NM Spotlight School
Taos Academy is designated as a NM Spotlight School.
The school has an overall index score above the 75th percentile and is among the highest-performing schools in New Mexico
Dear Taos Academy Family,
Hello! My name is Dr. Moodley, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Head Administrator of Taos Academy. When I first came across Alan Kay’s quote,
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it,”
I immediately thought of Taos Academy. This has never been a school that simply follows the traditional path. Instead, it has always been a place that embraces innovation, encourages curiosity, and empowers students to create their own futures. That vision began with our founders, Dr. Filiss and Mrs. Moulton, whose courage and commitment to reimagining education created the incredible community we know today.
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Before looking ahead, I want to pause and recognize Dr. Filiss, who has faithfully led Taos Academy for the past 17 years. Through her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep belief in every student, she has helped shape a school where relationships, innovation, and personalized learning are more than ideals…they are part of the culture. On behalf of our community, I want to thank Dr. Filiss for her years of service and for leaving such a remarkable legacy. It is an honor to follow in her footsteps and continue the work that she and Mrs. Karen Moulton began.
While this is a new role for me, Taos Academy is not new to my heart. I’ve had the privilege of serving as an advisor, getting to know many of our students, families, and staff. I’ve seen firsthand the creativity, resilience, and passion that make this school so unique. Those experiences have only strengthened my belief that Taos Academy is a place where students don’t just learn, they discover who they are.
A little about me…I transitioned from a career in biotechnology to a career in education. I have served students as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. My success in transforming learning communities over the course of 6 years earned me the New Mexico Principal of the Year award in 2023. No matter the title, my purpose has always been the same: to help every student feel seen, every educator feel supported, and every family feel like an important part of our school community. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of great schools, and my goal is to build those relationships with each of you.
As we begin this new school year, I hope we continue asking big questions, taking meaningful risks, celebrating creativity, and learning from one another. My promise to you is simple: I will lead with integrity, listen with intention, and always keep students at the center of every decision. My door will always be open because the best ideas come from working together as a community. Alan Kay reminds us that ” The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Thanks to the vision of the Taos Academy founders who built a community based on innovation, relationships, and the belief that every student can thrive. Now, together, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy while inventing the next chapter of Taos Academy’s story. I can’t wait to create that future with all of you.
With excitement and gratitude,
Dr. Moodley
Head Administrator
Taos Academy
Dr. Moodley,
Executive Director
A NM Spotlight School
Taos Academy is a NM Spotlight School with accolades in Science, eSports, Early College High School, and much more.
TA student success: Governor’s STEM competition 1st place for 6 years in a row, esports team brought home bronze and silver with a chance for GOLD this year, lettered athletes, bilingual seal recipients, Danielson, Fullbright, and Gates scholarship recipients, National Merit qualifiers, and much more.
Taos Academy Programs
Our programs support student growth through leadership training, enrichment opportunities, small class sizes, and year-round learning. All students engage in foreign language instruction and develop an end-of-year portfolio to showcase independent learning. With flexible options and strong academic support, we prepare students to thrive as curious, confident, and capable lifelong learners.
Real-World Learning Through Internships
Taos Academy’s Internship Program allows high school students to earn elective credit while gaining hands-on experience in the community, the workplace, or a sport. Whether it’s volunteering, job shadowing, or regular paid work, internships help students develop real-world skills, explore career interests, and connect learning to life. [Learn more about how it works →]
FLEX 100% Online
FLEX 100% Online at Taos Academy offers a fully online learning option for families who can provide support at home and partner with the school. Students must attend key on-campus events (orientation, testing, final exams, Community & Leadership days), and families commit to staying engaged and joining two student-led conferences per year.
Outside of these limited in-person commitments, students work off campus, supported by their advisor and Taos Academy Staff.
Student Success Lab (SSL)
The Student Success Lab (SSL) provides a quiet, focused space where Taos Academy students can deepen their learning. It offers extra time with Edgenuity coursework and both structured and informal academic support from tutors and peers. The SSL Supervisor helps students set weekly goals, build time management skills, and stay on track in their personalized learning journey.
College & Career Preparation
Taos Academy combines high academic and vocational standards to prepare students for college and career success. Students can earn college credit through dual credit and AP courses or explore internships in their preferred areas of interest. We offer outdoor education, leadership training, and 21st-century skill development. Parent involvement and community partnerships enhance learning through enrichment and support.
Early College Highschool
Taos Academy’s Early College High School (ECHS) program lets high school students earn college credit through dual credit classes at UNM-Taos. The College Link (CL) program supports eligible juniors and seniors (3.0+ GPA) with flexible scheduling and guidance. Students attend UNM classes while meeting both Taos Academy and UNM expectations with strong self-direction and motivation.
STEM+Arts Institute Classes
The STEM+Arts Institute engages youth in science, technology, engineering, math, and art by offering hands-on workshops led by community members. Each workshop is designed to align with New Mexico content standards while sparking creativity and innovation.
Past offerings have included video game design, glass fusion, green technology, culinary arts, band, installation art, recycled fashion, and kinetic sculpture.
Donations may be made to support the program as a whole or to fund a specific workshop. To learn more about our STEM programs, please email Ms Lucero-Martinez or visit the STEM+Arts Institute page
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Graduation Rate
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Course Pass Rate
Years Growth - average progress a student makes in their first year with us.
Taos Academy
A Unique Approach to Learning
Summer 2025
Taos Academy offers a proven path to academic success. Our students consistently exceed expectations, with recent End-of-Year NWEA MAP scores showing a Substantial 72.4% ranking in math and an Exceptional 82.1% in reading. These results reflect our dedicated teachers, personalized learning approach, and a school culture that empowers students to thrive and reach their highest potential.
We combine a strong core curriculum focused on mastery with an emphasis on 21st Century Learning skills, workplace skills, technology skills and emotional intelligence skills to develop well-rounded life long learners.
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Taos Academy uses a variety of digital core curriculum providers, including Edgenuity, RosettaStone, and Khan Academy designed to motivate students while meeting and exceeding all state standards. The curriculum meets each student at their personal learning level and prescribes a learning path that best fits their academic growth. Students are assessed and given an individual learning plan (ILP) according to the skills assessment, not grade level. A student may need remediation in one area yet be strong in another. This is the beauty of digital education. We can customize the learning for each student to best fit the need.
MIddle School Students, with their teacher, Emmett Moulton
Taos Academy’s Ideum interactive touch screen table, donated by Ideum
Testimonials
