Canyon Estates

I love A. Montoya! I have 4 kids enrolled there, currently in pre-k, kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grades. All four of my kids have been through the pre-k program that is offered and all four have loved it. My kids have been in Beth Krawczyk's class and I cannot begin to say enough great things about her pre-k. She is a dedicated teacher who welcomes parent volunteers, and gets to know the families of her students. Each of my kids has come into her class at a different academic level and she, as well as her EA Stacey, have given them work/projects that challenge their current level. The play-based learning model is great for young kids, and they all learn so much without even realizing it. I have spent a significant amount of time volunteering, in addition to leading a Girl Scout troop there after school. I know the majority of the teachers, and even if my kids haven't been in their classes, the teachers know me and my family. The school is small, but it has a huge community, which I really love. All the teachers are 100% committed to the academic success of all their students and they work incredibly hard to help the kids achieve their highest potential. So much has changed over the last few years, and this school is getting better every year.

Wonderful school and staff! I am so grateful that we have found this school. It is a hidden gem. My daughter has thrived since attending. It offers educational opportunities that public school can't/or won't attain to.

10 reasons why I think HCCS is the best K-8 school in the state of NM.1) Truly caring teachers and staff who view teaching as more than just a job2) Outstanding academics 3) Faithful Catholic religious teaching and daily mass participation4) Fabulous extra-curricular opportunities (e.g., art, mathcounts, theater, choir, violin, St. Vincent dePaul )5) Superb humanities curriculum (Your kids will know more history than you.)6) Great math and science (Singapore math curriculum for K-5). 7) The school always does well in statewide academic competitions (e.g., spelling bee, geography bee, science fair, mathcounts)8) One of the most affordable private schools in the state with good financial aid for those who need it.9) Wonderful student body where kids accept each other. I've never heard of a bullying incident, because the staff stay on top of things and the kids are kind to one another. Quarterly potluck and student performances help families get to know each other, build community and stay connected with the school.10) Outstanding parish support that makes all of the above possible. This starts with the priest and goes all the way down to the laity who give of their time and money to make the school a little better every year and help keep tuition affordable.I'm a single parent and this school has been my savior. I can't say enough good things about it. Nothing is perfect, but HCCS is as good as it gets in an institutional setting. The only thing I would change is switching to a half day kindergarten with more nap and play time for little boys in K-1. That said, the teachers will work with your student if they need more time/less intensity.