Q: How do I register my student for public school?
A: Alamogordo Public Schools uses PowerSchool as their Student Information System.
Returning Students: https://www.alamogordoschools.org/parents/registration/returning-family.stml
New Students: https://www.alamogordoschools.org/parents/registration/new-family.stml
Registration Guide: https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/olr/registration-home
Q: What documents do I need in order to enroll my student in public school?
A:
- Birth Certificate
- Current Immunization Record
- Proof of Residency
- Custody/Guardianship paperwork
- Specialized medical documents
- IEP
- New Students: address of previous school
- New Students: Proof of dental exam within the last year
Q: How do I know which school is zoned for our home?
A: You can locate the school boundaries map or search for your residence in Alamogordo. La Luz or High Rolls at https://www.alamogordoschools.org/schools/school-zones.stml
Cloudcroft, Tularosa and Las Cruces (to include White Sands Missile Range) are all zoned for their municipalities.
Q: Can my child attend any school?
A: New Mexico is an Open Enrollment state. This means a student can enroll at any school on a space available basis. Enrollment is based on the priority set by the local schools board, in accordance with NM state statute. Alamogordo Public Schools has an Out of Zone Waiver request on their website under the registration section. Students who want to attend Alamogordo, Cloudcroft, Tularosa or Las Cruces schools and do not reside in those districts are considered “Out of District” and require approval from both district superintendents
Q: Is my student eligible for Advanced Enrollment?
A: Yes. Senate Bill 272 (2021) requires the following: Every school district and charter school shall allow military families that will be relocating to a military installation in New Mexico pursuant to an official military order to enroll their children in public school prior to their actual physical presence in the school district. A parent may submit the student's name for any lottery-selected charter school, magnet school or other public school program for which the student qualifies. The school district or charter school shall accept electronic applications for enrollment, including enrollment in a specific school or program with the school district or charter school. The school district or charter school shall provide the applicant with materials regarding academic courses, electives, sports and other relevant information regarding the public school in which the student wants to be enrolled. The public school shall preregister the student in anticipation of the student's enrollment.
A student's parent:
(1) shall provide proof of residence in the school district within forty-five days after the published arrival date provided on official military documentation; and
(2) May use any of the following addresses related to the family's military move:
(a) a temporary on-base billeting facility;
(b) off-base military housing; or
(c) a purchased or leased residence."
For more information or the full guidance, please contact 49WG.SL.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil.
Q: When can my child attend kindergarten?
A: In order to be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment in NM, a child must be 5 prior to 1 September of that school year. *Exceptions may be made of children who are covered under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.
Private schools set their own kindergarten entrance age and may differ from that of the public schools.
Q: Where can I find school data?
A: The NM website for school data is New Mexico Vistas www.newmexicoschools.com Other data-driven sources on education are Niche www.niche.com and National Center on Educational Statistics https://nces.ed.gov/
Q: What if my child receives special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or has a 504 in place?
A: Parents of students on IEPs will be notified in writing concerning how services will be provided. An Individual Continuity Plan or Individual 504 Continuity Plan will be established. This will be determined on an individual basis. Please check with your child’s school if you have additional questions.
Q: How will students be graded?
A: Coursework will be graded by individual teachers. Students in K-1st will be graded using Standards Based Grading (1-4) and students 2nd-12th grades will receive grades on the A-F scale.
Q: Who do I notify if my student is absent from school and/or the CYP School Age Care?
A: Families should notify the school AND School Age Care if a child is enrolled in both school and SAC and is absent. The school and SAC work closely together, however, it is the responsibility of the parent to communicate student absences.
Q: What non-medical mental health resources are available for students?
A: Military students in need of non-medical mental health support services have the option of utilizing their school counselor https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/covid19/teaching-our-kids/school-counselor?authuser=0, the School-Based Military Family Life Counselors (Holloman ES and Holloman MS students only) or Military OneSource. Please contact the Holloman AFB School Liaison if you need assistance.
Q: What do I do if my student will PCS during the school year?
A: First, contact the Holloman School Liaison at 49WG.SL.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil. They will assist you as well as providing a warm hand-off to your new duty station. Second, contact your child’s school to request an unofficial copy of student records, to include a final report card or student transcript.
Q: What PreK options are available?
A: The NM PreK Program (for 4 year olds who will attend Kindergarten the following year) is available at several sites in Alamogordo, including 2 sites in Alamogordo Public Schools, one of which is located in Holloman Elementary. Other PreK programs are available for 3-5 year olds in the local community and through several private schools. Options for children with identified developmental delays may differ. For more information on PreK options, reach out to the Holloman School Liaison at 49WG.SL.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil.