Starting this fall, NMDCA will operate under the leadership of Chama Valley Independent Schools and Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools, with enrollment topping 3,000 students for the 2025-2026 school year, according to a news release this week.
District leaders from both Chama Valley and Santa Rosa said the agreement was a strategic move to expand access to high-quality virtual instruction in traditionally underserved regions.
“This partnership with Stride K12 is a strategic step forward in expanding educational access and innovation in our rural communities,” Superintendents Anthony Casados (Chama Valley) and Martin Madrid (Santa Rosa) said in a joint public statement. “By offering a high-quality virtual option under our district umbrellas, we’re creating new opportunities for students across the state while positioning our districts as forward-thinking hubs for learning.”
This approach gives students access to resources and instructional support from Stride, while allowing the local districts to retain oversight and alignment with state education goals.
Since its initial launch in 2020, NMDCA has become one of New Mexico’s most prominent online public schools, according to the news release, with licensed New Mexico teachers, customized instruction and career-focused courses, including dual-credit options for high school students.
The school’s growth coincides with growing interest from families in flexible and future-focused learning models, especially in areas where geographic and economic challenges have historically limited access to specialized programs.
“Families in New Mexico are increasingly seeking education options that are flexible, future-focused, and built to support each student’s individual needs,” Adam Hawf, Stride K12 superintendent of schools, said in a public statement. “Our partnerships with Chama Valley and Santa Rosa allow us to build on our foundation in the state and collaborate with districts that share our commitment to innovation and student success.”
Enrollment for the upcoming school year is open now, with applications accepted through the academy’s website at nmdca.k12.com.
Editor's note: This story was developed in collaboration with GPT-4 and reviewed and edited by CDE Editorial staff.
