MS STEM Q2 Registration NOW OPEN!

by | Oct 10, 2025

Dear Taos Academy Students and Families,
 
Our second quarter STEM + Art institute classes registration is now open!
  • Payments accepted M-Th 8-1:30 in the STEM office
  • Materials fees will be $15 per class (Cash, Check/Money Order payable to Taos Academy).
  • Classes begin October 21st.
  • The last day to drop November 5th and must be done IN WRITING (email) to Mrs. Lucero Martinez at jlucero-martinez@taosacademy.org.
STEM+ Arts Institute handbook and all Taos Academy policies are followed in all STEM+Arts Institute classes.  If you have any questions, please email .
Culinary Arts – taught by Megan Jenkins– Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
Class is an experiential class where students learn how to combine flavors and ingredients in order to fully express their creativity. We will focus on technical skills and foundational techniques throughout the class to help you become a truly great chef.
Music Appreciation – taught by Billy Archuleta – Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
If you enjoy music and want to learn more about it and how to play it on your own, this is a great opportunity for you to do so. We will have fun working together to learn the different aspects of music from the basics of music theory, how to read a music staff, what time signatures are, and what is a “whole” note and a “half” note. We’ll learn about some of the different instruments used to make music, and how to play them. This class will give you the basic skills you need to play the instrument of your choice. Are you ready?
Entrepreneurship Adventure: – taught by Xochitl Wodrich – Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
The $5 Challenge & Beyond Turn a simple $5 bill into a booming business idea! In this hands-on, fun-filled course, you’ll brainstorm creative products, design your own logo, learn the basics of selling, and compete in friendly challenges — like turning $5 into as much money as you can. Work in teams, build a mini business, and pitch your idea in our final showcase. No business suit required — just your imagination!
eSports – Taught by Cal vanWilligen – Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4
Students will build skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, while learning to play video games! We will explore the different types of video games from solo play to teams. Explore games such as League of Legends, Madden, Mario Kart, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros and MORE!
Science Explorations – taught by Laura Tenorio – Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4:00.
Can a drinking straw save the world? Learn skills and ways to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to real-life situations. Make your own solutions to community problems, and learn about STEM careers using drones, straws, and anything we can get our hands on to make STEM come alive!
Highlights of a Remarkable Career
● Co-founded Taos Academy Charter School alongside Karin Moulton, c. 2008
● Earned Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership
● Named NM Charter School Administrator of the Year, 2016 — NMCCS
● Championed landmark NM legislation: technology tax revenue sharing for all 70+ state charter schools
● Guided Taos Academy to NM Spotlight School designation — top 75th percentile statewide
● Students won the Governor’s STEM Challenge six consecutive years
● Recognized by U.S. News Best High School Rankings, Clayton Christensen Institute & Evergreen Education Group
● Opened Career Technical Education Center, 2023
● Earned school designation as an NM Community School, 2022
● Unveiled new Wellness Building & outdoor Amphitheater, 2025
● Led school through COVID-19 with a nationally noted distance-learning model
About Taos Academy