An Albuquerque Academy Community Newsletter
Contents
AI and Education: Balancing Innovation and Integrity | Alumni Talent Shapes Today’s Chargers | Campus Spotlight: Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program | Fall Admission Events | New CGO Workbook Helps Prep Students for Next Step | Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration | What I Learned in School: The Simms Legacy | Why We Fundraise | Simms Library Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Display | Upcoming Events | More Headlines | Photo Gallery
AI and Education: Balancing Innovation and Integrity
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming classrooms everywhere, and at Albuquerque Academy, the conversation is unfolding with the same curiosity and care that define the school’s approach to learning.
“It’s a complicated issue,” says Head of School Julianne Puente. “The world hasn’t rebuked many technological advances. We look for ways to be more efficient, but we get upset that kids want the same thing? The struggle is working out how to incorporate AI in a way that doesn’t prevent them from using their own minds. Kids want to do the right thing, and they want to learn.”
Last summer, Julianne convened a task force, led by Science Chair Stephanie Good, to explore how AI might be used in ways that reflect the Academy’s core values — integrity, creativity, and respect — and its commitment to lifelong learning. Over the course of several months, the group raised concerns, listened to faculty and staff through surveys, and tested practical tools, including a system in Canvas for teachers to clarify when AI may be used on assignments and piloting a system, TrueMark, designed to encourage responsible application.
The task force’s work was less about creating rules and more about understanding how AI can truly serve learning, Stephanie says. “We spent a lot of time identifying our biggest questions — how AI might change the learning process, what it means for academic integrity, and where it can actually help students grow. Through all the conversations and research, what we found most valuable was the process itself — slowing down, listening, and realizing this will need to evolve as we all learn.”
That process included studying how other independent and public schools were approaching AI, connecting with national education leaders, and training faculty members to test new tools. “It’s changing so fast that we can’t just decide once and be done,” Stephanie adds. “We’re taking time to pilot ideas, reflect on what works, and build something grounded in our community’s experience.”
What emerged was a shared framework built not just on rules, but on trust — trust that students want to learn, and that teachers want to guide them in using new tools wisely. The framework underscores three priorities: using AI as a tool to enhance creativity and inquiry, ensuring ethical and equitable access, and helping students and faculty recognize both the possibilities and the limits of the technology.
One early example came from the TrueMark writing pilot, which Stephanie describes as a thought partner. Rather than producing work for students, it engages them in a kind of Socratic dialogue, she says, helping them think through questions and refine their ideas. “When used well, students actually learn more. It pushes them to think deeper before they write.”
Guiding principles now give clarity: AI can assist with communication, learning, and routine tasks, but results should always be reviewed carefully. Confidential information should never be entered into an AI tool, and AI should not replace student work, human judgment, or personal responsibility.
The work is ongoing as AI continues to evolve. “I want students to learn how to use AI well — to make their work stronger without losing their own thinking,” Stephanie said. “That means teachers have to keep experimenting and redesigning, which isn’t easy, but it’s exciting.”
The Academy sees this moment not as a threat to learning but as an opportunity — a chance to teach students how to navigate new technology thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the same curiosity they bring to every subject.
Alumni Talent Shapes Today’s Chargers
“It’s not uncommon at schools like ours to have graduates come back to teach,” says Head of School Julianne Puente, “but we see it even more here.”
The impact of Albuquerque Academy's alumni spans 70 years and countless industries, including education. Our Charger graduates are innovative leaders — and many have chosen to bring that expertise home. Currently, 31 alumni are employed across the school as faculty, staff, administrators, and coaches, enhancing the Academy with their unique skills and deep connection to the institution.
Returning to the Academy to teach is something that history teacher and speech and debate coach Elise Matton ’10 considered even as a student. “I remember writing in my journal that I thought that if I were to teach, I might one day want to be a history teacher at the Academy and/or coach speech and debate. It’s amazing how life turns out sometimes!
“I was called to come back because I have always enjoyed school and felt most at home in academic environments, and also because I think I quite literally saw the Academy as a kind of second home from my adolescent years,” Elise says. “So many amazing people shaped my life during the years I spent on campus as a student, and I deeply admired what they had done for me and so many others. Following in their footsteps and joining their ranks as a faculty member felt like a natural next step in that educational journey. Now I’m charged with learning the art and craft of teaching rather than trigonometry or Shakespearean sonnets.”
“That our alumni want to give back and to send their children to Albuquerque Academy is a real sign of strength,” Julianne says. “They add so much — they are professional educators who have institutional knowledge and want to see our school grow, not stay static.”
Having taught across a wide spectrum of school environments, grade levels, and disciplines, Elise recognizes that the Academy is unique. She finds its greatest strength is offering an exceptional variety of experiences, which enables every student to find a specific niche where they can genuinely thrive.
“The Academy does not seem as guilty of pigeonholding kids into particular pathways or visions of success as some other college prep institutions,” Elise says. “Rather, it develops many high-quality programs so that any kid can theoretically find their community or ‘home’ within a particular niche and know that they are getting an amazing experience within it.
“When I encountered other students in my undergraduate years who had attended other independent schools, I realized how unique the Academy was in intentionally working to make students feel valued, regardless of their background, and in helping ensure that there are always adults somewhere on campus with whom students can connect.”
All Alumni Faculty & Staff
- Bob Anderson '86: 10-12 Dean of Students; Science Faculty
- Tomas Atencio-Pacheco '99: Science Faculty; 8-9 Divisional Coordinator for Diversity, Culture and Belonging
- Ally Bernier '21: Flex Coach
- Elianna Boskoff '12: Speech & Debate Coach
- Lindsey Degenhart '06: Admission Program Manager
- Katie Dolan '94: English Faculty
- Norah Doss '08: English Faculty
- Karen Glenn '85: History Department Chair
- Ty Glidden '99: Experiential Education Faculty
- Peter Gloyd '98: Math Faculty; Director of Diversity, Culture and Belonging
- Stephanie Good '91: Science Department Chair
- David Gray '98: English Faculty
- Lemon Hanselmann '18: Experiential Education Teaching Fellow
- James Helak '91: Math Faculty
- Carrie Hurtado '07: Performing Arts Faculty
- Dina Knouse '91: 8-9 Peterson Learning Specialist
- Gabriel Leggott '10: Science Faculty
- Christine Lenhart '94: Associate Head of School; Math Faculty
- Peter Levin '11: Science Faculty
- Isaac Lipkowitz '17: Math Faculty
- Andres Lucero '14: Science Faculty
- Elise Matton '10: History Faculty
- Alex McLaughlin '19: Visual Arts Faculty
- David Metzler '88: Math Faculty
- Roy Morgan '85: History Faculty
- Elizabeth Payne '04: 8-9 Division Head; English Faculty
- Paul Pressley '93: History Faculty
- AJ Reyes '23: Library Assistant
- Joaquin Sanchez '95: History Faculty
- Tabitha Vaughan '16: Human Resources Assistant
Campus Spotlight: Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program
The Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program is a six-week, five-period, full-scholarship summer program that includes academic enrichment, creative arts, experiential education, and community building. Current 4th-grade students from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the Summer 2026 program. Click here to learn more and start your application.
Fall Admission Events
With the admission open house canceled due to inclement weather, we’ve introduced new ways for families to explore Albuquerque Academy this fall.
The early application deadline is Friday, November 14, so we encourage families to come see us on campus soon! Early decision is intended for students who have identified the Academy as their preferred school. We invite students applying to 6th grade, siblings of current Academy students, and siblings of students applying to 6th grade to apply by November 14 so they receive their admission decision before winter break. All other applications are due on February 5, 2026.
Celebrate Fall Admission Event
Saturday, October 25 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Lunch + Tour + Workshop OR Lunch + Family Concert
Fall Family Day invites all prospective families to spend an afternoon experiencing Albuquerque Academy. Enjoy lunch, take a campus tour, and join a hands-on workshop or attend a family concert presented by the Levanta Institute. Families with students scheduled for admission testing that morning are especially encouraged to stay for the day’s activities. Register here.
Short on Time? Join a Lunch Hour Q&A.
Parents of applicants are invited to a one-hour admission Q&A on Wednesday, October 22 — an easy way to learn more about the Academy during your lunch break. Register here.
Campus Tour and Faculty Q&A
Have a look at campus and hear from our faculty 8-10 a.m. Monday, October 27, or Friday, November 7. Register here.
New CGO Workbook Helps Prep Students for Next Step
The College Guidance Office (CGO) has created a new workbook to help students and families navigate the college search and application process. Throughout the guide, there are questions designed to inspire reflection — some for students, some for parents, and many to consider together as a family.
At the heart of the workbook is a question that shapes much of the CGO’s advising: What’s your deal? This idea, shared with CGO by a longtime college admission professional, is a way of asking students what excites them, what drives them, and what they hope to bring to a college community.
The workbook encourages students to think about their own “deal” as they begin to explore colleges and prepare applications. The process takes time, and students aren’t expected to know all the answers right away. Instead, the guide helps families focus on the factors that matter most, building toward the best options for a productive and fulfilling future.
As Mr. Jacoby often reminds students, the answer to any question about the college process is usually, it depends. This guide is designed to make that journey clearer, more thoughtful, and uniquely their own.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
We were honored to welcome Regis Pecos, former governor of Cochiti Pueblo, as our guest speaker for a special Indigenous Peoples’ Day assembly. Mr. Pecos shared a powerful message about the day’s significance — an opportunity to reconcile a complex history and to honor the enduring contributions, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous communities. The assembly concluded with a beautiful traditional dance performed by a group from Mexico City.
What I Learned in School: The Simms Legacy
Our 70th anniversary season continues with a special episode celebrating the enduring impact of the Simms family on Albuquerque Academy. Join Head of School Julianne Puente as she sits down with Francie Lee, a 1988 Academy alum and member of the Simms family, to reflect on the family’s remarkable legacy and the ways it continues to shape our community. Plus, don’t miss our Teacher Feature with David Gray '98, who shares his journey from Academy student to English teacher.
Why We Fundraise
Albuquerque Academy’s mission is to prepare students for lives of purpose, accomplishment, and service. Delivering on that mission requires resources that extend well beyond tuition revenue. The short answer to the question "Why do we fundraise?” is “We have to!”
While tuition at the Academy is our biggest source of support, it does not — and is not intended to — cover the full cost of an Academy education. In fact, each student’s experience is underwritten by the school’s robust endowment and the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education to transform lives. This gap between tuition and actual costs reflects our commitment to making an Academy education more accessible and affordable to a broad and talented student body, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Philanthropic support strengthens every aspect of the Academy experience:
- Faculty excellence — ensuring we attract, retain, and support the most talented educators.
- Innovative programs — sustaining the breadth and depth of opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics.
- Tuition assistance — fulfilling our promise to welcome students from all backgrounds.
- Campus stewardship — maintaining and enhancing the spaces where learning and growth take place.
Gifts to Albuquerque Academy are not simply monetary contributions; they are investments in the lives of our students and in the enduring strength of the institution. Donors help ensure that we remain a leader among independent schools nationwide, with the ability to deliver a truly exceptional education both now and for future generations.
We are profoundly grateful for the vision and generosity of those who partner with us in this work. Your support sustains the Academy’s excellence and secures its future.
Our next school-wide giving day is Giving TuesdAAy on December 2. This year's theme is Heart & Soul, and we are excited to celebrate the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families who make the Academy extraordinary.
Simms Library Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Display
During Hispanic Heritage Month, a vibrant display in Simms Library celebrated athletes of Latino heritage whose achievements transcend their sports. From Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, an advocate for body positivity and mental health, to boxing great Oscar De La Hoya, admired for his skill and pride in his Mexican-American roots, these figures embody excellence and cultural pride. The exhibit also highlights the Cholitas Escaladoras, Aymara mountaineers from Bolivia who climb in traditional dress, as well as local ties through runners Magdalena Donahue and her grandfather Anthony Sandoval, both record-setting marathoners with deep New Mexico roots. Together, their stories honor resilience and the spirit of Latino athletes across generations.
Upcoming Events
SENSE & SENSIBILITY the Play | Thursday, October 23, 6:30 p.m. | Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 7 p.m. | Simms Center for the Performing Arts | Reserve tickets.
Levanta Performances | Simms Center for the Performing Arts
- Spooky Strings and Percussive Things | Saturday, October 25, 1 p.m. | Reserve tickets.
- Ni Más/Ni Menos | Friday, November 14, 7 p.m. | Buy tickets.
All-Parent AAPA Fall Meeting | Thursday, October 30, 5:30 p.m. | Contact presidentaapa@aa.edu for more information.
Alumni Award Nominations | Close Friday, October 31 | Nominate a Charger here. Watch the 2025 Alumni Awards and Athletics Hall of Fame videos.
Young Alumni Gathering: Classes of 2016-2026 | Wednesday, November 26 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Common Grounds in Simms Library | Come reconnect with Head of School Julianne Puente, faculty, and friends over Dion’s pizza and Munch Pudding, and to learn about opportunities to engage with the Academy’s growing alumni network. RSVP here.
Giving TuesdAAy | December 2