The Academy of Extraordinary Circumstance at Turquoise Trail, est. 2021
“As a school administrator with students with special needs, your teachers are phenomenal. They are thriving at home with grandma! Ms. Perez is amazing!” - Mom of 5th and 6th grade siblings in “The Academy”
The global pandemic created the need for some students to continue their schooling in a primarily virtual environment, so we found a solution.
Featuring dedicated faculty and staff who are expert in virtual classrooms, “The Academy of Extraordinary Circumstance” will serve students in grades 5-8 in the 2021-22 school year. With smaller class sizes, the ability to meet in person as needed, and high academic expectations, we continue to relentlessly pursue the best for every student.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to live with our family. Because of your Academy, we can live with our family again and my student can work in a quiet space and accommodate her hearing needs.” -Mom of a 5th grade student
Benefits for families and students
Free and open to all students in New Mexico in grades 5-8 for the 2021-22 school year
Small class sizes and engaging, dedicated, expert educators
First preference for a seat at Turquoise Trail Middle School in the 2022-23 school year
“My student has been thriving in your Academy since moving to there. The social anxiety was off the charts and I have my daughter back.” - Mom of a 7th grader
MEET OUR FACULTY AND STAFF
Jennifer Prye | Principal of “The Academy” + Founding Director of Academics at TTCS
Prior to joining TTCS, Mrs. Prye was principal of the high school at Mission Achievement and Success Charter Schools in Albuquerque, where 100% of her students graduated amid the global pandemic despite nearly 90% coming from low-income families.
Luke Skoza | ELA
Mr. Skoza joins TTCS after a successful run of educating students virtually in China and in person in Eastern Europe and Russia and receiving a masters degree from the University of Edinburgh.
Kristin Bruner | Math
Mrs. Bruner is one of the founding Turquoise Trail Middle School teachers and brings her creativity and expertise from online learning to “The Academy”.
Bruce Jameson | Social Studies
Mr. Jameson comes to “The Academy” after a highly successful tenure at Mission Achievement and Success Charter Schools High School.
Neri Villarreal | Foreign Language + Electives
A true renaissance person, Mr. Villarreal brings his wealth of talents, experience and charisma to his teaching at “The Academy”.
Angela Leyba | Math, SPED
Louise Blanco | Science
Louise Blanco is excited to be teaching science in Turquoise Trail’s Virtual Academy. Originally from Washington D.C., Louise graduated from St. John’s College in 2015 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. In 2021, she completed her M.A.in Philosophy at the University of New Mexico. In her spare time, Louise enjoys reading philosophy and writing.
Emily Flores, Math