New Mexico Charter Schools: A Model for Success

Charter schools were created with the idea that one size does not fit all when it comes to education. Inspired and passionate educators wanted to have the ability to make quality education accessible to all students, promote parent and community involvement in public education, and provide a system of responsibility for results in education. Charter schools are granted more autonomy than traditional district schools in exchange for being held more accountable for student achievement. Many skeptics question whether charter schools are really succeeding and would even go so far as to say they should be closed. A look at the facts shows that New Mexico’s charter schools are raising the bar for academic success, providing unique educational opportunities, and innovatively meeting the needs of diverse students and their families.

            New Mexico’s charter schools are academically successful. The National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S Department of Education rated New Mexico’s top ten high schools; five of the ten were charter schools. Southwest Secondary Learning Center, Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science, Academy for Technology and the Classics, East Mountain High School, and Cottonwood Classical Academy made the top of the list. For the year 2010, 50% of New Mexico’s Charter Schools made Adequate Yearly Progress compared to only 41% of district schools. Charter schools are challenging the traditional public school system, achieving great things, and offering parents and families choices in education.

            Exciting and creative educational opportunities are the norm at charter schools in New Mexico. In addition to providing the required academic classes, many charter schools offer creative and engaging programs to students. For example, Southwest Learning Center offers a state of the art flight program which allows students to work towards obtaining a pilot’s license while earning a diploma. The Digital Arts and Technology Academy offers a smoking cessation program which provides resources and support to students trying to break free of their addiction. At Amy Biehl Charter School, students must complete a year-long community service project in order to fulfill all requirements for graduation. Due to the flexible scheduling introduced and offered by charter schools, many students are able to take advantage of dual enrollment programs to earn college credits. 11.6% of all charter high school students participate in the dual enrollment program at Central New Mexico Community College while only 3.1% of Albuquerque Public School Students participate. At Southwest Secondary Learning Center the dual enrollment participation rate is 41%. Charter schools inarguably cater to students’ individual goals and needs with unique and innovative programs.

            New Mexico’s charter schools provide a quality education to some of the most underserved and underprivileged students in the state. Charter schools help these disadvantaged students succeed where the conventional system has failed. Over 45% of students in charter schools are Hispanic compared to the 36% average in many larger New Mexico districts. Most districts have an African American population of less than 2% while charter schools serve a 6% population of African Americans. 61% of students served by New Mexico’s charter schools come from low-income families and qualify for free or reduced lunch programs; only 52% of low-income students are part of the traditional district student population. Because of the smaller class sizes (charter school student teacher ratios are an average of 10 students per teacher while large districts average 25 students per teacher) the engaging opportunities, and the individualized attention these students receive, New Mexico’s charter schools are closing the achievement gap. Because charter school administrations are allowed more flexibility, they are better able to respond to the specific needs of students and families.

            Because of the success of New Mexico’s charter schools, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for parents and students. Over 10,000 students are enrolled in charter schools across the state and over 10,000 more sit on waiting lists. (The Southwest Learning Centers have a waiting list of over 3,600 students.) Charter schools offer New Mexico’s families options for a quality education that meets students’ individual needs. Charter school students are able to learn in an environment that promotes their academic success and prepares them for their future as successful, responsible citizens of New Mexico. The facts show that charter schools are succeeding academically, consistently advancing education through models of innovation, and are effectively meeting the needs of the students and families of New Mexico.