cope with the chaos at that school. Fayette has given her a place to grow and nurture her authentic self - a person of curiosity, intelligence, character, and playfulness.

Our child adores Fayette! With its small classes, challenging curriculum, and walks to nearby parks and concerts, Fayette is a great balance between the intellectual and the physical. Our child has learned to focus, manage time, and to be a postive part of a great community! Some of our child's favorites at Fayette are:LatinMathTree-climbing days. (In fact, alumni return for these days!)Traditions from birthdays to craft weeksAfter 7 years at Fayette, our child will be well prepared to take on all of the challenges of high school and beyond!!If we could give more stars than 5, we certainly would!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My son attended Fayette middle school for two years. He emerged more than ready for high school, with his love of learning and love of school intact. The school manages to be both challenging academically and very human at the same time, with a small supportive environment allowing each child room for their own strengths and vulnerabilities, both academically and socially. It's a wonderful place.

The finest school in Santa Fe. Should your child be fortunate to find a place at this unique educational environment, consider yourself lucky! As a former superintendant of schools said, "Fayette produces students eager to learn and prepared to move forward with confidence and excellence." There is no other place like Fayette!