Public Academy For Performing Arts

- 11800 Princess Jeanne Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

For New Mexico families seeking an educational environment that equally prioritizes academic rigor and artistic development, the **Public Academy For Performing Arts (PAPA)** in Albuquerque stands as a premier public charter school. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, PAPA is not just a school; it is a supportive educational community dedicated to fostering high academic standards while cultivating excellence in the performing and visual arts. Its mission is to integrate a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum with comprehensive arts training, preparing students to confidently pursue both college and their creative passions.

Located in the heart of Albuquerque, PAPA draws students from across Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties. The school operates on a philosophy that art and academics are mutually beneficial, providing a unique environment where students can develop essential 'soft skills' necessary for leadership and future employability while pursuing subjects like Ballet, Orchestra, and Film. The school is highly regarded in the New Mexico educational system, often earning high ratings for its performance and achieving one of the highest graduation rates in the state.

What distinguishes PAPA for local New Mexico users is its inclusive, yet focused, approach. While about 40% of students arrive as experienced performing artists, the remaining 60% are drawn to the small, respectful, and individualized learning environment, often starting with little or no arts experience. This creates a diverse and encouraging atmosphere where every student is welcomed and challenged to grow both academically and artistically, proving that you do not have to choose between a strong education and pursuing your passion.

Location and Accessibility

The Public Academy For Performing Arts is centrally located in the northeast section of Albuquerque, making it readily accessible for families across the greater metropolitan area and surrounding New Mexico counties.

The official address is: 11800 Princess Jeanne Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA.

For the convenience and inclusion of all students and visitors, PAPA is committed to accessibility standards. Key features include:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring smooth and easy access into the school building for everyone.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Providing designated, convenient parking spaces to accommodate students, staff, and parents with mobility needs.

The school is located in a well-established residential area of Albuquerque, providing a focused and community-friendly setting conducive to learning and artistic concentration.

Services Offered

PAPA operates as a public charter school for grades 6-12, meaning it is tuition-free and open to all New Mexico students through an admission lottery process. Its services are structured to provide a comprehensive, dual-focused education.

• Rigorous College Preparatory Academics: A full core curriculum designed to meet high academic standards and prepare students for success in college.
• Performing Arts Elective Programs: Comprehensive training available in multiple disciplines, serving both experienced and novice artists.
• Dance Programs: Instruction in a variety of styles including Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Flamenco, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
• Music Programs: Offerings include Vocal/Choir, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Music Technology, Music Theory, and Piano.
• Theatre Programs: Opportunities in Drama, full-scale Productions (including musicals), and Musical Theatre training.
• Film and Media Arts: Courses in Filmmaking, Photography, Broadcasting, and Yearbook production.
• Visual Arts Courses: A dedicated focus on visual training, including subjects like drawing, painting, and sculpture.
• College and Career Prep: Efforts focused on preparing students for college applications and developing the soft skills necessary for future employment.
• Dual Credit Enrollment: Provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit through partnerships, such as with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).

Features / Highlights

The Public Academy For Performing Arts is distinguished by several unique features that make it a standout choice for education in New Mexico.

• Dual Focus Education: Seamlessly integrates a strong academic curriculum with professional-level arts training.
• High Performance Metrics: Consistently earns high PED school ratings (A or B since 2013) and boasts a remarkably high graduation rate of 97%.
• Small, Supportive Community: A smaller student population (approx. 420 students) across grades 6-12, fostering individualized attention and a close-knit, respectful environment.
• Broad Geographic Reach: Serves students not only from Bernalillo County but also Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties, making it a regional asset.
• Inclusive Artistic Environment: Welcomes students across all levels of artistic experience—from beginners seeking a creative outlet to pre-professional artists.
• Commitment to the Arts: Hosts annual events like the Spring Dance Show and school musicals, providing ample performance opportunities.
• Public Charter Status: A free, public school option in New Mexico, offering specialized education without the cost of a private academy.

Contact Information

For New Mexico families interested in learning more about enrollment, programs, or visiting the campus, please use the following contact details:

Address: 11800 Princess Jeanne Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA

Phone: (505) 830-3128

(The mobile phone number +1 505-830-3128 is also available for contact.)

What is Worth Choosing PAPA

For a student in New Mexico, choosing the Public Academy For Performing Arts is choosing a path of passionate, balanced development that is rare in the educational landscape. The primary reason PAPA is worth choosing is its ability to deliver a **college-ready education without sacrificing creative depth**.

The integration of the performing and visual arts—from Flamenco and Ballet to Orchestra and Film—is not just an elective but a core part of the school's mission to develop well-rounded, expressive individuals. This dual focus ensures that students are prepared for the academic rigors of a university (with an average GPA of 3.62) while also building a portfolio and skill set for a creative career. Customer testimonials frequently mention that the school helps students "reach their academic and creative potentials," and that the environment is one where they can "always be yourself."

Furthermore, the school’s designation as a public charter school is a significant advantage for New Mexico families, offering this high-caliber, specialized education—which often comes at a high price in private schools—**at no cost**. The small size and supportive community environment are consistently highlighted as factors that make education "less overwhelming" and create a "safe place" for students, particularly those who thrive on individualized attention. For any New Mexico parent or student in grades 6-12 who values a strong academic foundation alongside a serious commitment to the arts, PAPA represents a truly unique and valuable educational opportunity right here in Albuquerque.

Public Academy For Performing Arts

11800 Princess Jeanne Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA