We are not here to create the stars of tomorrow; rather we are here to create a whole human being today.
About PAPA
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It was early in the year 2000 when a dream started coming together in the form of an Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Charter School Application. A small group of community members, with the help and guidance of others, created a plan for a school where creative, talented students could grow and develop into master creative learners and beings. The founders, Frank Butler, Joan Findley Perls, Kristina Lord Linde, Fred Pink, Bob Perls, and Valerie Scott created the first Mission Statement, “Our mission is to create a New Mexico charter school that will provide an environment to develop an excellent academic and performing arts foundation for interested students. We are not here to create the stars of tomorrow; rather we are here to create a whole human being today.” APS approved the application, and the Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA) opened its doors in August, 2001.
The PAPA Charter has been renewed three times, in 2005, 2010 and 2014. Starting with 180 students in grades 6 through 9, PAPA has grown to its maximum 450 in grades 6 through 12. Further growth is limited by the current facility. PAPA has a diverse student population selected through a lottery process. Students are from all over the city, Rio Rancho, south to Belen, east to Moriarty, and north as far as Santa Fe.
PAPA is currently governed by an elected council consisting of seven members. The members represent parents and community members with three additional school staff members acting as advisors to the Governing Council (GC). The Student Body President is also considered an advisory member. The GC hires and supervises the Executive Director, reviews and approves policy, reviews and approves strategic plans, reviews and approves facility plans, and approves the budget. The school administration consists of the Executive Director, Assistant Director, Director of Special Services, and Business Manager. Support staff includes the Academic Transition Specialist, Social Worker, Business Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Stars/Registrar, Educational Assistant, Cook, Food Service Coordinator and Custodian. There are 30 teachers.
From the beginning, PAPA’s educational program placed equal emphasis on academics and the performing arts. Curriculum features an integrated program with a student-centered environment that provides safety and enjoyment while students grow and pursue knowledge and skills. PAPA’s academic curriculum consists of college preparatory courses including Advanced Placement opportunities and Dual Enrollment through the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Traditionally, PAPA’s graduation and college entrance rates have been among the top in the city. The performing arts program includes Choir, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Piano, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Film, Visual Arts, and five types of Dance (Flamenco, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Ballet). Students have many opportunities to perform in school-based and community requested performances.
PAPA and its staff are proud to be members of and partner with organizations in the Albuquerque and beyond. The list includes the Albuquerque Theater Guild, Blackout Theatre Company/Wrinkle Writing, Duke City Repertory Theatre, Future Voices of New Mexico, Conrad H. Hilton Foundation, Hummingbird Music Camp, National Dance Education Organization, New Mexico Coalition of Charter Schools, New Mexico Music Educators Association, NMDOH Office of School & Adolescent Health, NMSU (Albuquerque Branch), N4 Art Center / VSA, Pegasus Legal Services for Children, Poetry Out Loud New / Mexico Arts and SafeTeen New Mexico and UNM CASAA.
PAPA is comitted to closing the achievement gap between low-income and other students.
The Mission has evolved slightly since PAPA’s inception. The academic and performing arts programs have evolved to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The heart of PAPA has remained the same as stated in the current Vision and Mission.
Vision
The Public Academy for Performing Arts will be a small, supportive educational community where students achieve high academic standards and pursue excellence in the performing arts.
Mission
The Public Academy for Performing Arts is a public charter school that integrates a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the performing arts and prepares students to pursue their passions and talents.
Our Grade
2010 11
2011 12
2012-13
2013 14
2014 15
2015 16
2016 17
2017 18
2019 20
Our Stats
2018-2019 Cohort Graduation Rate
PAPA graduates that attend college/university
Students that also participate in non-school related performances.
Percentage of gross budget that goes directly toward instruction
Current Juniors and Seniors taking Dual-Credit College Courses this Semester