Business Details
27 Years
experience
Inquiry-Based Learning for Future Leaders
East Mountain is a public charter school dedicated to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth. Founded in 1999, we are recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and maintain an A rating from the New Mexico Public Education Department. Our inquiry-based curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and personalized learning through small class sizes. We prepare students for college and career success while nurturing values of collaboration, empathy, and integrity.Our upcoming middle school expansion will provide a seamless educational pathway from grades 6 - 12 on a shared campus. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and robust extracurricular programs, we cultivate well-rounded individuals ready to tackle future challenges.
Services
College preparatory programs
Middle school expansion
Special education services
Extracurricular activities
Career counseling
Gifted education
ESL support
Athletics programs
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Inquiry-based curriculum fostering critical thinking
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention
- Proven college readiness with 96% graduation rate
- Comprehensive special education and gifted programs
- Expansive extracurricular opportunities including STEM and athletics
Associations and certifications
- National Blue Ribbon School
What people say
National Blue Ribbon recognition
96% graduation rate
Personalized learning approach
Robust extracurricular options
Supportive staff
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Our rigorous college-preparatory curriculum includes 317 college credits earned annually and an average SAT score of 1022. Students receive personalized college counseling, with 70% achieving a 3.0+ GPA. The program emphasizes critical thinking and academic excellence.
Middle School Expansion
Opening Fall 2026, our middle school offers grades 68 with inquiry-based learning and leadership opportunities. The $6.2M facility includes 14 classrooms, a learning commons, and shared spaces. Students gain guaranteed high school admission through a lottery system.
Special Education Services
We provide comprehensive IEPs, gifted programs, and ESL support. Our special education director coordinates tailored learning plans, with 23% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch receiving additional academic and emotional support services.
Extracurricular Activities
Over 20 programs include MESA, robotics, debate, and NMAA athletics. Students earn 7,780 annual volunteer hours through community service initiatives. Activities emphasize leadership development and team collaboration in competitive and creative environments.
Career Counseling
Our college and career readiness program includes personalized counseling, internship opportunities, and workforce preparation. With 32% of alumni first-generation college students, we focus on bridging educational access gaps through strategic planning and resource allocation.
People
Trey Smith
Executive Director
Trey Smith leads East Mountain with 20+ years of educational leadership experience. He oversees strategic planning and expansion initiatives, including the middle school development. His focus on distributive leadership models empowers staff and enhances student outcomes.
Margi Miranda
Principal
Principal Margi Miranda manages daily high school operations. With expertise in curriculum development, she ensures academic excellence through teacher collaboration and student-centered learning approaches aligned with state education standards.
Jennifer Webb
Math Department Chair
Math Department Chair Jennifer Webb is a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Mathematics Teaching. She develops innovative STEM curricula and mentors faculty in inquiry-based instructional strategies for improved student engagement.
Hannah Flake
Special Education Director
Special Education Director Hannah Flake oversees IEP implementation and gifted programs. She ensures compliance with federal regulations while coordinating support services for students with diverse learning needs across academic and social-emotional domains.
Stacy Sesnie
Family Liaison
Family Liaison Stacy Sesnie manages enrollment communications and community relations. She coordinates parent engagement initiatives and serves as primary contact for admissions inquiries, ensuring transparent information flow between school and families.
Questions
What grades does East Mountain serve?
Currently grades 9–12. Middle school (grades 6–8) opens Fall 2026 with 6th grade enrollment starting October 2025.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, bus pickups available district-wide. Middle and high school students share transportation routes with staggered schedules.
What special education services are available?
We offer full IEP services, gifted programs, and ESL support with dedicated specialists coordinating individualized learning plans.
How does the lottery system work?
Public charter school lottery held annually. Siblings of current students receive priority. Guaranteed high school admission for middle school enrollees.
What college credit opportunities exist?
Students earn 317 college credits annually through dual-enrollment programs and AP-equivalent courses taught by qualified instructors.
Are there after-school programs?
Yes, including sports teams, robotics, debate club, and community service initiatives. 8th graders may compete in NMAA athletics.
Reviews (1)
Wolfs Rain
Oct 19, 2016
Report
I went there first graduating class of 2004. I wouldn't have gone anywhere else. The teachers care and help as much as possible. The classes are small which makes learning easier. All in all, best 4 years I could ask for.
