School Choice Advocacy: NMANS Reports on Legislative Efforts and Spotlights Indigenous-Serving Schools

Dear Non-Public School Leaders,

We are fortunate in New Mexico to have the freedom and autonomy to shape our non-public schools in ways that best meet the unique needs of our students and families. Unlike other states that often impose more oversight, New Mexico allows us the flexibility to make crucial decisions on curriculum and school schedules. This independence is something we should truly value and appreciate. It's important to recognize the work of our elected officials who help maintain this freedom by avoiding unnecessary legislation that could potentially impact our schools.

However, we must also be mindful that many states are not only supportive of non-public schools but are also utilizing public funds to help parents afford non-public school options. A prime example of this is Senator Brandt's SB 286. I want to express my gratitude to those of you who took the time to contact your legislators and attend the hearing at the Senate Education Committee, either online or in person. While the hearing was delayed, your engagement was invaluable. While the bill did not make it out of the committee, the bill was one more step towards educating people about the potential of school choice legislation.

A special thank you goes to Clay Carlson from Faith Christian Academy, who used the information we provided to mobilize parents through a blog on his school's website. (BLOG) Imagine the impact if more parents were educated about the connection between legislation and education. While the bill did not pass, it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of educating parents about school choice.

Our recent legislative breakfast (details below) also emphasized that NMANS's work is an ongoing, year-round effort that requires active involvement. Here are a few ways we can stay engaged:

1. Build Relationships with Legislators: Get to know your elected officials and make sure they are aware of the important work your school is doing. Invite them to visit your school, attend their town hall meetings, and thank them for their support.
2. Encourage Community Participation: Remind your school community that they have a voice in how their tax dollars are used for the education of their children. While public schools serve many students well, they do not meet the needs of everyone. A variety of educational options is essential for our state's success. Encourage your families to engage with legislators to stress the need for choice.
3. Engage in Focus Groups: Stay informed about opportunities to participate in discussions on educational choice in New Mexico. What steps can we take that would receive bipartisan support? What opportunities and challenges are unique to our state? How can we learn from other states? We will highlight opportunities in the coming months.
4. Stay Informed about Federal Policy: NMANS is closely monitoring potential changes to non-public schools at the federal level, particularly any impacts from the Department of Education. We are concerned that non-public schools will continue to have an avenue through which to express concern when states fail to provide equitable services. Additionally, we are hoping that there will still be a mechanism to collect data from the Center for Education Statistics that helps us assess effective educational models.

Thank you once again for all you do to serve your communities.

Sincerely,

Bob Ippel
Executive Director
New Mexico Association of Non-public Schools

New Member School Snapshot

Faith Christian Academy

Founded in 1995, Faith Christian Academy provides a K-12 education to 95 students, with 9 enrolled in the on-campus program and the rest in the homeschool extension program. The school's principal, Clay Carlson, has led Faith Christian Academy since 2014. For more information, contact Clay at clayton.carlson@faithchristian.academy or visit Faith Christian Academy.

First Annual Legislative Breakfast

On February 21, 2025, the New Mexico Association of Non-Public Schools (NMANS) hosted its First Annual Legislative Breakfast at the State Capitol. The event brought together non-public school leaders from across the state to discuss important legislation and engage directly with lawmakers.

The event was kicked off by Representative Rebecca Dow, Senator Craig Brandt, and David Gallego, who welcomed attendees and shared insights into the legislation they were sponsoring or following. School leaders from a variety of backgrounds, including those from Las Cruces, Gallup, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, the Navajo Nation, and the Pueblos of Zuni and Acoma, participated in the discussions. The focus was on the critical need for educational options that cater to the diverse needs of students.

The event underscored the bipartisan nature of the movement, with both Democratic and Republican school leaders coming together to advocate for policies that would allow families to choose the best educational options for their children. Participants left the event with renewed energy and a commitment to uniting lawmakers across party lines.

Many attendees took the opportunity to visit their legislators' offices, leaving behind business cards, notes of encouragement, and personal invitations to visit non-public schools in their districts. The event served as a reminder that building relationships with policymakers is a year-round effort.

Member School Snapshots

The following are snapshots of some of NMANS's member schools in northwest New Mexico that serve Native American communities. These schools have a long and rich history of supporting students from the Zuni Pueblo, the Acoma Laguna Pueblos, and the Navajo Nation.

Zuni Christian Mission School

Founded in 1908, Zuni Christian Reformed Mission School serves 72 students in grades K-8. The school offers small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention and leadership opportunities. Located in the heart of the Zuni Pueblo, students embrace their heritage through the promotion of the Zuni language and culture. The school provides a holistic education, incorporating the arts, athletics, and service learning. For more information, contact Principal Tim Becksvoort at tbecksvoort@zunichristianmission.org or visit Zuni Christian Mission.

St. Joseph Mission School

Serving students from Laguna and Acoma since 1923, St. Joseph's Mission School offers a unique microschool model with multi-grade classrooms. The school's 43 students benefit from personalized learning and extracurricular opportunities, such as horticulture and a field trip to Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. The school's rich cultural integration is reflected in its art and language programs. For more information, contact Principal Antonio Trujillo at atrujillo@stjosephmissionschool.org or visit St. Joseph Mission School.

Rehoboth Christian School

Founded in 1903, Rehoboth Christian School serves approximately 450 students from pre-K through 12th grade, with 75% of the student body identifying as Native American, primarily Navajo. Known for its fine arts and special education programs, Rehoboth offers a well-rounded, holistic education. The school's 750-acre campus provides outdoor learning spaces and leadership opportunities. For more information, contact Head of School Dan Meester at dmeester@rcsnm.org or visit Rehoboth Christian School.

St. Anthony's Indian School

Serving the Zuni community for nearly a century, St. Anthony's Indian School fosters a strong sense of community among its students. The Pre K-Grade 8 students gather together often whether it be for mealtimes, worship or school assemblies In January, the school held a competition titled "Zuni Christian Art," where students depicted Christianity through the lens of their own culture. For more information, contact Father Patrick McGuire at principal@stanthonyzuni.org or visit St. Anthony Zuni.