Why Manzano Day School

What sets Manzano Day School Apart from other private and public schools in Albuquerque?

Founded in 1938, making it the oldest elementary school in New Mexico, Manzano Day School’s historic six-acre campus near downtown Albuquerque is home to adobe buildings, small classrooms, placitas, gardens, an amphitheater, picnic tables and a view of the Sandia mountains. The central location is ideal for resources and field trips and is in proximity to: Old Town, Albuquerque Museums, Rio Grande Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden.

Manzano Day School is nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and is the only accredited ISAS (Independent Schools Association of the Southwest) elementary school in Albuquerque. Our dedicated faculty, with 55% of the teachers with tenure of ten or more years, teaches the traditional subjects but has taken new approaches to teaching them using the F.A.S.T. Reading Program (Foundations of Analysis, Synthesis and Translation) and Mel Levine’s Schools Attuned program. In addition to the core studies, students spend concentrated time in co-curriculars such as Visual Arts, Technology, Spanish, Music, Physical Education, Library and Enrichment taught by experts in their fields. All students go to Fenton Ranch, our residential environmental education facility nestled in the beautiful Jemez Mountains, at least once a year with their teacher.

An Extended Day Program is available from 7:15-8:15 am and 3:45-6:00 pm as well as a diverse offering of Sensations Workshops are available after school.

With our strong programs, exceptional faculty, and small class sizes, (a maximum of 18 students), Manzano Day School provides the best elementary school education available in New Mexico.

Mission

"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."

Overview

Manzano Day School is a pre-kindergarten through grade five independent elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is located near the Old Town neighborhood, and the adobe structures of the school mirror the buildings of this historic area. The Old Town area and Manzano Day School fit within a historical context while serving a contemporary community. The school celebrated its 70th anniversary during the 2008-2009 school year.

Our Approach to Learning

Manzano Day School believes in providing an education that instills a desire for life-long learning.  Each member of our faculty is sensitive to individual learning styles and the need to present developmentally appropriate, yet challenging material.  Our curriculum is aligned with national standards and is rich in content and delivery. Beyond the core curriculum of reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, all children receive instruction in visual arts, music & performing arts, physical education, library studies, technology, Spanish and environmental studies. These programs are taught by faculty trained in each co-curricular area. The library collection has been carefully selected and is improved each year through community efforts and school resources.

Manzano’s campus extends beyond its urban boundaries to the Jemez Mountains. Manzano’s Fenton Ranch, located eighty miles northwest of Albuquerque, provides a setting for environmental education and a perfect atmosphere for the study of ecosystems. Homesteaded in the 1800’s by the Fenton family, the main house and its outbuildings sit in a lovely meadow, bordered by the Rio Cebolla and Santa Fe National Forests. All classes, from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, spend one to three days at the Ranch each academic year. The main house easily accommodates 25 to 30 children in an upper-school dormitory. A dining area, fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms and the great room complete this remote campus facility.

Accreditation

Manzano Day School is fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and the New Mexico State Department of Education.  It is the only elementary school in Albuquerque that is accredited by ISAS and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).