Alice King Community School in Albuquerque

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 Measures of Student Success and Achievement data from New Mexico Public Education Department, and using 2024 Assessment of Science Readiness data from New Mexico Public Education Department.
Student Growth	4/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2023 Student growth data from New Mexico Public Education Department.

Posted: April 15, 2026

My experience touring this school raised serious concerns about its ability to support students with special needs. The tour was brief and lacked meaningful information about the special education program, and staff were unable to clearly answer basic questions.
During my conversation with the special education coordinator, I felt interrupted and dismissed. There appeared to be limited familiarity with ABA therapy and the role of an RBT, which was concerning given how common these supports are for children with autism. Additionally, when I asked about safety protocols for elopement, I did not receive a clear or adequate response.
Overall, the interaction felt unprofessional and unwelcoming. Based on this experience, I do not feel confident that the school is equipped to appropriately support my childs needs.

Posted: April 15, 2026

Posted: May 30, 2025

Both of my children attended AKCS and had excellent experiences. The teachers they had were encouraging and engaging and helped push my kids to meet and exceed their academic goals. AKCS has a strong SEL program and coupled with their full inclusion model my kids learned a lot about the world around them and how to navigate it more successfully. We love the multiage model and my kids appreciated having the same teacher for 2 years. The four day school week allowed us to have family time and at home learning time. We loved our AKCS experience and will miss it next year!

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

My children are second graders and absolutely love school and their teacher! AKCS has small class sizes with an EA in each class, allowing for the support and needs of each child. I like their inclusion model and focus on SEL, which has allowed my kids to excel in their education!

The school is welcoming and community based allowing parents to be active on their childs education! Great school, great teachers, wonderful community!

Posted: May 29, 2025

I have had both my children at AKCS for several years now. They both have IEPs and have needed significant support within the classroom. I deeply appreciate the collaboration and effort their teachers put in to make sure that they are happy and thriving. Each of my children has had their unique needs met, and the IEP team has been very willing to problem solve when challenging behaviors have arisen. The collaboration of the school's OT and General Education/Special education completely 180'd my daughter's school experience this year and helped her find her love of learning once more. She is now back to loving school. My son who has moderate support Autism has also found a positive experience after transitioning to a smaller setting this year from the inclusion classroom so that his needs can be better served. The SPED case manager he works with has kept up with daily behavior reports and is kind, but firm with him. The 4 day school week helps me schedule appointments to handle the unique needs of my children outside of their school time so that they can get their full services. I have also found that having rotating related arts that include Art, Music, Makerspace, Technology, and PE help my kids get a wide exposure to different elective concepts and explore their strengths while also being challenged appropriately.

Posted: May 29, 2025

Alice King is a great school! We love the project based approach and the amount of adult support per classroom and the family activities.

Posted: May 29, 2025

We love Alice King Community School! Our child has attended AKCS for many years and has had a wonderful school experience. She has grown academically and socially. The curriculum is rigorous and engaging. The teachers and staff are kind, supportive, and work hard to connect with students. We love the project-based learning, related arts classes (art, music, technology, makerspace, and PE), after school opportunities, and the 4 day school week.

Posted: May 29, 2025

This is where you send your eighth-grader to watch movies every day.

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

My kids love school, and that says a lot about AKCS!

This school has such a great community feel. We have awesome turnouts at our family events like Boo Bash, Family Movie Night, Fine Arts Night, and meetups at fun local places.

AKCS has weekly music classes, art, tech, phys. ed, and maker-space. Explora Club, Chess, and Battle of the Books are a few of the clubs that have been offered after school. Sports availability depends on interest and volunteers, so sports can vary. They have offered basketball and track for middle-schoolers in recent years. There is a cheer squad as well!

Students are given the opportunity to learn from older kids, and to be leaders themselves in multi-age/grade classrooms. This has worked well for my kids. School is M-Th (with occasional Friday school days) and we take full advantage of Fridays off! We use the extra day to visit libraries, museums, zoo, take music lessons, etc.

If you are looking for an all-around great school, where the teachers and staff genuinely care about your kids, we highly recommend AKCS!

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 14, 2025

Alice King is a great school where kids are challenged with rigorous academics and where they can stay kids for just a little longer. The middle school gets a recess break and they actually still play, I think that is very important. The students are held to a high standard of not just academics but behavior too. The teachers always give their best to the students and love what they do. I love this school and if I had the chance I wish my son could have attended here. Administration cares about the kids very much and always wants what's best for them. I would definitely recommend Alice King to anyone with school aged children!

Posted: May 14, 2025

Posted: May 13, 2025

I am so excited with how much my daughter has learned this year in kindergarten and cant wait to see what the future holds!

Posted: May 13, 2025

Posted: September 13, 2024

Alice King Community school is a wonderful school where our children are learning and thriving. The school has a nurturing, community-oriented atmosphere, a full-time teacher and EA in each classroom, many special-education staff, and multiple related arts classes. They fully-support students with special needs through programs with amazing, trained specialty staff. The intentional, multi-age classrooms where K-1 are combined, 2-3 are combined, etc. offer the kids the opportunity to have the same teacher for two years, build strong relationships, and have access to multi-level education lessons right in the classroom. Classrooms are full inclusion. The staff and teachers truly care about the kids here. We love AKCS!

Posted: September 13, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

We are so happy we got this school recommend to us. We love it. My daughter love the school. The blended classes are great. I highly recomend this school.

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 13, 2022

My son attended this school after learning his friend went here. However, this was during the beginning of COVID so he never got to see his friend. However, I digress. My son hates doing online/computer learning. He will not do it for anything. So, naturally, we had to address this lack of learning and completing schoolwork. At one point we met with the school counselor to discuss options to help him. However, I ended up with a call from Social Services for parenting neglect. The counselor NEVER discussed any aspect of this with me EVER! Out of the blue I just received a phone call. I was so insulted. As his mother I was trying everything I could do to help him with his school and be there for him! Why would a CHARTER SCHOOL do this? Aren't they supposed to be better?
Also, he didn't learn anything!
I do not recommend this school or any schools in Albuquerque. Too much wrongdoing by too many people!

Posted: September 13, 2022

Posted: January 13, 2021

My daughter and I used to love this school, but the way it has handled reopening in person has been an absolute disgrace. Every time the school meets a target for return, the school board and administration simply change the target. 80% of teachers say that they don't want the children back in, the data that says it's safe (for hybrid, masked etc) notwithstanding. They have no interest in the science. But here's the real issue: to add insult to injury, teachers bring their OWN children into the school to be taught in small groups -- while preventing every other child from coming in. Their children are thriving because they continue to go in, while they vote to keep others out. The hypocrisy and constant lies and ulterior motives (to ensure their own children thrive, but keep others out) are disgusting. They could not care less about the children at their school. I've disenrolled my daughter and know many other parents who plan to disenroll their children. After seeing how the teachers speak about children (that they're dirty little germ-carriers whose families can't be trusted), I would strongly advise other parents to stay away.

Posted: January 13, 2021

Posted: November 20, 2019

We love Alice King Community School! My daughter has found incredible support from her teachers and all the staff. The school culture is encouraging and supportive, with high standards and accountability. She's thriving and much happier!

Posted: November 20, 2019

Posted: November 19, 2019

We are very, very happy here! My son loves going to school every day which is a blessing. He loves his classmates and his teachers. The PTA and foundation are awesome. I also have to add that the Art teacher Tara is just incredible. The Music teacher Michael has also been a wonderful addition to the school! This school really feels like a family.

Posted: November 19, 2019

The amount of homework so far has been appropriate (we started in 1st, now in 4th). Enough to reinforce whats learned in class, not so much to overwhelm the child.

Posted: November 19, 2019

So far our teachers have been fantastic! Our son loves his teachers. He still runs up to his former teachers and hugs them when he sees them.

Posted: November 19, 2019

The school actively reinforces positive behavior. Gives kudo slips and announces names for catching good behavior during morning announcements. My son proudly brings home his Running in the Right Direction slips!

Posted: November 19, 2019

Clearly explain goals and objectives and walk the talk.

Posted: November 19, 2019

Have worked well with helping my son catch up to grade level because of his learning difficulty. They do so without making him feel bad about himself.

Posted: November 19, 2019

Very rare instances of bullying. When it occurs, the teacher can usually handle, or the Administrator will put a stop to it!

Posted: November 15, 2019

The school is supportive of it's students and has a high academic goal. Overall we are very happy here.

Posted: November 15, 2019

I believe that the amount of homework is overwhelming for the students. I think they should have homework, but not to the point of nervous breakdowns.

Posted: November 15, 2019

Most of the teachers are great and here for the students. I find that there are some that should not be here and are not very nice to students.

Posted: November 15, 2019

I believe that in general the school raises students to have a good character.

Posted: November 15, 2019

The school seems to have an effective approach to supporting students with different learning needs.

Posted: November 15, 2019

This is true for the most part. There is still a good amount of bullying, but when it's brought up I think the school addresses it.

Posted: April 6, 2019

I highly recommend this school for children and families. We have been a part of this beautiful community since 2014. It starts at the top with supporting boards and administrative team that are so involved and care for families, teachers and staff, shared leadership and planning, everone is invested in creating an inclusive, loving learning environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Posted: April 6, 2019

Alice King was my number one choice when I entered my daughter in numerous lotteries prior to her kindergarten year. I was so fortunate that she got in to the school. It has been a wonderful atmosphere for her and she has blossomed as a person. The teachers are outstanding and the students are all respectful. I couldn't have picked a better learning experience for my daughter than what this school offers!

Posted: April 4, 2019

This school has been a great place for our child to learn at their own pace and be challenged at the same time.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Alice King has been a fantastic fit for our family.

Posted: March 28, 2019

great over all. some teachers could use more training in working with students in need.

Posted: January 11, 2019

My son has been attending for 2 years and I've watched his friendships and love for school bloom. The music program continues to grow and the middle school athletics program also continues to grow (they have added, flag football, volleyball, and are working on adding basketball). I love the 4 day weeks as well. It allows more time for family activities on the weekends. My son enjoys the weekly classroom routine, which still include P.E., Art, Music, and Technology. So far, I have been very pleased with the staff, teachers, students, and programs at Alice King.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Alice King has a strong belief in homework. It starts in Kindergarten with weekly assignments for math and reading, and the students have 3 projects to present in class. The homework load increases at each grade level.

Posted: January 11, 2019

I love all of the teachers thus far. But my son experienced some turnover in Kindergarten. His first teacher was sick a lot and eventually had to take leave. But all other experiences with teachers here have been great.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: August 3, 2016

Alice King is a school where each child is looked at individually, and lesson plans are based on each child's strengths and weaknesses. The teachers a truly the best I've seen out of three elementary schools we've been to. This new administration is going to be great for the school's staff, parents, and students. Their new location is going to be amazing. This is as best as public school education gets in New Mexico.

Posted: August 3, 2014

This is one of the best schools in the city. The staff is hard working, dedicated, warm and loving. The teachers work to create a rigorous, engaging and differentiated curriculum. Children are encouraged academically, but also feel like they are part of a community. We love it and our two children love it too!

Posted: April 30, 2014

I fully agree with the review posted in April. I too children who have been at the school for a long time and I am terribly disappointed with this administration. I wonder if the last reviewer is legitimate or just an employee aware of several current parent-administration problems ongoing at this time. There are several reviews from the time this current principal got started showing how displeased many parents were. One reviewer said they had never been "treated so unprofessionally". I second that. Though I stayed for conveninece, I know there are many parents unhappy with the way the school is run, but maybe afraid of speaking. The teachers my children have had are good, but it does not make up for the times you need to deal with such a terrible coordinator.

Posted: April 29, 2014

I have worked extensively with this administration over the past 5 years and have been nothing but pleased. I'm not really sure what the other reviewer is talking about. I have found every question and issue I've had met with respect and dignity. I have four children there, and I trust the administation with every aspect of their education. When my kinder was sent to the priincipal's office, I knew he would be disciplined with fairness and gentleness. The teachers and staff hold Ms. Connie in high regard, as evidenced by how far many of them drive, just to teach under her leadership. And the teachers are some of the very best out there, who could find a job anywhere. My children, all four of them, are thriving at Alice King!

Posted: April 9, 2014

The concept is good, and we were pleased with the education, but very poor administration just poisons it. You may be able to enjoy it, unless you ever have any concern you need to address. If you ever make a complaint, the principal takes it as personal offense. Not only do they not ever attempt to solve any issues, but they also act in a punitive way because "dared" raise any concerns. The principal is a prideful woman. I should have paid more attention to the reviews on this website that talk about her, and how she ruins the school.

Posted: November 12, 2013

My son is in Kindergarten at AKCS and so far we are thrilled! He's already reading and every day he talks about new thing(s) he has learned. Ms. Kelsey is a fantastic Kindergarten teacher and my son adores her. The school is small but not too small and everyone in the administration and staff know my child's name and treat him and me with respect. We love AKCS!

Posted: May 22, 2013

We were very disappointed in the lack of communication, apathy, and lack of any formal curriculum at all. Our kids digressed this year academically (and they are very curious, gifted students). We are fortunate to be moving to another school next year. We have heard that there are some excellent teachers there, but we didn't get them. Our kids watched more movies at this school than is ever appropriate, and my daughter who normally loves school has begged on numerious occasions to stay home from school because she doesn't like it. If you attend this school, make sure it is with one of the good teachers. Our experience was a disaster.

Posted: March 12, 2013

This school does a fantastic job teaching the average and above child. Where I feel they are lacking, is in their ability and willingness to think outside the box in terms of helping students who have academic or behavioral challenges, even when these difficulties are a manifestation of the child's disability. Generally, with typical children, their approach works amazingly well, but when faced with a child who thinks differently, their skills are sorely lacking.

Posted: March 3, 2013

Small class size is a huge plus as well as the ability to teach outside of the box. Kids can take off and learn at the highest level possible amongst peers learning at multiple different levels. It is not public school cookie cutter education. This school fosters the love of learning to suit the individual.

Posted: January 10, 2013

Based on the rating criteria that a great school has excellent teachers, strong principal/school leadership, and challenging academic programs, I gave AKCS five stars. Our daughter is in 2nd grade (her third year at the school). She is absolutely thriving. Her teachers have been effective, engaging and accessible. The school culture is positive for kids as it not only emphasizes learning, but also good behavior, awareness of others, health, and creativity. The challenges of a charter school are not for every parent. You cannot take for granted that the school has a building, lunch program, gym, etc. You have to weigh what is most important and how involved you are willing to be. The parents at this school have shown great commitment and resourcefulness overall. There are a few sour lemons but they are everywhere. The school is currently #4 academically out of all public schools in NM. The approach to learning is working! And it really is a wonderful school community. We are proud and, perhaps more importantly, our daughter is proud of her school.

Posted: August 1, 2012

My son has been at Alice King for 3 years and is about to begin 3rd grade. I am happily sending my 5 year old into Mary Kay Ready's Kindergarten class on 8/7/12. After having my child, who has some motor delays to private school with our church and feeling that the teachers, although caring and with a good pre-K program, didn't know what to do with my son who has some problems with becoming distracted, I sent him to AKCC for kinder. He has thrived. Their multi-age classrooms, and their limited amount of "seat-work", along with their wonderful teachers has helped him be and FEEL successful, where he didn't experience that before. They do a lot of projects and they still have a music and gym program where those seem to be disappearing in some public schools. They have a focus on healthy eating and living and discourage sugary snacks in their school. The PTA is so hardworking and they are very supportive of the teachers and overall well-being of the school. There's ample opportunity to volunteer in children's class rooms or on field trips. Their is a lot of parent participation and the school has a definitive plan for children who are having problems with learning or behavior

Posted: May 24, 2012

I have at children at Alice King for 5 years. I wanted to write to counter some of the more negative reviews that have been posted here voicing concerns about the school since the change in administration. I have been very pleased with the new principal and found very approachable and easy to communicate with. I think some of the negative comments stem from parents who are upset that the plans for the middle school have been abandoned. In my opinion, these plans, made by the former principal were ill conceived and not thought through. Though controversial (and painful for parents of current or soon-to-be middle schoolers) the current principal made the right decision for the school as a whole and the children in K-5. My kids have benefited from wonderful teachers and Alice King has nurtured their love of learning. They are seen and heard and are full participants in their learning.

Posted: May 21, 2012

The concept for this school as a dual grade and project base learning is wonderful. The implementation for this has become weak in the last two years with the changes in administration. An example of this would be the 2/3 grades. In the 3rd grade the SBA testing begins so the focus is on the 3rd graders and the 2nd graders can go up to 4 weeks without homework. Our family has been at the school for 4 years and I have found that the K-2 grades do well at this school. After that parents need to be very involved in the child s education to ensure that they are not overlooked. There is a reason why some teachers are leaving and as a charter school they are not required to inform the parents as to why. The communication between the administration and the parents is very inconsistent. As to being financially sound, every school has budget problems. The Foundation is responsible for the additional capital income for the school, but they are not giving the training or opportunity to fundraise beyond the parents. I too use to exclaim the virtues of this school, but I can not any more.The Singapore math is great but not enough reason to stay. Choose this school with your eyes open.

Posted: May 16, 2012

I have been at this school for the last three years and have loved it for the most part until this last school year. Unfortunately with the changes in administration, this has done more damage than good for the school. When you go to voice concerns to the principal, she turns everything around and becomes the victim. I have never been treated so unprofessionally before. My child has gone through three different teachers due to issues with administration. I have also come against the special education area and found discrepancies within their system. My child has lost their love of learning and comes home many days upset. The teachers overall are phenomenal but the administration is picking and choosing who will be there the next year. Unfortunately special ed dept. is not. I was also on the PTA before and found it highly difficult to get parents involved. It is so sad to see where this school once was to where it is now. I will be leaving the school this year and not returning. If you are a parent who likes to be very involved this school may not be for you, if you can turn your head the other way, then it will be fine.

Posted: May 15, 2012

This message is not a review since my child is on waiting list for the 2012-2013 school year , for 4th grade.The reason I am writing today is because after reading the last 2 reviews , I am very skeptical about it.Could someone please let me know if this is a very bad idea to put a child in this school or are there still some good points that can still play in its favor ? With many thanks in advance.

Posted: May 9, 2012

I wrote the review on 8/29/11... However, I have to agree with the parent who submitted their review on 5/9/12 regarding their statement "I can no longer in good consciousness recommend this school. It has lost it's way." The teachers that my kids have had at this school are amazing, but the administration is lacking. I've been very disappointed in how things have been going the last few months. I hope things change, but it is really disappointing as I think the teachers are outstanding, just think that the administration has lost their way.

Posted: May 8, 2012

My child has gone to this school for a few years. The change over in leadership this year has been disappointing. Commitment last year to extend into a middle school is not occurring. They seem to be flying by the seat of their pants. Two teachers recently left and numerous parents are having issues with the special ed department and their children not receiving proper services. The project based curriculum is monthly instead of quarterly which greatly dilutes the learning process. Multi-sensory and multi-intelligence learning that was previously in their mission statement is fading fast. I used to boast at how wonderful the school was and how much my child enjoyed it. I can no longer in good consciousness recommend this school. It has lost it's way. The Foundation, which is charged with fundraising for a permanent location, has not been able to raise enough funds to extend into a middle school - I suspect they won't be able to raise enough funds for a permanent site any time soon. There has even been a request for families to donate $200 each on top of the supplies already given in order to help with equipment repair. They don't seem to be financially sound anymore.

Posted: May 16, 2011

Alice King is such a sweet, nurturing, academically stellar learning environment. I was concerned that the current principal is retiring (Fall '11), but her replacement, Connie Chene, is also wonderful. Connie has been effectively serving as the Vice-Principal, so it's very fitting that she'll now take on the role of Principal and I'm sure that this school will continue to blossom and thrive. This school is fantastic!

Posted: January 24, 2011

While the school had a great start, the past few years were a disapointment. Unhappy parents pulled their children when other openings could be found. The teaching staff was unhappy enough to have left as soon as they found other employment and often the students were left without proper instruction/supervision resulting in the students paying the price of the lack of studies. Expectations and promises were not met by the administration. I stopped recommending the school the second year.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Northeast Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		1.1 mi
2	Blossom Ridge at Anderson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		13.9 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Albuquerque	Albuquerque	NM	7.5 mi
2	Rio Rancho	Rio Rancho	NM	8.1 mi
3	Taylor Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	8.8 mi
4	Ventana Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	10.6 mi

Alice King Community School

Albuquerque, NM 87109

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Alice King Community School

Albuquerque, NM 87109

School Ratings

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