ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – High school is changing in Albuquerque. Now in its second year, Albuquerque Public Schools is expanding its Academies of Albuquerque initiative, which blends traditional academics with hands-on learning and career pathways in fields like STEM, health science, culinary arts, and skilled trades.
As public schools face declining enrollment and growing competition from charter and private schools, districts are looking for new ways to keep students engaged and prepare them for life after graduation. Kenneth Salazar, Associate Superintendent of High Schools at APS, joins Chris and Gabby to explain how the program works, what’s changing in year two, and why APS believes this is the future of high school education.
According to APS, the 2026 – 2027 school year, its Freshman Academy will expand to six more schools, for a total of nine, with the integrated plan:
- Albuquerque High
- Cibola
- Del Norte
- Eldorado
- Highland
- West Mesa
- Manzano
- Rio Grande
- Valley
Salazar explains more about what these high school students can learn, and how their experience is different than the traditional high school model. Is career-focused learning giving students a head start, or asking them to choose a path too soon? How is industry connecting with New Mexico students?…