Milestones
A highlight reel of the transformative learning experiences, community events, and key moments from the past year.
Community Support
Bosque School is able to bring our mission and core values to life thanks to the unwavering support of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to these efforts with their time, talent, and resources.
Our Legacy & Future
Our alumni continue to embody our mission long after they graduate by making compassionate contributions to a more just world.
A Message from Our Head of School
Dear Bosque School Community,
What an exciting year 2023-2024 proved to be — from our graduating class of 2024 earning over $15 million in merit aid to our students winning the Congressional App Challenge (for the third time in five years) to being named the Best Private School in the City (fourth year in a row) and Best Summer Camp in the city (sixth year in a row) by the Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Awards to the school receiving a MILLION dollar unrestricted gift, to a million more moments of joy and engagement as our students manifested our mission and core values of inspiring academic excellence, cultivating community, fostering integrity, and learning from place — there was much to celebrate!
Letter from the Board of Trustees
Dear Bosque School Community,
I am proud to share Bosque School’s Annual Report reflecting the highlights of our educational community from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. In its 29th year, Bosque School is thriving, demonstrating the remarkable strength and dedication of our students, staffulty, families, and trustees. Together, we uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional academic experiences. We continue to lead independent schools, both on local and national levels, ensuring access to an independent school education for mission-aligned students in need of financial aid. As best demonstrated by Bosque School's immersive offerings and senior capstone projects, we have provided our students with platforms for deep academic engagement through interdisciplinary coursework that broadens their learning beyond our campus.
These powerful college differentiators have allowed our students to explore their passions further and gain academic mastery. The Bosque School Class of 2024 upheld the tradition of academic excellence, earning acceptance into colleges across 17 states and Canada. Together, they were awarded an impressive $15 million in merit scholarships. For the fourth year in a row, we were also celebrated as the Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice winner for best private school.
Bosque School benefits from a well-engaged community, which enables us to enrich our programs and campus. Growing our endowment ensures our school can support the community we serve today and in perpetuity.
As detailed in further reading, Bosque School is stronger than ever and well-prepared to deliver excellence in innovative education. We thank you for your integral role in our success and appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Mark J. Fidel
Chair, Bosque School Board of Trustees
2023 – 2024 Board of Trustees
Mark J. Fidel, MBA, JD — Board Chair
Lee Patchell — Vice Chair
Marisa Barrera — Treasurer
Kelly Smyer — Secretary
Cara Chavez
José Viramontes
Brandon Garrett
Shawn L. Berman
Sarah Biondi
Theresa Carson
Jennifer deGraauw
Santana Macías Fontana
Rachel Gupton
Jenny Plane
Caroline Cervantes
Peggie Ann Findlay
A look back at the 2023 – 2024 School Year
On any given day, one can step into a learning space, onto a field, or participate in a performance or showcase and see just what makes Bosque School unique. Each of these experiences is made possible by our innovative staffulty, our remarkable students, and the support of our community of families, volunteers, and friends. We celebrate and honor Every Student. Every Program. Every Day.
By no means an exhaustive list, join us as we reflect on just a few highlights that made the 2023-24 school year so special.
August
Convocation
Marking the start of our 29th year, the entire school gathered under the lush cottonwood trees in Sanchez Park for this annual tradition. Bosque School thrives on unity and belonging — values we cherish. Our annual convocation celebrates our past, present, and future, uniquely enriched by the active participation of both current students and alumni. Convocation marks the start of the school year and reaffirms our commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The distinguished presence of Bosque School alumni bridges past and present, instilling a sense of continuity and belonging. Their involvement reinforces bonds and showcases the lasting impact of a Bosque School education.
In a world that often feels disconnected, Bosque School’s convocation stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of community and shared experiences.
2023 Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Winner
We were voted the 2023 Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice winner in two categories — Private School (fourth year in a row) and Summer Camp (sixth year in a row).
September
National Recognition
We were delighted to celebrate not just one but six outstanding Bobcats: Ella, Holly, Josiah, Lena, RioShanti, and Samantha. These exceptional students earned well-deserved academic honors through the College Board's National Recognition Program. They were recognized with the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) and the National Indigenous Award (NIA).
Ella: NHRA
Holly: NHRA
Josiah: NHRA
Lena: NHRA
RioShanti: NHRA
Samantha: NHRA, NIA
Homecoming Weekend
In 2023, we enhanced our annual homecoming experience by coupling it with Fall Fiesta and adding specific programming to engage our alumni as we welcomed them back home to Bosque School. Over 1,000 guests attended events throughout the weekend, supported by 200+ volunteers. Fall Fiesta raised more than $43,000 for our Bosque Fund.
October
Welcome Bees
The fall of 2023 was the inaugural year for the Bosque Bee Club! The club’s primary focus is learning about and understanding the intricate mechanics of the hive and the pivotal role played by pollinators like bees in our agricultural society. Notably, bees pollinate one-third of the United States' food crops.
While the young hives did not yield a substantial honey harvest during their first season, the club members had the pleasure of sampling the honey, which boasts a delightful and complex sour-sweet taste, likely influenced by the bees' recent visits to sunflowers.
As fall turned to winter, the Bosque Bee Club's attention turned toward beeswax crafts. Club members engaged in crafting various items, such as candles, wax cloth, soap, lotion bars, and chapstick. These activities offered wonderful hands-on experience as well as an appreciation for the versatility of beeswax.
And let's not overlook the intriguing bee facts uncovered:
- A worker bee produces just 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her 5-6 week life.
- The queen bee, the hive's matriarch, can live up to seven years and lays up to 2,500 eggs daily!
- Male bees, or drones, lack stingers and are evicted from the hive when winter approaches.
- Each bee boasts an impressive 170 odorant receptors.
- There are around 60,000-80,000 bees in a hive!
The Bosque Bee Club’s goal is to heighten awareness of the vital role of pollinators and beekeepers in the community and promote education and conservation.
Intercultural Exchange
Bosque School had the pleasure of hosting 11 students and a teacher from Preparatoria UDEM in Monterrey, Mexico, for a two-week immersion program. This wonderful cultural exchange represents the fulfillment of our Bosque Intercultural Exchange Program, during which our students journeyed to Prepa UDEM in Monterrey last May.
November
GivingTuesday
On November 28, 2023, Bosque School participated in GivingTuesday, an international celebration of philanthropy. With your help and a matching gift from an anonymous donor, we raised over $48,000 in just 24 hours!
It Takes a Village Day
In November 2023, we proudly hosted another exciting It Takes a Village Day at Bosque School, bringing together the meaningful adults in our students’ lives. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, coaches, former teachers, and more joined us on campus, sharing in community and celebration. This special day offered our guests a glimpse into the dynamic learning environments at Bosque School and allowed them to experience firsthand the joy and creativity that fill our classrooms.
December
Novel Competition: Bosque School Writers Triumph in NaNoWriMo Challenge
In the spirit of literary daring, several Bosque School students and faculty embarked on the journey of writing a novel for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. This global initiative challenged writers worldwide to compose an entire novel within the confines of a single month. Undeterred by the audacious task, Bosque School participants collectively crafted an impressive total of 147,323 words during the challenge.
MRC Conference
Ariella and Will, both from the class of 2024, organized an important event focused on mental health in emergency medical services (EMS). The event, titled "Mental Health in EMS: From Patient to Provider," aimed to address critical issues within the EMS field and provided valuable education to both providers and the community.
January
Alumni College Panel
Bosque School proudly welcomed back several accomplished alumni for a college panel event, where they generously shared their post-high-school experiences with current upper school students. The panel aimed to provide valuable insights into college life and offer reflections about how Bosque School prepared them for the challenges and successes that awaited them in higher education.
Victoria '21 Yale University
Evan '21 Berklee School of Music
Jordyn '21 UNM BA/MD Program
Katia '22 University of Montana
Aviva '20 Scripps College
Elizabeth '21 University of Massachusetts
Florian '21 Dickinson College
Jacob '21 Pitzer College
Statewide Robotics Competition
Members of the middle school robotics club showcased their engineering prowess and teamwork at a competitive robotics meet on Saturday, December 9, at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque. The event brought together students from across the state to participate in this year's robotics game designed by Vex Robotics.
February
Service Learning
At Bosque School, where academic rigor defines much of student life, the service learning program pushes beyond traditional academics to engage students in the community. Zach Lang, Bosque School’s service learning coordinator, explains how the service learning program enables students to pursue meaningful community involvement. “In a heavily academic school like this, with a lot of time spent doing heavy-duty work, it's nice to be able to flex a different part of their brain,” reflects Mr. Lang. “By the time they get into high school, they get to develop that kind of passion into a program.”
An Impressive Season for Boys Basketball
The 2024 season was one to remember for the Bosque School varsity boys basketball team! They finished the season as District 5-3A champions, securing a perfect 8-0 record in district play.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Clifton Davidson, a veteran player with a state championship ring, our Bosque Bobcats demonstrated grit and teamwork, and their efforts led them all the way to the state quarterfinals. We are so proud of the team’s hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication. It was a fantastic season!
March
Staffulty Appreciation
Bosque School’s annual Staffulty Appreciation Week was especially fun this year, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Staffulty Appreciation Week committee and the Bosque Parent and Guardian Association (BPGA). Throughout the week, staffulty members were treated to thoughtful surprises, including a delicious dinner at Sobremesa, raffle prizes, massages, gift cards, and several lunches and breakfasts. On March 14, every staffulty member even received their very own pie in honor of Pi Day! These thoughtful gestures and our community’s generosity made each day a meaningful reminder of the appreciation and gratitude the Bosque School community holds for its staffulty. From start to finish, the week emphasized the BPGA’s dedication to fostering a culture of care and support within the school, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support!
Founder's Days
We celebrated our fourth annual Founder’s Days just before spring break, and it was a tremendous success! Over the course of 48 hours, a total of 319 donors came together to raise an astounding $90,747! To cap off the festivities, our whole community gathered together for a grand finale event at Electric Playhouse. Seeing our community come together in support and celebration is always a highlight of the year.
April
Grand Finale Concert & Arts Crawl
On April 24, 2024, students, family, friends, and staffulty gathered in the quad for the annual Grand Finale Concert featuring a massive ensemble of 6th-12th grade students in band, choir, and strings. The concert was followed by the annual Arts Crawl, which featured work from students at all grade levels as well as the class of 2024's Senior Portfolio Exhibition.
This was the first time these two events had been combined. It was also the first time since 2019 that the full 6th-12th grade band, choir, and strings groups assembled together, marking a joyful return to a much-loved community gathering.
Athletic Signing
Bosque School students, families, and coaches came together on May 6, 2024, to celebrate three athletic commitments. Ariella signed with Macalester College’s track program, Maya signed as a shot put and discus thrower for Adams State track, and Kyle made Bosque School history by becoming one of the first nationally recruited pickleball athletes and accepted a scholarship to play for Drury University.
May
8th Grade Step-Up Ceremony
On May 23, the class of 2027 “stepped up” from middle to upper school, beginning the next leg of their Bosque School journey.
Commencement
Congratulations to the class of 2024, who graduated on May 24, 2024. Together, the 70 graduates had 377 offers of admission granted from 138 colleges and universities. Of the 39 colleges and universities these graduates will attend, 70% will be outside of New Mexico, representing 17 states and Canada, and 20 graduates will remain in New Mexico. We have three students who will play competitive collegiate athletics. Three students received the Davis New Mexico Scholarship, one student was awarded the UNM Regents’ Scholarship, and three students were awarded the UNM Presidential Scholarship. Additionally, one graduate received National Merit Finalist honors, six students received National Hispanic Recognition, one student received National Indigenous Recognition, and three graduates will attend women’s colleges.
Bosque School is a not-for-profit organization and qualifies as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, we are exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(a) except for income derived from unrelated business activities.
The financial statements of the school have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. For the fiscal year-end June 30, 2024, we received an unmodified audit opinion. A copy of our most recent audited financial statements is available upon request.
A Gift to Last a Lifetime
Jenny Plane
A dollar might not go as far as it once did, but a million dollars can still take you a long way. Bosque School received such a gift this year from former parent and current board member Jenny Plane from the estate of her parents, Bob and Mary Plane. It was the first million-dollar gift the school has received since Michael and Sheril Budagher's capital gift nineteen years ago and the largest unrestricted gift the school has ever received from an individual. The entire school community celebrated the announcement early this year, and then a task force of trustees and school leadership convened to discern the most impactful plans for the gift. Because cultivating community is a Bosque School core value and an important daily practice, the task force ultimately decided to invest Jenny’s gift back into our community, supporting an enhanced need-based financial aid budget for current and incoming families and 4% raises for staffulty for the 2024-2025 school year.
Students Making an Impact
Simone R. '30
The Bosque School community is constantly inspired by the incredible talents of our students. In the fall of 2023, we had the privilege of sharing a set of remarkable, connected haikus, "Oak," penned by the talented Simone R. '30 as part of an assignment for Hayley Pedrick’s 6th-grade English class.
"Oak" is a poetic journey through nature, skillfully capturing the essence of an oak tree and the ecosystem it nurtures. The poem takes us through the changing seasons, from the warmth of sunshine filtering through leaves to the cold of a winter's night, where wolves howl and creatures are on guard. With each haiku, Simone paints vivid scenes that evoke the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.
Alumni News
Bosque School Alumnus, Donny Kelly-Currens, Releases Children's Book
Bosque School alum Donny Kelley-Currens recently created a children’s book titled Oxbow Wildlife Adventure: From Desert to Wetland. In this book written for 4th and 5th graders, Donny combines his passion for drawing, videography, and teaching into a unique activity book that introduces young readers to the rich biodiversity of the bosque ecosystem. During the 2023-2024 school year, Donny’s book was distributed to hundreds of students from Albuquerque-area elementary schools who visited Bosque School as part of our Field and Community Science program!
Class of 2014 Ten-Year Reunion
Marissa Shirdez (Valdez), class of 2014, credits Bosque School with not only preparing her for college and law school but also providing a supportive environment that felt like home. The school’s caring faculty and staff helped her navigate personal challenges, giving her the confidence and resilience to thrive in college and in her career. Last year, she took on the role of organizing the class of 2014’s 10-year reunion, driven by a desire to rekindle the connections and community spirit she appreciated during her time at Bosque. Her efforts paid off, resulting in a heartwarming celebration filled with friendship and reconnection.
Staffulty Donor
Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, 98% of staffulty made a gift to the Bosque Fund. This high level of participation, in addition to their numerous contributions both on and off campus, demonstrates our staffulty’s level of commitment to our mission and dedication to our students.
Amy Lucero
As a staffulty member and alumni parent, contributing to the Bosque Fund is one way I can truly support the transformative power of a Bosque School education. I wholeheartedly believe in the role Bosque School plays in nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of its students.
Bosque School’s emphasis on providing a rigorous academic curriculum in conjunction with building a foundation of integrity and trust encapsulates its core belief that students are whole people, not just academics. By contributing to the Bosque Fund, I am helping ensure that students have access to exceptional educational resources and faculty members, consistent social-emotional programming, superb performing arts and athletics, and unique extracurricular opportunities that will prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
We are a non-profit organization, and donating not only helps us cover operating costs that cannot be covered with tuition alone but also helps us sustain our robust financial aid budget to make quality education accessible to more students.
All donations are critical to continuing our work here. As a donor, I feel connected to this mission and proud to be part of a community emphasizing inclusion, sustainability, and leadership. My donation is an investment in the future of Bosque School, ensuring that it continues to inspire and empower students for generations to come.
Families Giving Back
David Bram & Amelia Ranney
Our daughter started at Bosque School in August 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we knew from day one that we were in the right place. The care and dedication of the staff were clear, and our daughter felt safe and seen. Fast forward a few years, and our son started in August 2023. Coming from Manzano Day School, Bosque School was his choice because he had watched his sister grow into a smart, caring, and sensitive young adult.
Both of our children are truly happy to be at Bosque School, and they both enjoy the ability to create their own paths. Seeing how happy our kids are inspires us to give our time to Bosque. We believe in the administration and their vision and feel fortunate to have our kids attend such a great school. It is a place that allows all of us to grow.
Volunteer Spotlight
Alexandra Wilcox
As a parent of two Bobcats, I volunteer at Bosque School because I believe deeply in its mission and core values, which include creating a transformative learning experience, fostering integrity, cultivating community, and learning from place. I have seen firsthand how this philosophy shapes not only my children’s experiences but also the entire school community. The school’s commitment to connecting students to the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility, and building strong relationships both in and outside the classroom is something I deeply value. These principles have become an integral part of our family’s experience, and I’m honored to contribute in any way I can to support and further this mission.
Through volunteering, I’ve had the chance to connect with so many members of the Bosque community—parents, staffulty, and students. Whether helping to sell Bobcat gear, serving as the Volunteer Committee Chair with the BPGA, or participating in other activities, I truly value the relationships I’ve built on campus. It’s been especially exciting to see volunteer opportunities grow, allowing more parents and community members to engage and support the school. Volunteering has allowed me to work alongside others who share the same commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment. It’s wonderful to be part of a place where children are inspired to grow, learn, and connect in such meaningful ways.
I am excited to continue volunteering and deepen my connection with the Bosque community. Every opportunity to serve strengthens my belief in the school’s mission, and I look forward to supporting its growth in any way I can. I also hope to help engage more families in volunteering, as I believe it’s a wonderful way for everyone to feel more connected to the school and the community!
In Appreciation
We could not fulfill our mission without our community’s incredible generosity of time, talent, and resources. Every contribution we receive has a direct and meaningful effect on our students, programs, and staff, making Challenging Education a reality. We deeply appreciate the individuals and organizations that supported Bosque School throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Your dedication to our community is truly valued. Thank you!
SAYING GOODBYE
Dolores Landavazo
On Sunday, February 25, 2024, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Schoolhouse Assistant, Dolores Landavazo. A member of the Bosque School family since 2009, Dolores was a cherished friend to so many and was always there to provide a shoulder to lean on — especially for the many students and staffulty members who looked forward to seeing her every day. As a trusted confidant, best friend, and steady presence, Dolores very tenderly and thoughtfully supported our students, colleagues, and families for fifteen years. She was the embodiment of warmth and kindness, and her beautiful smile, welcoming voice, and joyful spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered, making our days infinitely brighter. Dolores was deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed.
Departed Staffulty
Forever Bobcats, we celebrate their legacy.
Each year, we honor and celebrate our colleagues who retire or depart after having served the Bosque School community for at least seven years, representing the time spent by one student from 6 - 12 grade. We are grateful for these individuals and their significant contributions to our mission.
Connect with us!
The 2023-24 Annual Report is only a snapshot of the accolades, celebrations, and contributions throughout the school year.
We appreciate every member of our community for being part of what makes Bosque School so special. Thank you for another amazing year! If you would like more information about philanthropy at Bosque School, please click the button below.