Combining a need for healthcare workers in New Mexico with a lack of quality primary education in Santa Teresa makes for a big problem.
The state decided funding a new charter school would ease some of the pain.
“Many of these kids felt lost in the large classrooms…schools. We said maybe we can do something a little bit different," said Raphael Nevins.
Raphael Nevins is spearheading the efforts to open the Health Sciences Academy in Santa Teresa. He is president of the board.
“And so we will have a principal…partners…area…El Paso County,“ said Nevins.
Here is what you need to know about the Heath Sciences Academy:
The public charter school is free to all New Mexicans
The New Mexico Legislature designated $133,000 of capital outlay money towards the school last session.
It is based on the ‘Faces for the Future’ model used in CA charter schools
When the school starts it will serve students grades 7 through 10 and will offer diplomas for adults who never finished high school.
There is one health-oriented charter school in Albuquerque but Nevins says he wanted to make sure it was not the only one in the state.
“This will be the only one in southern New Mexico that provides that opportunity,” said Nevins.
Teachers can apply to teach at the school through New Mexico Reap until May 30.