Frequently Asked Questions

How does the lottery work?

The New Mexico State Department of Education has designed a lottery system that requires charter schools to hold an open enrollment procedure.

Once you have completed the initial lottery application, your name will be placed on a list for enrollment. On March 1st, of every year, we will hold a lottery drawing and the first 75 names drawn will be admitted for the following school year for the sixth grade. Other grade levels will have varying number of spaces available each year. If there are more applicants than available spaces, the remaining students will be placed on a waiting list and called when a space becomes available. Or if there is no waiting list and space is available, students will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.

If my sibling attends NACA, do I get preference for enrollment?

Siblings do receive preference if the family is currently enrolled at NACA.

Do I have to do this every year?

No. Once students enter the academy, they have preference over any new students annually. We anticipate that your long-term investment in your child’s future, well-being and education will be with NACA as we grow together. Just as the students create bonds with one another, we also believe strong bonds among our parents ensure a nurturing, high performing, supportive and safe school environment.

How will I be notified of acceptance?

The school will contact all parents via a letter of confirmation delivered to the address indicated on your lottery enrollment application at the end of each lottery. Parents will be contacted to schedule a family meeting and to complete the in-person registration process with a NACA Staff Member.