Families Turn Out in Force for 2026 School Fairs
2026 PCSNM Newsletter, February 17, 2026
2026 School Fairs: Celebrating School Choice Week Across New Mexico
As part of the national celebration of School Choice Week (January 25 – 31), Public Charter Schools of New Mexico proudly hosted our annual Albuquerque and Las Cruces School Fairs in partnership with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.
These events were more than gatherings; they were vibrant, high-energy celebrations of opportunity, access, and family empowerment.
Looking Ahead: Northern NM Charter Schools & Resource Fair
Saturday, March 7, 11am - 2pm
Bataan Hall, Taos
PCSNM will host the Northern Charter Schools & Resource Fair, bringing together all nine northern New Mexico charter schools alongside vital community partners.
In Taos, charter schools serve about 40% of the public school student population. This is a powerful testament to the role these schools play in the community. This fair offers families the opportunity to learn more about the schools educating nearly half of Taos’ public school students.
We’re also proud to highlight a groundbreaking collaboration:
Northern New Mexico charter schools are the first in the state to unify their enrollment application window and lottery date — making the process simpler and more family-friendly.
Enrollment applications open: February 1 – March 31
Enrollment lotteries: April 7
This unified approach is a tremendous benefit to families, reducing confusion and creating a streamlined, transparent enrollment process.
We look forward to continuing to connect families with opportunity in every corner of New Mexico.
Albuquerque: Nearly 100 Schools. 750+ Families. Strong Demand for Charter Schools.
The Albuquerque School Fair brought together nearly 100 schools and community organizations, welcoming over 750 families eager to explore their options.
From PreK through 12th grade, families were able to explore educational pathways at every stage of a child’s journey. Whether parents were searching for a strong early childhood foundation, a mission-driven elementary program, a middle school with STEM or arts integration, or a high school focused on college, career, or technical pathways — it was all represented.
And year after year, one trend continues to stand out:
The number one school choice option families ask about at the Albuquerque School Fair is public charter schools.
Parents consistently seek information about charter school models, enrollment timelines, academic outcomes, mission-driven programs, and unique educational approaches. The interest is strong, specific, and informed. Families are actively exploring public charter schools as a primary option for their children.
For three full hours, families moved from table to table asking thoughtful questions about academics, school culture, extracurriculars, and student supports. Students shared their interests. Parents compared school models side-by-side. Educators connected directly with families looking for the right fit.
What makes this event truly unique is its full representation of school choice. Under one roof, families explored:
Traditional district public schools
District magnet schools
Public charter schools
Private schools
Homeschooling networks
Microschools
Community education and support organizations
Instead of driving across Albuquerque for multiple campus visits, families could compare options in one afternoon, without pressure, and with transparency.
The message was clear: families are looking for the right school, not simply the closest one.
Las Cruces: The Largest Fair in City History
Southern New Mexico showed up in a big way. The Las Cruces School Fair was the largest ever hosted in the region, drawing approximately 450 families.
Just like Albuquerque, all grade levels were represented, PreK through 12th grade, ensuring families at every stage could find relevant options.
Many attendees shared that they had been waiting specifically for this event to help inform their enrollment decisions. Families came prepared asking about academic outcomes, enrichment programs, graduation pathways, and student supports.
The Las Cruces fair showcased a broad range of educational models and community partners, creating meaningful opportunities for families to engage directly with school leaders and enrollment teams.
Across both cities, the excitement was unmistakable.
The strong turnout and enthusiasm at both events underscore a clear message: school choice matters to New Mexico families, across regions and communities.
PCSNM is proud to partner with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation to bring these valuable, free resources to families statewide.
