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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A Structured and Ambitious Community
We provide a safe, predictable, and achievement-focused environment where students can thrive and learn at the highest levels.
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High-Quality Instruction
Our mission-driven, team-oriented educators are relentlessly focused on measurable success for every student.
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Intensive Academic Support
We believe that targeted, individualized support is essential to both student success and school-wide achievement.
Our Team
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Julia Burrola
Executive Director
Julia Burrola was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and serves as the Executive Director of Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School. She holds a Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education and has endorsements in mathematics, science, and gifted education. Before moving into school leadership, Julia spent over a decade as a classroom teacher. She is a former Teach Plus New Mexico Policy Fellow and has served on the New Mexico Public Education Department's Secretary's Teacher Advisory. Julia is committed to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring every scholar has access to an excellent education.
julia.burrola@abqcollegiate.org
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Cindy Tran
AP of Instruction
Cindy Tran serves as the AP of Instruction at Albuquerque Collegiate, bringing 14 years of experience in elementary education. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with an English Language Arts endorsement and a Master's in Reading Instruction. Now in her sixth year at the school, Ms. Tran provides instructional leadership by overseeing curriculum implementation, teacher development, and academic systems that drive student success. She is passionate about ensuring all New Mexico students have access to high-quality education.
cindy.tran@abqcollegiate.org
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Brandee Cruse
Director of Operations
Brandee Cruse is an education leader with 14 years of experience dedicated to improving student achievement and supporting educator success. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Grand Canyon University. A proud New Mexico native, Brandee is passionate about expanding educational opportunities and advancing positive outcomes for students and communities across the state.
brandee.cruse@abqcollegiate.org
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Demesia Medina
AP of Culture
Demesia Medina brings 13 years of classroom and leadership experience to her role in education. Dually licensed in Elementary and Special Education, she holds specialized endorsements in Math, English Language Arts, and TESOL. Demesia earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Eastern New Mexico University and is deeply passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students
demesia.medina@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: Nella Domenici | Business Executive, Philanthropist & Native New Mexican | JD Georgetown Law, MBA Harvard
Member: Scott Hughes | Retiree, University of New Mexico- Geospatial and Population Studies
Member: Rosa Pynes | Site Operations Manager, New Classrooms