Explore Academy
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 305-5300
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 • 1413 students
Explore Academy, a charter school located in Albuquerque, NM, serves grades K-12 in the Explore Academy.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Explore Academy is a charter school located in Albuquerque, NM. 1413 students attend Explore Academy.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | 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. |
| College Readiness | 3/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2023 4-year high school graduation rate data from New Mexico Public Education Department, and using 2023 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics. |
| Student Growth | 5/10 | 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: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
Our kindergarten experience at Explore Academy was deeply disappointing and concerning, especially for a public charter school serving young children.
On the second day of kindergarten, while our five-year-old was still adjusting to drop-off something that is developmentally normal for many children the principal suggested this might not be the right school for him. Rather than offering reassurance or strategies to support the transition, we felt discouraged almost immediately. Being made to feel unwelcome that early in the school year was a major red flag.
The discipline process was rigid and impersonal. We received a formal discipline reports around 8 p.m., with no prior communication from teachers or staff. Receiving unexpected reports late at night, without context or conversation, created unnecessary anxiety and prevented any meaningful collaboration. It felt procedural rather than supportive.
As we began pursuing evaluations to better support our child, we were told he would continue to be subject to the same disciplinary system without flexibility. There was no indication that the school was willing to adjust its approach while we were actively trying to get him appropriate support. Instead of partnership, we experienced inflexibility.
The counselor appeared kind and willing to help, but ultimately seemed limited in what she could implement. The Dean of Students was somewhat responsive but not especially accommodating. Front office interactions were often unwelcoming. Overall, the environment felt designed for only the most typical, immediately compliant, and highly adaptable students.
What surprised us most was how quickly the tone shifted toward exclusion during the first weeks of kindergarten. Many families assume that, as a public charter school, students are afforded similar patience and protections as in traditional district schools. That was not our experience.
If your child needs patience, flexibility, or collaborative support during adjustment periods, I strongly encourage you to ask detailed questions before enrolling.
Posted: June 30, 2024
My student was homeschooled until his first year of high school at Explore. He has ADHD. The unique term schedule, small class size, responsive teachers, and innovative offerings for classes all helped this to be a positive experience. He is choosing to continue, after his first year. When I emailed teachers with questions or concerns I almost always got a same day response. Teachers offered extra support and were almost all encouraging. It is evident that these teachers love teaching and love their subjects. An English teacher allowed my son to listen to audio versions of the assigned readings, and met with my son to discuss how he felt about the reading material and offered an equal but alternative assignment if needed. A math teacher encouraged my student's interest in 3D printing using classroom 3D printers to print projects he chose.
I love the 22 day terms that chunk core requirements into more focused segments. The "flavors" or options for each graduation requirement are elective and skill based with alternative designs. The skills used for each class are designated so you know what type of learning experience the class offers:
Cooperative group-based
Inquiry-based
Lab-based
Analytical focus
Writing-intensive
Reading-intensive
Technology-intensive
Problem-based learning
Project-based learning
Mature content
Self-paced
Math-intensive
Hands-on learning
My student can choose classes based on learning style or content. Classes are not text book driven but concept driven. You might choose to learn chemistry by monitoring and changing the chemicals in an aquarium or learn physics by building roller coasters. The English offerings are diverse and creative. In Geometry you could choose a tetris, tessellation building, or glass art project to learn polygons. Class themes are varied and focused on interests of young people. There are usually 2-3 choices for each upper level core class.
Two flex periods a day provide built in time to get school work done or access tutoring if needed.
The school is continuously reaching out to give information and invite parent involvement. I'm a parent-educator who has been very satisfied with Explore Academy and has found it to be a supportive, stimulating, engaging environment for my student. The school is serious about addressing and preventing bullying. My student has never witnessed any serious bullying.
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: June 30, 2024
Posted: November 5, 2023
My daughter really likes this school and seems to be thriving. She is in 5th grade now, and we gave her the option to explore other schools for 6th, but she wants to stay at Explore.
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2023
Posted: October 28, 2022
Please run from this school. They started out with wonderful hopes to change the educational learning process. Now its how many students can they jam into an understaffed classroom. The founder is busy traveling to open new schools in other states. If your child has an IEP forget it no help. The middle school principle told me my daughter was not going to get help until she wore her glasses. Never mind the fact she had Contacts in. Zero communication from anyone. My daughter wanted to play basketball by the time we found out about basketball the teams were full.. Check out other options their is better and i mean way better!
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: October 28, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
If your student receives special services from Explore Academy please be very aware of the process. We had to file a state complaint against the school and it was founded. This state complaint IS public record and you can read the full report.
You are your childs greatest advocate, I highly recommend requesting an IEP Advocate attend any special education meetings.
Summary of Citations
Statutory and Regulatory Provisions Citation 34 C.F.R.§ 300.111, 34 C.F.R.§ 300.306 and 34 C.F.R.§ 300.101 and 6.31.2.10 (A), (F) (1) and 6.31.2.8 NMAC.
The Charter School failed to timely conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Student by a.Failing to complete the necessary steps in the identification, evaluation and eligibility of Student; b.Failing to conduct a comprehensive evaluation instead of relying on outside evaluations; and c.Failing to complete the multidisciplinary eligibility review when determining Students eligibility.
34 C.F.R.§§ 300.324-328 and 6.31.2.11(B)(1)
The Charter School failed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that would provide the information to determine needs and develop goals and special education services for Student.
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: July 7, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Isn't as good as they advertise it as, the staff are extremely stressed, they're understaffed, the number of teachers leaving each year, the school is understaffed, we only have one lunch lady that goes to both schools every day and the rest helping are assistant teachers, the grade expectations put onto high schoolers, the sketchy power washing of the Chromebooks, the controlling rules especially with the uniforms, even if it's cold they'll make you take off hoodies that aren't EA, for kids who can't afford the apparel will get written up, the fact that 8th grade is high school- just a lot of sketchy things this school has been doing recently. Other than that the staff are very nice, the main issue is adminastration.
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: March 10, 2022
Posted: May 4, 2021
Great School, Definitely would recommend it to anyone who is school aged
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: June 18, 2019
Posted: June 18, 2019
Posted: June 18, 2019
just a great experience and time. would defiantly recommend.
Posted: June 18, 2019
Posted: June 18, 2019
Posted: June 18, 2019
Posted: June 18, 2019
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeast Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Albuquerque | NM | 2.2 mi | |
| 2 | Blossom Ridge at Anderson Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Albuquerque | NM | 12.5 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albuquerque | Albuquerque | NM | 6.2 mi | |
| 2 | Rio Rancho | Rio Rancho | NM | 6.3 mi | |
| 3 | Taylor Ranch | Albuquerque | NM | 6.6 mi | |
| 4 | Ventana Ranch | Albuquerque | NM | 8.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kirtland AFB | 10.6 mi. |
Refine Search
National Ad
