Before getting involved in the Anansi Charter School, many questions have been asked over the years about how a charter school works and in particular, how Anansi operates. In New Mexico, a charter school is an independently managed publicly funded school operating under a “charter” or a contract between the school and in the case of Anansi, the Taos School District allowing for significant autonomy and flexibility.

At the Anansi Charter School, the difference is felt immediately upon entering the school. Anansi maintains a vigilant focus on providing and nurturing a positive school climate for students, parents, and employees. We believe the relationships developed within our school community are a contributing factor. Please read our FAQ listings to find some insight and answers to questions that you might have, check the student handbook, then contact us.

Who does Anansi Charter School serve?

Anansi Charter School provides a free public educational choice to students of all ability levels and educational needs from grades kindergarten through eight. Anansi Charter School opened in August 2001 and has consistently had full enrollment with a waiting list for every grade ever since. Anansi selects its students using a lottery system as prescribed by New Mexico State Law.

What is the overarching goal of the Anansi Charter School?

Anansi endeavors to develop the necessary skills for academic and social responsibility in all the members of its community. As a learning community, all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and parents are expected to value and make a commitment to high academic achievement, the development of leadership skills, and the pursuit of social responsibility. Is Anansi Charter School Accredited? Yes, Anansi provides highly qualified New Mexico certified teachers for all of its teaching positions. Anansi Charter School is accredited through New Mexico Public Education Department.

What does Anansi Charter School provide for its community?

Anansi Charter School is providing grades Kindergarten-8 a high quality education aligned to New Mexico’s Common Core standards alongside a social emotional learning curriculum. Students are learning the skills for college and career readiness along with the problem solving skills and empathy needed for social responsibility. Anansi is committed to providing a learning experience that is developmentally appropriate at every age, student-centered with a requirement of student-to-student interactivity and engagement. In addition, Anansi offers learning opportunities for its parents regarding the academic curriculum and parenting skills.

What are the attendance and exam expectations?

All students are expected to attend school on a daily ongoing basis, research shows that students who miss more than six (6) school days per year can be negatively impacted. Anansi is required to adhere to the New Mexico Compulsory Attendance Law. Details can be found in the Anansi Charter School Parent-Student Handbook. All students are required to attend and participate in state mandated assessments.

Can my middle school student participate in Taos District sports?

Students from Anansi Charter School may participate on sport teams offered through the Taos Municipal Schools Middle School athletics programs. Students must maintain academic and behavioral good standing to participate.

How involved do I need to be as a parent?

At Anansi Charter School, we see our parent partners and an essential active part of our community. Charter schools like Anansi truly are community schools, governed by its local governing board and operated by the staff, with the guidance and support of the parent body and the community at large. Anansi Charter School is “our” school and needs the support and commitment of each of us to operate and thrive successfully. Anansi expects parents to maintain communication with their classroom teacher, participate in school meetings and events such as orientation, Back to School Night, and parent teacher conferences. Anansi sees parent engagement as a contributing factor to student success.

How do I enroll in the Anansi Charter School?

Download a lottery application from our website starting in January to participate in the lottery drawing process for enrollment in the upcoming academic school year. Review the lottery process in the Anansi Charter School Parent-Student Handbook.

Does the Anansi Charter School offer lunch and transportation services?

Anansi Charter School contracts with the Taos municipal Schools to offer a daily hot lunch and bus transportation services. Students may qualify for a free, reduced fee, or full pay lunch that meets all the criteria of the National School Lunch Program. (more information can be found on the NMPED website) Anansi offers bus service from the Taos Public Library at the start and end of each day. Students who live in the service area of the Arroyos Del Norte Elementary School may also make use of their bus routes for school transportation.

What does a typical daily schedule look like?

Anansi Charter School students in grades Kindergarten through sixth attend school Monday through Thursday from 8:30 until 3:30, then on Fridays from 8:30 until 1:30. Students in grades seventh and eighth attend school Monday through Friday from 8:30 until 3:30, with eight designated early dismissal Fridays per year. Anansi opens its doors to its families at 8:00 am each, with supervised playground time until the 8:30 start time. Anansi offers an after school program until 5:30 Monday through Friday.

The typical elementary day schedule is:

• 8:00 am     Early arrival
• 8:15            Arrival
• 8:30            School begins
• 9:00            Work session
• 10:15          Snack*/outside time
• 10:45          Work session
• 12:00 pm   Lunch and outside
• 1:00            Quiet time/silent reading/read aloud
• 1:30            Work session
• 1:30            Early dismissal on Fridays only.
• 3:00            Clean up
• 3:15            Closing circle
• 3:30            Dismissal
• 3:45            Aftercare care ($10/day $15/day on Friday, billed monthly)
• 5:30            Aftercare care ends and school closes (there will be a $10.00 late fee for each child picked up after 5:30 PM)