Purple Star Candidate School

Welcome, Military Families

Purple Star Candidate School

We recognize the dedication and resilience of our military-connected students and families. As a Purple Star Candidate School, Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School is committed to making school transitions as smooth, welcoming, and seamless as possible.

MRGC provides an authentic Montessori educational experience in an environment that is safe, fair, and caring. Moving to a new city, community, duty station, and school can be overwhelming. We are here to help.

Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School
1650 Gabaldon Dr. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 842-5993

Your Military Point of Contact

Our staff is available to help guide your family's transition to a new school.

Military Point of Contact

Deborah Henwood

msdeborah@mrgcharter.org

Additional School Contacts

School Reception / Administrative Assistant

Michelle Dodge

msmichelle@mrgcharter.org

(505) 842-5993, ext. 20703

Special Education Coordinator

Susan Davis

mssusand@mrgcharter.org

(505) 842-5993, ext. 20711

School Psychologist / Counselor

Lyndi Spears

mslyndi@mrgcharter.org

(505) 842-5993, ext. 20730

Instructional Leader

Savanah Cooper

mssavanah@mrgcharter.org

(505) 842-5993, ext. 20700

Preparing for Your Transition to MRGC

When you consider our school, we would be honored to provide you with a tour before school starts.

When You Register

Please bring the following with you:

  • Birth certificate
  • Immunization record
  • Previous school records, including progress reports or report cards and standardized test results, if available
  • Special program records, including IEP or Section 504 documents and evaluation reports

Lottery questions? Please contact Michelle Dodge at msmichelle@mrgcharter.org or (505) 842-5993.

Our Curriculum

Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School provides an authentic Montessori education. Our curriculum is aligned with New Mexico State Standards.

As a public school, we administer all state-mandated assessments, provide special education services in accordance with IDEA, and provide gifted education.

We teach core academics in a Montessori setting, including:

  • English Language Arts
  • Math
  • Wellness
  • Art
  • Music
  • Culture, including science, social studies, and history

K–5 Transition & Student Support

Student Anchor Program

Prior to registration, we provide a guided tour and take time to answer questions and address concerns.

Classroom Mentoring

Each classroom has a mentor program for new and returning students.

Academic Continuity

MRGC follows the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to support continuity for eligible military-connected students during school transitions, including matters involving enrollment, placement, and educational services.

Social & Emotional Support

MRGC has an on-site counselor and Dean of Students available to support students and families.

Military-connected families may also have access to Military and Family Life Counseling and other military family readiness resources supporting deployment, relocation, and changes associated with military life.

Military Family Resources

Additional information, documents, and resources for military-connected students and families will be added here as they become available.

Enrollment & Registration

Resources and documents for families preparing to enroll at Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School will be added here.

Academic & Student Support

Resources supporting educational continuity and student transitions will be added here.

Military Family Resources

Information and resources for military-connected students and families will be added here.

Documents & Downloads

Additional Purple Star Candidate School documents and downloads will be added here as they become available.

After Care

After-care services are provided by Rio Grande Educational Collaborative.

(505) 873-6035
cgomez@rgec.org