Situated on a wooded 42-acre campus, the Bosque School is a 6th-12th grade college prep institution that challenges students and empowers them to develop critical thinking skills that serve them throughout college and into adulthood. Rather than rote memorization or “teaching to a test,” Bosque School is focused on metacognition…thinking about one’s learning behaviors and applying them to improve practical knowledge and understanding of the subjects.
With the supportive educational environment provided by the faculty and staff, the Bosque School builds a strong foundation for continuing education, a rewarding career, and a fulfilling life. Elaine Peabody, Director of Enrollment and Communications, told us “At Bosque School, we’re really interested in whole-child education, so when you are a student, you’re well known by the faculty, you’re well known by the staff. We make sure every child is looked after and seen as an individual.” This level of engagement is augmented by the 6:1 student/teacher ratio and an average class size of 14 students.
The pastoral location, right next to the Bosque, lends itself to field studies of the natural environment. The City of Albuquerque asked the school to do a long-term impact study of a proposed trail at Tingley Beach, which is part of the Albuquerque Biological Park complex. Issues such as erosion, wildlife habitats, and accessibility were used to determine a well-thought-out placement of the trail based on the practical application of science. Elaine told us “Our students don’t just learn science, they DO science.”
The large natural areas of the campus allow the school to use the Bosque as an outdoor classroom that is conducive to thinking and discussion. A group of students is currently conducting a study of the porcupines that inhabit the nearby woodlands. It is one of the largest studies of the species in existence, and the University of New Mexico is supporting the study by availing some of its labs to the Bosque students.
Bosque School has a remarkable 100% college acceptance rate and conducts classes starting in 9th grade on how to navigate college entrance exams and university life. They also prep students on college essays, obtaining recommendation letters, scholarships, and financial assistance. It is a robust and intensive college guidance program. Seniors are required to author a minimum 20-page thesis on a subject of their choosing, which they research, write, present, and defend, much like a graduate student.
Bosque School is involved in many community events that include family participation. The Parent and Guardian Association is active and vibrant. There is a Fall Festival that is very well attended, and there is a family day before Thanksgiving that invites the extended families; aunts, uncles, and grandparents who may be in town for the holiday, to visit the campus and get a sense of student life.
Bosque Schools stated mission is: “To create transformative learning experiences that empower a diverse community of students to lead lives of intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and compassionate contribution to a more just world.”
Truly an impressive and worthy educational philosophy.
Bosque School is located at 4000 Bosque School Road, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Their phone number is 505.898.6388 Their website is: https://www.bosqueschool.org/
