A New High School Option Takes Shape in Tijeras

The Roosevelt Middle School Board has just made a bold decision—one that could reshape the future of education in Tijeras. Starting in 2027, instead of next fall, the school will introduce a ninth grade, transforming Roosevelt from a middle school into a full 6th-12th grade institution. But why the wait?

The answer lies in the numbers: only four families expressed interest in enrolling their students in a ninth grade at Roosevelt this year. District leaders concluded that such a small response wasn’t enough to justify launching a new class prematurely.

A Magnet School with a Global Vision

Roosevelt isn’t your average middle school. It’s a magnet school with a unique focus on global leadership, weaving world events and pressing current issues into its curriculum. Today, most of Roosevelt’s eighth graders transition to Manzano High School or East Mountain High School.

• Manzano High has faced challenges with graduation rates.
• East Mountain High is a top-rated charter school, attracting many students.

Yet, some families prefer keeping their teenagers closer to home—a gap that Roosevelt’s ninth grade could fill.

Slow Growth, Smart Strategy

The expansion won’t happen overnight. The first year will introduce only about 40 ninth graders, minimizing the need for a large hiring spree. In fact, the district plans to utilize existing staff to cover additional classes, keeping costs low in the short term.

But the ripple effects could be significant. Fewer students at Manzano might shift the high school landscape entirely. Some, like Adrian Jimenez, a film teacher at Manzano, have already voiced concerns about declining enrollment. However, district officials assure that Manzano’s funding won’t take a hit, since many of those potential ninth graders weren’t planning to attend there anyway.

Can Roosevelt Maintain Its Excellence?

The stakes are high. Last year, Roosevelt ranked in the top quarter of New Mexico public schools, with students outperforming both district and state averages in reading and math. Now, the school must prove it can retain its reputation as it grows.

If approved by the state, Roosevelt will become the first APS middle school to add high school grades, offering local families one more high-quality option right in their neighborhood.

The waiting game begins—but for Roosevelt, the future looks bold.