The Best Private Schools in Cerrillos, New Mexico
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cerrillos. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences
Independent
A highly-regarded independent school located approximately 20 miles from Cerrillos, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with strong arts integration and environmental education. Features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a holistic approach to education that balances academic rigor with creative expression. The campus includes modern classrooms, art studios, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Known for its inclusive community and progressive educational philosophy.
Programs:
The Academy for Technology and the Classics
Public Charter School (tuition-free)
A highly-rated public charter high school serving students from Santa Fe and surrounding communities including Cerrillos. While technically a charter school, it operates with private school-level autonomy and academic standards. The school combines classical education with modern technology, offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. Features advanced technology labs, comprehensive AP course offerings, and competitive extracurricular programs. Consistently ranks among the top schools in New Mexico for academic performance.
Programs:
St. Michael's High School
Catholic Diocese of Santa Fe
One of New Mexico's oldest and most established private schools, located approximately 18 miles from Cerrillos in Santa Fe. This Catholic college preparatory high school serves students from throughout northern New Mexico. Offers a comprehensive academic program with honors and AP courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Known for its strong community values, academic excellence, and successful college placement record.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cerrillos, New Mexico
Are there any private schools located directly in Cerrillos, NM, or do families typically look to nearby cities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the village of Cerrillos itself. Families in Cerrillos typically look to private schools in the greater Santa Fe area, approximately a 25-40 minute commute. The top-regarded options include Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences, The Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC), and St. Michael's High School, all located in Santa Fe. This commute is a significant factor for Cerrillos residents, making transportation plans and potential carpooling with other local families important considerations.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for New Mexico residents attending private schools near Cerrillos?
New Mexico offers a unique state-funded opportunity through the **New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship**, which primarily supports public college tuition. For K-12, the critical program is the **New Mexico Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This allows individuals and businesses to receive a tax credit for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. Schools like St. Michael's and Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences have their own financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's essential for Cerrillos families to apply for both school-specific aid and SGO scholarships early, as funds are limited.
How do the educational philosophies of the top private schools near Cerrillos differ, and which might suit a child with specific interests?
The schools serving Cerrillos families offer distinct approaches. **Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences** emphasizes experiential, project-based learning with a strong integration of arts and environmental science, ideal for creative and hands-on learners. **The Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC)** combines a classical, Great Books liberal arts curriculum with a focus on technology and engineering, suited for academically rigorous and STEM-oriented students. **St. Michael's High School** is a Catholic college-preparatory school offering a structured environment with faith formation, competitive athletics, and strong academics. Visiting each campus is crucial to feel the different community cultures.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Santa Fe area that serve Cerrillos students?
The timeline is competitive and requires early planning. Most private schools in Santa Fe begin their admission cycles in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in fall/winter), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, providing teacher recommendations and transcripts, and completing student assessments or interviews. Notification of acceptance is typically sent in March. For Cerrillos families, it's vital to factor in the commute during shadow day visits and to inquire about carpool networks with other families in the Eldorado, Lamy, or Cerrillos areas.
How do private school options near Cerrillos accommodate the unique cultural and geographic context of Northern New Mexico?
Many private schools in the region intentionally incorporate local culture and environment into their curricula. This can include studies of Pueblo and Hispano history, Spanish language programs, and environmental science projects focused on the high desert ecosystem. Schools like Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences often utilize the nearby Ortiz Mountains and Cerrillos Hills for outdoor education. Furthermore, the small, close-knit community feel of Cerrillos is often mirrored in the smaller class sizes and community-focused events at these schools, helping to create a familiar environment despite the commute to Santa Fe.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities