RAIL RUNNER EXPRESS
School of Dreams Academy, A Short Ride Away Students from Albuquerque are discovering that they can take the Rail Runner Express to and from Los Lunas, 20 miles to the south, to take advantage of a rare academic opportunity. School of Dreams Academy, a charter school serving students in grades 7-12 from throughout the area, is right on Main Street. The academy is deemed an early-college high school, one of few in the state. Students in grades 9-12 can take college classes, with tuition waived, through the Valencia County branch of the University of New Mexico. This allows them to graduate from high school equipped not only with a diploma, but also with an associate’s degree or vocational certificate, as well as a head start on their futures. One highly motivated individual graduated this year with associate’s degrees in general science and pre-engineering, in addition to a high school diploma. “The mission and vision of School of Dreams Academy Early College High School is to graduate students of the Rio Grande Valley who embrace the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) model while focusing on developing well-rounded individuals with good character ready for post-secondary success. The vision of SODA is to stand as the Rio Grande Valley’s pillar of student achievement, character and success,” says early-college liaison Rita Garcia. “The program is super user-friendly for kids who have
ambition and also for kids that have a vocational ambition, granting them certificates that can take them into the workforce,” she adds. “We offer training in IT and platforms that give certificates in general media, science, technology, preengineering, arts SODA Dance Team, 1st place in 11 categories. Regional competition, Spring 2015 and math.” There are classes available in fine art, including a dance program that has won national awards, brass band and advanced guitar. Students in the robotics program have traveled across the country, sponsored through grants and corporate donations. The academy is not a private school but a public charter high school with a unique program. For more information, go to sodacharter.net.
DARING TO DREAM... BUILDING A DREAM... LIVING THE DREAM!
Rigorous Academics Nationally Ranked Robotics Nationally Recognized Dance Curriculum Digital Art/Video Production BEMP/Horticulture Award Winning Writing Program Fine Arts Program Band & Guitar Programs
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE TOUR.
505-866-7632 And visit
SCHOOL of DREAMS ACADEMY
www.sodacharter.net For more info.
1800 Main Street, NE Los Lunas, NM 87031
www.nmrailrunner.com | www.travelnewmex.com | FALL/WINTER 2015
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