Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announced that the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) disclosed the designation of eight SFPS schools as among the state's highest-performing schools. The PED also revealed designations for traditional status and additional support needs. This designation was based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic performance and progress.
The announcement included details about specific school designations. The Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC), SFPS’ charter school, Acequia Madre Elementary, Atalaya Elementary, Carlos Gilbert Elementary, El Dorado Community School and Wood Gormley Elementary received the Excellence designation. Additionally, Mandela International Magnet School and Tesuque Elementary attained the Spotlight designation, according to a press release by SFPS.
In response to this recognition, Superintendent Hilario Chavez expressed his pride in the achievements of their schools. "We are so proud of all our schools and students! Everyone is striving for excellence. The improved designations speak to our success in implementing standards-based instruction and grading, summer programming, work-based learning and a whole range of new and innovative programs," said Superintendent Hilario Chavez, according to a press release by SFPS. "With the addition this year of our new school improvement lead, we have increased our focus on improved student outcomes in schools with lower designations. I am confident that we will gradually bring all schools to higher levels of performance."
Furthermore, there were transitions between levels noted among some schools in the district. Atalaya Elementary, Carlos Gilbert Elementary, and El Dorado Community School transitioned from Spotlight to Excellence, while Tesuque Elementary moved from Traditional to Spotlight. Among the designated schools, 14 received the Traditional designation, indicating a need for traditional supports, while six schools were identified by the PED as requiring additional support for certain students, according to a press release by SFPS.
Despite these rankings, SFPS leaders stress that all their schools are committed to achieving excellence. "We in no way believe that our schools needing additional supports for some students are not reaching excellence every day. They definitely are, with students receiving high-quality teaching and learning and striving to overcome learning obstacles. We are fully committed to their success and expect great things ahead as we implement new teaching and learning strategies specific to their needs," said Deputy Superintendent Vanessa Romero, according to a press release by SFPS.
