About Us

One school, one vision,
together we are on a mission.

We are committed to educating every student from kindergarten through grade 7 for college graduation and lifelong success. Our structured and ambitious school community is built on high-quality instruction and intensive academic support, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to excel.

The Albuquerque Collegiate Difference

We’re inspired by the best practices of high-performing charter schools nationwide. These schools have a proven track record of academic success, demonstrating that all students can succeed and graduate from competitive colleges.

Innovative and unique components of Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School

    • 7:30 am – 3:15 pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)

    • 7:30 am – 1:30 pm (Wed)

    This extra instructional time adds 298 minutes each week—equivalent to 30+ additional instructional days over the course of the school year.

    • 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

    • Two teachers in all K–3 classrooms.

    This personalized attention ensures that each student receives the support they need to succeed.

    • 15% more math instruction.

    • 2.3 times more literacy instruction.

    By focusing more on math and literacy, we set students up for academic success from the very start.

    • 3-week intensive summer training.

    • 1.5 hours of professional development each week.

    • 8 data days throughout the school year.

    • Weekly teacher observations & coaching sessions.

    Our dedicated staff receives ongoing professional development to ensure they provide the best learning experience possible.

Why Choose Albuquerque Collegiate?

From the first day of formal schooling, we lay the foundation for success by prioritizing literacy and mathematics. This focused, rigorous approach continues every day throughout a student’s academic journey, setting the path for college graduation and beyond. Our mission drives our staff, families, and students to cultivate a culture of achievement and deliver game-changing results for the students of Albuquerque.

  • A Structured and Ambitious Community

    We provide a safe, predictable, and achievement-focused environment where students can thrive and learn at the highest levels.

  • High-Quality Instruction

    Our mission-driven, team-oriented educators are relentlessly focused on measurable success for every student.

  • Intensive Academic Support

    We believe that targeted, individualized support is essential to both student success and school-wide achievement.

Our Team

  • Jade Rivera

    Founder & Executive Director

    Jade Rivera is the founder of Albuquerque Collegiate and a dedicated educator. She began her career with Teach for America and later worked in education policy at the New Mexico Public Education Department. As a 2016 Building Excellent Schools Fellow, she gained the expertise to create high-performing schools. Since founding Albuquerque Collegiate in 2018, the school has achieved top rankings in NM and national recognition. Ms. Rivera has received numerous awards, including “40 Under 40” in 2020, the Hispano Chamber of Commerce 2024 Educator of the Year, and NM Women of Influence in 2025.

    jrivera@abqcollegiate.org

  • Patricia Pinnere

    Director of Curriculum & Instruction

    Patricia Pinnere has over 15 years of experience in education, including teaching in Los Angeles and New Mexico. She earned an MBA in Educational Leadership and has served as Albuquerque Collegiate’s Founding Director of Curriculum & Instruction since 2018. In this role, she leads instructional planning and professional development to ensure the school’s academic success.

    patricia.pinnere@abqcollegiate.org

  • Kelsey McCaffrey

    Elementary School Principal

    Kelsey McCaffrey is Albuquerque Collegiate's Elementary Principal, bringing her experience as a Teach for America alumna and her leadership as a teacher and policy advocate. She earned her M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University in 2024 and is passionate about fostering high achievement and teacher support.

    kelsey.mccaffrey@abqcollegiate.org

  • Julia Burrola

    Middle School Principal in Residence

    Julia Burrola, a lifelong Albuquerque resident, is the Middle School Principal in Residence at Albuquerque Collegiate. She holds a Master's in Education and has extensive teaching experience, with endorsements in math, science, and gifted education. Julia is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for middle school students.

    julia.burrola@abqcollegiate.org

Governing Board

  • Chair:  Brandon Meyers | Partner, McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC

  • Vice Chair: Andrea Romero | Associate Broker/Realtor | Southwest Elite Real Estate

  • Secretary: Cynthia Al-Aghbary | Retiree, Presbyterian Health Plan

  • Treasurer: Jesus Ontiveros | Retiree, Sandia National Labs

  • Member: Irma Correa-Chavira | Retiree, Albuquerque Public Schools

  • Member: Scott Hughes | Retiree, University of New Mexico- Center for Education Policy Research

  • Member:  Jeff Kiely | Kiely Consulting & Facilitation, Co-Principal

  • Member: Rosa Pynes | Site Operations Manager, New Classrooms