North Valley Academy in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	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	3/10	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: March 12, 2026

My experience with this school has raised significant concerns about professionalism, confidentiality, and the way students with disabilities are treated.

During a parent-teacher conference for my child, staff spoke negatively about another student and used that students name while describing behavior issues. In another instance, another students name appeared in my childs IEP documentation. These situations raise serious concerns about how confidential student information is handled and whether proper privacy standards are being followed.

During an IEP meeting, staff members spoke critically about me while believing I could not hear them. Experiences like this make it difficult for families to feel respected or to trust that meetings intended to support students are being handled professionally.

I am also deeply concerned about the schools approach to special education. There appears to be a strong emphasis placed on gifted programming while students with disabilities receive far less attention and advocacy. Special education services should be taken seriously and implemented with care, but that has not been my experience.

Communication with administration has often felt dismissive and confrontational rather than collaborative. When my child expressed discomfort with certain situations at school, the concern was minimized and attributed to possible home issues rather than being addressed thoughtfully.

Another concern is that subjective opinions appear to be included in official student records, including attendance documentation. School records should remain objective and factual, not personal commentary.

This school presents itself as supportive of the community, highlighting resources like food pantries and family support programs. While those resources can be helpful, they should not replace strong educational leadership, professionalism, and accountability.

Families deserve transparency, respect, and a school culture where all students including those with disabilities are supported appropriately and where student privacy is taken seriously.

Given the repeated concerns with student confidentiality, IEP documentation, and how students needs are addressed, I believe other families should carefully consider whether the school is meeting state and federal education requirements.

Posted: November 17, 2025

My experience has been nothing but positive! The community is diverse both the student body as well as the teachers. The classrooms are set up with different themes that engage students.

Posted: November 17, 2025

My experience at this school has been wonderful. Staff and teachers care so much about students. There is so much diversity in the student body as well as the staff. Each class room is decorated with a different theme to engage students.

Posted: June 14, 2025

I went to this school from the early grades all the way through 8th grade, and to be honest, I had a really hard time there. I often felt ignoredboth academically and socially. Most of the teachers didnt seem to care whether we were actually learning or not. If you struggled, it was like you were invisible. There wasnt much support, and it felt like keeping students under control mattered more than helping them grow or understand the material.
I was in a special education class at one point, and there were two adults in the rooma male teacher and a female educational assistant (EA). The EA was the only one who actually cared. She made us feel seen, helped when we needed it, and treated us with respect. The teacher, on the other hand, spent more time trying to catch us doing something wrong than actually teaching us. It always felt like we were walking on eggshells instead of being in a classroom where we could learn and feel safe.
There were maybe one or two other teachers during my time there who really stood up for students and tried to do the right thing. But even that came with consequencesone teacher who defended students that were uncomfortable with another staff member ended up getting fired. That moment stuck with me. It showed that the school cared more about protecting adults than listening to kids.
The office staff and administration didnt take anything seriously until it turned into a crisis. I remember a girl went to the dean and principal and told them another student was threatening to fight her. All they told her was to keep her distance. Two days later, that fight happenedright in front of everyone. Only then did they act like it was serious.
The truth is, I dont recommend this school to anyone. I regret spending so many years there. It didnt give me a good education, and I never felt like I mattered to most of the adults in the building. The only good thing I got from this place was my friendspeople who were going through the same things and stuck together. Thats it.

Posted: May 5, 2025

I began teaching at North Valley Academy 11 years ago. Coming from a large school district, I was immediately inspired by the close-knit, supportive community where many students attend from PreK through 8th grade.

Our campus is beautiful, featuring a garden bed for each class, a gym, and a track. The schools emphasis on health, wellness, and cultural responsiveness is thoughtfully woven into everything we do. Students enjoy a fresh salad bar with lunch each day, participate in weekly PE and Health classes, and have access to a full-time counselor and social worker. Social-emotional learning is a consistent part of the curriculum, and students are known by name by the staff who care deeply for them.

I continue to be inspired every day, and it is truly an honor to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team!

Posted: April 30, 2025

I have volunteered several times at NVA. The teachers and administration are professional and care about the students.

Posted: April 30, 2025

Such a great school! The teachers really care about each and every student, and it creates such a great community atmosphere.

Posted: April 30, 2025

My son is in the 1st grade and started at North Valley in Pre_K . I have been nothing but happy with the experience of the school. It's a small safe community that gives me many opportunities to enjoy family functions and fun. My son loves school and I believe it's because of the small community.

Posted: April 30, 2025

My daughter is having the most wonderful pre-k experience at North Valley Academy! She loves her teachers so much! My daughter stayed at home until pre-k and we were apprehensive about her starting school but NVA has proven to be a loving, caring and inviting place for her to be. She wants to go to school every day. The teachers at NVA have truly set my baby up for future academic success! I couldn't be more thrilled. I recommend NVA to everyone!

Posted: March 25, 2025

North Valley Academy is a quite exceptional school. There is a feeling of a close knit family all working under the philosophy of '"It takes A Village." The ambience of the school is 100% support, whether it's teacher to student, administration to staff, parent to teacher, teacher to families, and student to student support. The core value within our educational setting is caring about our student success. Building relationships with our students is of utmost importance and having a healthy mindset is the key to our student success.

Posted: March 24, 2025

I have worked at North Valley Academy for 9 years now. I came from working in a school district outside of Albuquerque and the kindness from others and ability to establish rapport with the other staff was refreshing and a breath of fresh air. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers and staff who genuinely love the students and are invested in not only their academic progress but in their well being and mental health. We have a sweet, intertwined community and I look forward to coming to work each day.

Posted: March 24, 2025

I have worked at North Valley Academy for about 4 years now. This is has been one of the best jobs I have ever had. The culture at NVA is unmatched. The school spirit there is the finest Ive ever seen. North Valley is committed to their students and families. They are also dedicated to their staff. I enjoy working here and plan to continue to for many years to come as I continue my career in education.

Posted: March 13, 2025

I have worked in education for 21 years and this is the first school that I have truly felt at "home" while working (I am a hard worker at home as well as at work). The staff and students work so well together that the environment is built on equality of voice, time and space. I hope that more schools allow for equity of stakeholders because it creates a safe space for students to be supported in their journey in education and personal growth. I send much appreciation to North Valley Academy for creating a phenomenial school full of support for our greater community.

Posted: March 13, 2025

North Valley Academy is a great school. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. The focus is on the students and their learning. The teachers are constantly looking to improve their practice through additional education and targeted professional development. The Special Education Department is loving and caring and is also working hard to improve in all ways

Posted: March 10, 2025

The teachers at this school really care. The school has small class sizes, and a fantastic special ed program. Each student gets personal laptops for technical learning, there are great free before and after school programs, and healthy breakfasts and lunches provided daily which includes a salad bar with fresh fruits and vegetables. Highly recommend for any grades: pre-k-8th

Posted: January 23, 2025

I love working here! I have taught 6 years in aps from the south valley to the west side and even in the war zone. I felt APS was no longer for me for various reasons and decided to try teaching at a charter school. Best decision ever! The admin is SO supportive of the staff and it is truly like a family. I am no longer stressed from my job and the students/ families are amazing. I have fun at work and can say I love my job for the first time in 6 years! Pay and benefits are also better than APS. I like the school so much that both my children will be attending.

Posted: January 23, 2025

My daughter started in kindergarten she is already reading and meets her goals every month for reading and math on I ready. She loves going to school and the teachers are amazing.

Posted: August 1, 2023

Im a parent of a mid-school student and he was starving for a smaller school community. He received smaller class sizes, teacher attentiveness which helped him grab concepts easier, and well rounded with all the extra curricular activities offered.

Posted: January 9, 2020

In kinder they send home a monthly calendar with something to do daily. Some things were more advanced and some not challenging enough.

Posted: January 9, 2020

Last years teachers were amazing, however both have left the school. This year the teacher seemed like they were interested in what was best for the students, however after several meetings and requests, they did not follow through.

Posted: January 9, 2020

Bullying is an issue and there are no consequences. They blame the child reporting it.

Posted: January 9, 2020

The principle states her opinions without care that they are offensive and rude. She brushes off issues and does not care to help solve issues then says she is bending over backwards to remedy the situation. But hasn't done anything other than make excuses.

Posted: January 9, 2020

My child was behind and in requested extra in class help. They said they would do testing to see what she needed. The testing wasn't done.

Posted: January 9, 2020

The bully had no consequences. Four months of being bullied by the same child and their suggestions were quit being a mama bear, switching schools will just show your child to run from problems, victims are only victims because todays society rewards them, and so many other excuses on how the situation didn't happen or was not likely for it to happen.

Posted: January 9, 2020

The pre k program was amazing. Mrs. Summer is the only one still at the school from our 3 teachers. The principal needs to be replaced and school should follow its policies and procedures. Teachers and students are not held responsible for their actions. The school governing council disregards complaints and does not respond.

Posted: November 14, 2019

Awful principle and they do not deal with bullying at all.

Posted: November 14, 2019

They do not assign homework at all

Posted: November 14, 2019

Horrible school. When I pulled my child out I found out she was behind. The scores lost define this school.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Students with IEPs still given the exact same homework as other students. They are not provided with help completing this homework that is above there learning needs. Luckily some of the "Village" teachers will help IEP students accomplish that homework.

Posted: August 13, 2018

I do not give credit to the school for supporting students what special needs. The Village Staff is 1000% the reason that my student is thriving! the Village teachers care about there students and provide the support the students need.

Posted: August 13, 2018

NO! NVA has a HUGE problem with bulling and the administration looks the other way. This was not an issue under Mr. Snyder or Mrs. Bellmore. Although I did not care for Mrs. Bellmore she was very effective in ensuring a safe environment for the children to learn. This was also not an issue under Mr. Snyder.

Posted: August 13, 2018

In past years I absolutely loved NVA. I would have recommended them to anyone looking for a good school for there children. Now things have changed, I still love the small school and the remaining good teachers but this school has become like any other one out there. NVA used to be a tight knit community but with forced changes such as PARC testing requirements and the constant turnaround of teachers it is no longer a community. The Principle is allot to blame for most all the bad at the school. She refuses to listen to concerns of the parents and teachers. She has her own agenda and she doesn't care if anyone likes it or not she will do exactly what she wants and that is all! I am VERY thankful to have found a new school for my children this year. one that seems to be a lot like NVA use to be. Honestly if this school doesn't get the bulling under control soon one of these students is going to be seriously hurt! If your child is prone to being picked on this IS NOT the school for you! your child will be eaten alive in there and the Staff will make it thee fault!

Posted: August 11, 2018

Homework is minimal and when assigned it is relevant, not just busy work.

Posted: August 11, 2018

We moved from a "higher rated" school to this one and suddenly our daughter is actually learning. Teachers have been invested and involved, and the administration respects them and works to support them in the classroom.

Posted: August 11, 2018

Kids are allowed to be kids, but never allowed to bully or be cruel. Giving them the freedom to run, play outside, and just be kids means they focus better in the classroom and learn to respect each other as people.

Posted: August 11, 2018

The principal is amazing. She is working hard, involved, and invested in this school and its students and staff.

Posted: August 11, 2018

There is a fully developed special ed program including gifted.

Posted: August 11, 2018

My daughter had trouble with another student bullying her one year. That was immediately nipped in the bud and not long after that student was asked to leave the school.

Posted: August 11, 2018

North Valley Academy has been absolutely wonderful for our child, who was told at her previous school that she was incapable of working at grade level and would be held back. After a few months at NVA, she was testing at grade level and by the end of that same school year, a whole grade level ahead. Her teachers have been engaged and invested, not checked out or only focused on the few top performing students as we had seen previously. I recommend NVA to everyone.

Posted: February 13, 2018

This school under previous administration was a great school. Although NVA seems to have a high turnover rate most of the teachers are amazing! Bullying is a huge problem, and is not properly addressed by the principal. My children will not be attend this school next year.

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: May 31, 2017

I am quite pleased with this school. My child enjoys going to school every day. Now that summer is here she wishes she could go to her classes. She likes her teacher and has excelled in her studies.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: March 17, 2017

In our opinion NVA is a terrible school!

Posted: February 28, 2017

Posted: February 13, 2017

My issue here was not with the teachers. I think my child had excellent teachers who cared a lot about the kids. I feel like this school is a dumping ground for the problem kids who can't/won't be accepted anywhere else. My child could not make one decent friend. I never had behavior issues with my child until they transferred to this school (to avoid being bullied). Suddenly I'm being called into the office every week because of him and his friend/s getting into trouble. And while I know I have no angel on my hands, I find it funny that I've removed him from this school and put him back at his old school and the behavior issues have stopped. Think hard before sending your middle school student here. I regretted it everyday he was there.

Posted: January 29, 2016

Very Good school! The administrative staff are very competent and courteous. Some of the teachers are excellent, some need to work on their styles and demeanor towards parents and students alike, just like any other school. Our child is learning a lot and after all that's crucial. As a whole, we feel they put forth tremendous effort and we give them an A....

Posted: December 3, 2015

I like this school because have very good programs to special education and very fríenly staff

Posted: December 1, 2015

Posted: March 10, 2015

Being involved has been crucial for my daughter's success at NVA. They have gone through changes and turmoil like all school do, but it is now settled and teachers couldn't be better. Teachers are caring, and concerned with the improvement of my child.

Posted: March 1, 2015

My sons teacher this year was outstanding. She seemed to love teaching and wanted the best for her students. Now the other side.... My son was injured very badly by a student from the school. It was found that the other student had been pushing many students as they tried to get on a slide. He injured my son so bad that two months later we are still going to doctors appointment for the injury. As this was a physical attack it would seem that there would have been some type of discipline but the only discipline was that the student sat in the principles office for one day. As this wasn't any form of discipline I'm sure this type of behavior from this student will continue. The principal seemed very unconcerned that this was a physical attack and pretty much brushed it aside as not very important. I find this attitude from the Head in this school, beyond incomprehensible. I have since removed my son from the school. I have no intention of allowing him to get physically injured again since I can see that the administration has no problem with physical abuse and bad behavior from students. I would definitely not recommend this school. --March 2, 2015

Posted: May 20, 2014

My daughters have attended NVA for the past 4 years and while the administration has had some kinks to work out, the thing I absolutely love about NVA is the teachers. I have never had a bad experience with my girls and their teachers. There has been a recent change in NVA's leadership, yet again, but I believe this time it is for the better and we can put that all behind us and school will be as wonderful for us parents as it is for our children.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Northeast Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		4.7 mi
2	Blossom Ridge at Anderson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		11.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Taylor Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	4.3 mi
2	Rio Rancho	Rio Rancho	NM	4.4 mi
3	Ventana Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	5.8 mi
4	Albuquerque	Albuquerque	NM	6 mi

North Valley Academy

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87114

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North Valley Academy

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87114

School Ratings

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