About Us

School History

Founded in 1999, EM was one of the first charter schools authorized in the state of New Mexico. As we enter our 26th year, we are proud of our school’s many accomplishments: an ‘A’ Rating from the Public Education Dept every year, “Spotlight Status,” National Blue Ribbon recognition from the US Dept of Education, state championship athletics, and internationally recognized extra-curricular activities.

We help all students navigate their path to college, career, and beyond. We know that the future poses many complex challenges, but our faculty is committed to instilling a sense of creative problem-solving in all students.

In the coming months, we are excited to expand our reach with the addition of new facilities to support our new middle school program!

What Is a Charter School? 

East Mountain is a charter school. A charter school is a public school developed by one or more parents, teachers, or community members authorized by the local school board to provide an alternative educational setting to students in the public school system. Charter schools provide an opportunity to create new, innovative, and more flexible ways of educating children.
 
Charter schools must describe their goals and how they will meet them in their charter, a document which must be approved by a local or state board every five years. Charter schools are held accountable to meeting the goals set out in their charters.

East Mountain’s most recent charter, governing the years 2025-2030, was approved by Albuquerque Public Schools in 2024.The leadership of the school continues to explore opportunities to expand to welcome as many families as possible. 
 
Charter schools are not restricted by district boundaries and admit students regardless of where they live. They are funded by taxpayer dollars in ways similar to how traditional public district schools are funded. Although they are independent, charter schools are not private schools and do not charge tuition.

Mission & Vision

A safe, innovative environment, EM engages a diverse community of learners through transformative experiences and creative problem-solving to shape forward-thinking leaders.

EM is currently developing a strategic plan that addresses a vision for the school for the next 5/10/20 years.

The plan is built around four pillars:
I. Student Learning & Wellness
II. Staff Learning & Wellness
III. Finance & Facilities
IV. Community Engagement

Leadership & Organization

With a mission devoted to forward-thinking leadership, we believe every student and staff on our campus is a leader. EM is committed to a distributive leadership model where all staff play key roles in decision-making and support.

​The heart of that model begins at the teacher-student level. The classroom teacher is the expert in their curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Any questions regarding the student experience should first be directed at the teacher level.

​​While a teacher’s primary obligation is to serve the student, our staff serves the needs of our teachers. This interconnected leadership model empowers each individual to work tirelessly toward achieving the school’s mission and is a testament to the democratic principles on which the United States was founded.

Administration

Our leadership is devoted to serving the needs of our teachers, empowering them to succeed with students.

School Staff

EM boasts a dedicated team of educators and support staff committed to student success. Our staff includes experienced teachers, counselors, and administrators who work collaboratively to create a nurturing and academically challenging environment.

The email address for any staff member is their first initial plus their last name @eastmountainhigh.net. (for example: jbrown@eastmountainhigh.net).

Awards and Recognitions

Special Education

East Mountain implements a complete special education program, including IEPs for students with disabilities, and a gifted program.
 
Please contact Special Education Director Hannah Flake with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you! 505-819-3592.

You can find particular EM Special Education policies and procedures below: 

Governing Council

The East Mountain Governing Council is the legal authority for the school and is equivalent to the school board of a traditional public school. Monthly meetings dealing with school business and educational topics are held as announced below.
 
The Governing Council adheres to the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, and members of the public are invited to attend the meetings of the Council at all times except when in closed session as permitted by law.

GC Members

Dr. Glenn Hushman, Board President, ghushman@unm.edu
Lt. General Brad Hosmer, Chair of Strategic Planning & Outcomes
Karen Thompson, Chair of Finance & Facilities
Janea Davis, Member of Strategic Planning & Outcomes
Judith Becker, Member of Finance & Facilities
Amy Rome, Member of Strategic Planning & Outcomes

Documents

All EM Governing Council agendas and minutes are located here.
Beginning July 2024, all GC meetings are recorded and available to view here.

To view the Grievance policy, click here.

Governing Council Documents and Resources

Belonging & Safety

EM maintains several programs and initiatives as a demonstration of this commitment.

To Report an Incident: 
 
Call (833) 485-1335

Email ARAO.Hotline@state.nm.us. 
 
Fill out the online form.