Education is one of the most important issues facing this country and Albuquerque is tackling it head-on. Students benefit from a wide range of educational programs, prestigious college prep schools, year-round and bilingual public schools, private schools, and a top rated university and community college.

The APS district is one of the largest in the U.S., with over 85,000 students. APS includes 79 elementary schools (K through grade 5), 24 middle schools (6 through 8), 11 regular high schools, and 6 alternative high schools for students with special needs. All APS schools offer special educational opportunities for handicapped and gifted students.

Parents are encouraged to discuss details of specific projects and facilities personally with principals and administrators. You can reach the APS Central Office at (505) 842-8211 or visit the web site at www.aps.edu. APS’s Community Relations Department also distributes a comprehensive information packet, including district boundary maps. Call (505) 842-3606 to order. Rio Rancho established its own school district in 1997, independent of APS. For more information, call Rio Rancho Pubic Schools at (505) 896-0667.

A complete list of high, middle and elementary schools is included in the information packet distributed by Community Relations Department.

Albuquerque has an excellent selection of private and parochial schools. Approximately 13% of Albuquerque’s children attend one of over 70 private or parochial schools in the community. The Albuquerque Academy is considered to be one of the area’s top private nondenominational schools, and is first among area independent schools in endowment.