Explore Academy

5100 Masthead Street Northeast

School District

Explore Academy
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 30, 2024

My student was homeschooled until his first year of high school at Explore. He has ADHD. The unique term schedule, small class size, responsive teachers, and innovative offerings for classes all helped this to be a positive experience. He is choosing to continue, after his first year. When I emailed teachers with questions or concerns I almost always got a same day response. Teachers offered extra support and were almost all encouraging. It is evident that these teachers love teaching and love their subjects. An English teacher allowed my son to listen to audio versions of the assigned readings, and met with my son to discuss how he felt about the reading material and offered an equal but alternative assignment if needed. A math teacher encouraged my student's interest in 3D printing using classroom 3D printers to print projects he chose. I love the 22 day terms that chunk core requirements into more focused segments. The "flavors" or options for each graduation requirement are elective and skill based with alternative designs. The skills used for each class are designated so you know what type of learning experience the class offers: Cooperative group-based Inquiry-based Lab-based Analytical focus Writing-intensive Reading-intensive Technology-intensive Problem-based learning Project-based learning Mature content Self-paced Math-intensive Hands-on learning My student can choose classes based on learning style or content. Classes are not text book driven but concept driven. You might choose to learn chemistry by monitoring and changing the chemicals in an aquarium or learn physics by building roller coasters. The English offerings are diverse and creative. In Geometry you could choose a tetris, tessellation building, or glass art project to learn polygons. Class themes are varied and focused on interests of young people. There are usually 2-3 choices for each upper level core class. Two flex periods a day provide built in time to get school work done or access tutoring if needed.The school is continuously reaching out to give information and invite parent involvement. I'm a parent-educator who has been very satisfied with Explore Academy and has found it to be a supportive, stimulating, engaging environment for my student. The school is serious about addressing and preventing bullying. My student has never witnessed any serious bullying.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

My daughter really likes this school and seems to be thriving. She is in 5th grade now, and we gave her the option to explore other schools for 6th, but she wants to stay at Explore.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2022

Please run from this school. They started out with wonderful hopes to change the educational learning process. Now its how many students can they jam into an understaffed classroom. The founder is busy traveling to open new schools in other states. If your child has an IEP forget it no help. The middle school principle told me my daughter was not going to get help until she wore her glasses. Never mind the fact she had Contacts in. Zero communication from anyone. My daughter wanted to play basketball by the time we found out about basketball the teams were full.. Check out other options their is better and i mean way better!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2022

If your student receives special services from Explore Academy please be very aware of the process. We had to file a state complaint against the school and it was founded. This state complaint IS public record and you can read the full report. You are your child’s greatest advocate, I highly recommend requesting an IEP Advocate attend any special education meetings.Summary of CitationsStatutory and Regulatory Provisions Citation 34 C.F.R.§ 300.111, 34 C.F.R.§ 300.306 and 34 C.F.R.§ 300.101 and 6.31.2.10 (A), (F) (1) and 6.31.2.8 NMAC.The Charter School failed to timely conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Student by a.Failing to complete the necessary steps in the identification, evaluation and eligibility of Student; b.Failing to conduct a comprehensive evaluation instead of relying on outside evaluations; and c.Failing to complete the multidisciplinary eligibility review when determining Student’s eligibility. 34 C.F.R.§§ 300.324-328 and 6.31.2.11(B)(1)The Charter School failed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that would provide the information to determine needs and develop goals and special education services for Student.
Submitted by student on March 10, 2022

Isn't as good as they advertise it as, the staff are extremely stressed, they're understaffed, the number of teachers leaving each year, the school is understaffed, we only have one lunch lady that goes to both schools every day and the rest helping are assistant teachers, the grade expectations put onto high schoolers, the sketchy power washing of the Chromebooks, the controlling rules especially with the uniforms, even if it's cold they'll make you take off hoodies that aren't EA, for kids who can't afford the apparel will get written up, the fact that 8th grade is high school- just a lot of sketchy things this school has been doing recently. Other than that the staff are very nice, the main issue is adminastration.
Submitted by student on May 04, 2021

Great School, Definitely would recommend it to anyone who is school aged
Submitted by student on June 18, 2019

just a great experience and time. would defiantly recommend.