Middle School / High School

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High School student using table saw in wood shop

Power of Rigorous Academics
As students grow, their educational needs grow as well. At NMSD, we believe in the power of rigorous academics. Our middle and high school program follows the Common Core State and New Mexico State Standards and benchmarks. Most students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), yet all benefit from a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. NMSD’s focus remains on the development of language, literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Wide Range of Electives
While every student attends classes in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, and physical education, we also offer a wide range of electives such as ceramics, welding, digital media, and culinary arts. High school students can participate in either RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) dual credit courses or courses provided by Santa Fe Community College. 

All NMSD students enjoy the opportunity to join a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletics - all of which strengthen emotional health, leadership, and team-building skills.

Special Learning Needs
Those with special learning needs can take advantage of a specialized curriculum designed to teach life skills in real-life community situations, offering hands-on experiences to learn new concepts and improve their academic and communication skills. 

Headshot of Maureen Yates, Middle and High School Principal

I absolutely love working with the Middle and High School departments. It is an important time in student's lives and is when they explore their identity, learn more about themselves and begin to think about their life-long goals.

Maureen Yates  

   Middle School / High School Principal

Headshot of Ulise s Aranda-Sotelo, High School student

I came to NMSD when I was only 18 months old, and it's been 13 years here. I stay because this is my second home. At NMSD, everyone is family, and I am very thankful to be here."

Ulises Aranda-Sotelo  

   High School Student

Middle School student with mother in front of ivy

NMSD is an intrinsic part of our family's life. Not only is NMSD an outstanding educational institution, it is also a space rich in deaf culture, inclusivity, support and pride. We have watched our daughter flourish with her education, friendships, American Sign Language, and the many extracurricular activities offered by the school. The support and guidance Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and families receive from NMSD is profound and life-changing. This is not just a school, this is a family- and we are grateful to be a part of it!

Chelsea Goff  

   Parent

Parents of NMSD student

Como la madre de Isac me siento muy contenta. El ha aprendido como leer, escribir y comunicarse en señas. La escuela NMSD es una muy buena escuela, él es muy buen estudiante. Nosotros fuimos la primer familia en el programa de Family Housing, nos mudamos de Clayton para que mi hijo pudiera asistir a la escuela. Fuimos parte de ese programa cuando Isac tenía 4 años hasta que cumplió los 6 años. Fue una muy buena oportunidad para nosotros como papas de Isaac y debido a esa oportunidad toda nuestra familia se mudo permanente a Santa Fe, NM. As Isac’s mother, I feel very happy. He has learned how to read, write, and communicate using ASL. NMSD is a very good school, he is a very good student. We were the first family to the Housing Family Program and moved from Clayton so my son could attend the school. We lived on the NMSD Campus for two years during Isac’s 4-6 years. It was a great opportunity for us as Isaac’s parents and that resulted in the entire family moving permanently to Santa Fe, NM.

Maria Blanca Tarin  

   Parent