May 2025 Newsletter: NMANS Website Goes Live

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Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce the launching of our new NMANS website: www.nmans.org

This online hub is designed to celebrate the contributions of non-public schools while fostering stronger connections among school leaders, parents, and communities.

Through the site, NMANS aims to:

• Celebrate the work and impact of non-public schools throughout New Mexico.
  
  
• Provide networking opportunities for school leaders to connect and collaborate with similar institutions.
  
  
• Keep leaders informed of key state and federal policies that affect non-public education.
  
  
• Offer resources and guidance to help school leaders thrive in their roles.
  
  
• Help families discover schools in their area that meet the unique needs of their children.

Non-public schools are an essential part of New Mexico’s educational landscape. This new platform is a step toward building stronger community ties, greater visibility, and a deeper sense of shared purpose among our schools.

NMANS encourages school leaders to visit www.nmans.org to check whether their school is listed and verify that their information is accurate. Due to the diverse and evolving nature of New Mexico's non-public school community, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date directory is an ongoing effort. If your school information is not listed or is incorrect contact me immediately so we can make this site as accurate as possible. Contact me at nmansinfo@gmail.com.

Bob Ippel

NMANS Executive Director 

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Planning Ahead for the 2025–26 School Year

NMANS Membership

Membership fees for the 2025–26 school year will include:

• Base Rate: $150.00 per school
  
  
• Per-Student Rate: $1.50 per enrolled student
  
  

Please include this in your budgeting plans for the upcoming year.

NMANS Essay Contests

For Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12)

The NMANS Board is organizing a statewide essay contest on the topic:
"The Importance of Private Education in the Lives of Our Students."

Details including essay prompts, guidelines, and prize information will be released at the beginning of the 2025–26 school year.

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National School Choice Week

January 25–31, 2026

Visit schoolchoiceweek.com to see how New Mexico schools participated this year.
Start planning now to engage your:

• Staff
  
  
• Students
  
  
• Parents
  
  

Encourage them to show their appreciation for non-public education—especially for you your own school!

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Santa Fe Legislative Breakfast & Luncheon

January 2026 (Date TBD)

Member schools will be invited to:

• Meet their state legislators at the Capitol
  
  
• Participate in networking opportunities
  
  
• Attend sessions on key issues impacting non-public education
  
  

Stay tuned for more details!

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‍Snapshots of NMANS Member Schools

United World College (UWC-USA)

United World College (UWC) is a global network of schools dedicated to making education a unifying force for peace and a sustainable future. UWC-USA, located in Montezuma, New Mexico, is home to 235 students aged 17–19, representing diverse nationalities and cultures.

Originally established as the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West, the school was founded by philanthropist Armand Hammer at the request of Prince Charles, then President of the UWC movement. The Montezuma campus was chosen for its striking natural beauty, proximity to vast wilderness areas in northern New Mexico, and its unique architectural and historical setting.

UWC-USA integrates rigorous academics with experiential learning, including wilderness education and service. Each year, students collectively contribute over 17,000 hours of community service. The school utilizes the  Bartos Institute for the Constructive Engagement of Conflict, which fosters skills in cross-cultural understanding and conflict resolution—core components of the UWC mission.

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Sacred Heart Catholic School

Sacred Heart Catholic School is Gallup's only Catholic elementary school and has served the mission of evangelization and education in the area since 1912. Currently we serve students from preschool through eighth grade and offer small class sizes, which enables us to commit to a strong liberal arts program in an authentic Catholic culture and environment. Our school is administered and staffed by experienced and caring educators, including members of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist of Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Keeping Informed: Education Policy

Educational Choice Opportunities Expand in Texas

The State of Texas has passed a landmark bill allocating $1 billion in public funds to support private school education, beginning in the 2026–27 school year. This initiative marks a significant expansion of educational choice for Texas families.

“Passing this bill sends a message to all of Texas; it tells the next generation of Texas leaders: Your path should fit your purpose, your path should fit what's best for you and your family, and your ambition will always be greater than any system or any institution,” said Senator Brandon Creighton, chair of the Senate Education Committee and sponsor of the legislation, during his closing remarks before the final vote.

Program Highlights:

• Eligibility: Any student eligible to attend public school in Texas, including prekindergarten, may apply.
  
  
• Priority Groups: The program will prioritize low-income families and students with disabilities.
  
  
• Income Threshold: Low-income is defined as families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level—approximately $160,750 annually for a family of four.
  
  

While expanding school choice, the State of Texas emphasizes its continued commitment to fully fund public education. The goal, lawmakers say, is to empower all families to make the best educational decisions for their children, regardless of income or background.

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‍Supreme Court Divided Over Approving First Religious Charter School

After hearing oral arguments this week, justices will determine the constitutionality of public monies being used for religious based charter schools. A ruling is expected this summer. The facts regarding this case can be found here. This would greatly impact school choice opportunities! 

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