In the broadest sense, an independent school is one that is not part of the public school system. There are different types of independent schools and each one has a unique mission; they can be nonprofit institutions, religiously affiliated, or proprietary businesses. Instead of relying on state and federal funding, independent schools depend on tuition, fundraising contributions and endowments. Manzano Day School is accredited as an Independent School through the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), which further distinguishes us as a non-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees.

Manzano day School is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is comprised of parents, alumni, educators, and community leaders. The three primary responsibilities of the Board are to set policy for the school, to ensure fiscal viability and to appoint the Head of School. The daily operation of the school is the responsibility of the Head of School.

Yes, we are accredited by the State of New Mexico Board of Education and the Independent Schools Association of Southwest (ISAS).

ISAS is the acronym for Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Independent Schools in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kansas have ISAS as their accrediting agency. Every ten years, Manzano Day School undergoes the re-accreditation process, for which ISAS examines every aspect of our school, making sure we are following the high standards set forth by the ISAS and that we’ve implemented the Principles of Good Practice set down by NAIS, the National Association of Independent Schools.

We are very proud of our accreditation by ISAS, and, in fact, Manzano Day School is the only elementary school in Albuquerque with this distinction. In the fall of 2023, we completed our most recent reaccreditation visit by ISAS. Other schools in Albuquerque accredited by ISAS are Albuquerque Academy, Bosque School, and Sandia Preparatory School. These schools educate students in grades 6 – 12.

Manzano Day School is also a member in good standing of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). As a member school, we must follow the Principles of Good Practice established by NAIS. NAIS has divided up the states into various regions to create separate associations, such as ISAS for the southwest region. These different independent school associations can communicate with the schools in their region and hold all member schools accountable in following the Principles of Good Practice as set forth by NAIS.

Manzano Day School is dedicated to innovative child-centered education, excellence in teaching, and Joy in Learning® to prepare children for a life of discovery and community involvement in our diverse world.

Our core values are: respect, responsibility, integrity and striving for excellence. These core values are embraced by all members of our community including faculty, staff, parents, and administrators and are taught to our children.

Manzano Day School is pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. A child entering pre-k must be four years old by September 1, and five years old by September 1 if entering kindergarten.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students attend five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. First through fifth grade students attend five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All classrooms typically have no more than 18 students. In the pre-k and kindergarten classes there is a full-time teacher plus a full-time assistant. In the upper grades there is a full-time teacher in each class and shared assistants among the grade levels.

All students (pre-k through fifth grade) attend our six co-curricular classes: art, library studies, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology skills. In addition, all students participate in science lab and Manzano Day School’s environmental education program at Fenton Ranch.

The curriculum at Manzano Day School is based upon national and state standards. Curriculum review is ongoing and is revised by content area on a rotating schedule. Our curriculum reflects our commitment to hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate content that allows children to experience Joy in Learning®.

Students in third through fifth grades are assessed through the CTP4, an assessment developed by the Educational Records Bureau to specifically address the needs of high achieving students at schools with high levels of learning standards. The CTP4 specifically assesses achievement in the areas of literacy and mathematics.

Additionally, students in third and fourth grades are assessed through the WrAP, a test developed by the Educational Records Bureau to assess writing samples of students, utilizing an analytical scoring method based upon a six-point rubric.

Teachers at Manzano Day School hold degrees in the field of education. Many of our teachers have master’s degrees in education. Our experienced faculty is comprised of teachers who have a passion for teaching and a solid understanding of instructional methods that allow them to meet the academic needs of the students in their classrooms.

Our fifth graders apply to a variety of schools in Albuquerque, though most matriculate to other ISAS schools (Albuquerque Academy, Bosque School, and Sandia Preparatory School).

Field trips are an important aspect of the curriculum at Manzano Day School. They are carefully chosen and planned to enrich the classroom learning experience. Typically, students go on several field trips each year.

Manzano Day School’s extended day program is from 7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. In the afternoon, the program runs from 3:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Several times a year there are also before or after school workshops the children can attend for a fee. If your child attends one of these workshops the extended day cost is reduced.

Yes, students can either bring a lunch from home or purchase a school lunch. Our school lunches are provided Old Town Catering. 

Yes. Learn more about our Summer Programs.

Manzano Day School offers point-to-point bus service from the northeast heights and the west side of Albuquerque.

No.

Manzano Day School parents are essential to the successful achievement of our mission. We have a long-standing practice of partnering with our families in the educational process at Manzano Day School. Maintaining this practice is meaningful and important to maximize a child’s opportunity for success at Manzano Day School. Parents have unique gifts and talents to contribute when they take an active role in their children’s education. The school thrives, in large part because of our highly involved, giving, and talented parent body. Parent involvement is key to our success and there are many ways to participate, including the Manzano Day School Parents Association (MDSPA).

Approximately 49% of Manzano Day School’s student body self-identify as students of color. Nearly 20% of the student body receives financial assistance.

Our admission process starts a year in advance of when your child would be attending Manzano Day School. We accept applications starting August 1 for the following school year.

The majority of our students enter Manzano Day School in pre-k or kindergarten. Each year we have 36 openings in pre-k and 36 additional openings in kindergarten. Availability in first through fifth grade is very limited.

Pre-k and kindergarten applicants are invited to participate in a Saturday morning playdate with our teachers and an individual assessment with a member of our admission staff. 

Applicants for first through fifth grade are invited to a visit day when they will spend the day in class with their peers and complete admission assessments during their visit.

It depends on when you apply and for which grade. Please refer to our Admission Timeline page for important dates about the admission process.

Yes. Manzano Day School offers financial aid based on demonstrated need and available funds. The maximum award covers 50% of tuition. Manzano Day School partners with School and Student Services (SSS), which assists independent schools in determining a family’s financial need. There is a financial aid application process that is separate from the admission process. Families are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Emily Villegas.

Tuition is set each January by our Board of Trustees for the following school year. Please refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page for details.

Yes, there are different payment plans offered that allow families to spread out payments over the course of the school year. 

The Wings program was established in 1988. The creation of Wings was based on our knowledge that sound early education is critical for future academic success. We also believe the investment in a single child is an investment in the community as a whole.

This unique program provides full-tuition for academically promising children with very limited economic resources. Children who show the potential for educational achievement are identified through the Admission Office after going through the same admission process as all other applicants. There also must be evidence of family support to help ensure the child’s success at Manzano Day School. Wings is a small program guided by the principles of commitment and excellence. To maximize the realization of each child’s potential, the Wings program provides full-tuition for each child from pre-k or kindergarten through fifth grade.