Santa Fe Public Schools, enrolling 12,500 students in the state capital, is challenged by a high dropout rate and a significant achievement gap.

With only 56% of its students graduating, and only two of its 26 schools making Adequate Yearly Progress (the measure of student progress) last year, Santa Fe Public Schools have faced recurring budget cuts as the state struggles to balance its budget in the face of declining revenues. The district has responded by consolidating small schools and cutting afterschool, music, and art programs. Another significant budget reduction in education is anticipated next year.

One bright spot in this admittedly grim picture is a recent initiative launched in partnership with the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation to introduce a rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum at the elementary school level bringing significant professional development and curricular support for teachers and principals.