2026–27 School Year
Everything students and families need to know about life at Pathways — our expectations, your rights, attendance, dress code, technology use, and how we support every learner.
Complete 2026–27 Student & Family Handbook (PDF). Updated annually and approved by the Governing Board.
Need the handbook in Spanish? Call (505) 792-0306 and we'll gladly help. ¿Necesita el manual en español? Llámenos al (505) 792-0306 y con gusto le ayudaremos.
Select any section to read it here, or download the full PDF above. The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook; the summaries below are provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Our model of career-connected learning and the PECA community values every student commits to.
Daily schedule, attendance policy, tardies, excused absences, and how to report an absence.
Standards for professional, career-ready attire and pathway-specific safety requirements.
Responsible use of devices, networks, and AI tools in a career-connected learning environment.
Behavior expectations, the progressive discipline process, and restorative practices.
Non-discrimination, anti-bullying, safety procedures, and how to report a concern.
Grading, dual-credit through CNM, credentials, and graduation requirements.
How families stay involved, communication channels, and how to reach our team.
Office hours, transportation and parking, closed-campus rules, visitors, and the school calendar.
Enrollment, terminology, educational records, withdrawal, grievances, and homeless-student rights.
Pathways Early Career Academy's mission — every student will graduate with a plan, a pathway, and a powerful head start on college, career, and beyond. Pathways Early Career Academy is a state-chartered, FREE public charter school.
The purpose of this handbook is to assist students, parents/guardians, teachers, staff and school administrators in understanding that a safe, respectful and orderly school community exists to help all students develop their full potential for learning and acquire the necessary self-discipline to enable them to become productive and responsible members of society.
The quality of the school community, both socially and academically, depends significantly on the choices made by the student population. Upon entering a school, students assume part of the responsibility for creating a safe, stimulating academic and social environment in which everyone is free to grow and learn.
Certain student behaviors and attitudes foster a desirable and healthy learning environment. Among these are:
In addition to compliance with the regulations established by this handbook, students are expected to obey all rules and regulations adopted by the Board, the policies and procedures in the handbook, and any order given by a member of the faculty or staff relating to school activities.
Choose a Learning Attitude: There is always something we can learn; everyone makes mistakes and we can all learn from them; someone is learning from watching YOU right now.
Choose Trustworthiness: Do the right thing especially if you think no one is watching. Be strong inside. Be worthy of others' trust.
Choose to be Respectful: We all have the right to learn and to be treated with dignity. Use self-control to respect your teacher's right to teach and your classmates' right to learn. Respect yourself, others, and the tools of learning.
Choose to be Responsible: Be prepared. Be "PRESENT." Take care of your things and take ownership of your behavior and learning.
Choose to be Fair: Make fair decisions, listen to others, and treat people as equals.
Choose to be Caring: Be kind, generous, and compassionate. Live by the Golden Rule. Think before you act — RESPOND, don't REACT.
Choose to be a good Citizen: Become great by serving others, do your share, protect our environment, and show pride in our learning community.
Believe & Dream: Keep going when the going gets tough. Believe in yourself and dream about the possibilities. Believe you CAN be a great person.
The school is a community, and the rules and regulations of a school are the laws of that community. The right to attend public school is conditioned on each student's acceptance of the obligation to abide by the lawful rules established by the school and community. Teachers are required by law to maintain a safe, suitable environment for learning. All school employees have the right to be free from intimidation or abuse and to have their lawful requests followed. Verbal or physical assault or aggressive behavior toward a school employee will not be tolerated and will be dealt with legally and/or through PECA's Due Process Hearing Procedures.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Pathways Early Career Academy operates on a four (4) day school week, Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for extra-curricular activities and/or additional academic support (tutoring). Students are required to attend school on a daily basis; any student failing to meet this expectation is subject to consequences determined by administration. Students are not granted permission to go home unless it is an emergency. If a student becomes ill during the day, they must tell a staff member; if staff determine the student needs to be picked up, staff will contact the parent/guardian. If an absence is unavoidable, working at least 4 hours in Edgenuity/MyPath from home with minimal idle time and significant activities completed keeps the student from falling behind and can earn credit for attending that day. Working from home on a consistent basis requires school authorization.
If a student will be absent, the parent/guardian is required to call the school before 9 AM each day of absence. Do not call or email teachers to report absences. To report an absence, call 505-792-0306, option 2, to leave a message with the front desk.
Excused absences may include: medical appointment (with doctor's note); illness (doctor's note required); diagnostic testing; death of a family member; religious and/or cultural commitment; limited family emergency (with administrative approval); all school-related activities (not to exceed NMAA policy of 15 days per semester); extenuating circumstances with prior approval; and travel with prior approval. A phone call from a parent/student does not by itself constitute an excused absence.
Notification: It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to notify the attendance office (505-792-0306, option 2) within 24 hours of the absence for it to be considered excusable on appeal; failure to notify within 24 hours results in an unexcused absence. For partial-day medical absences, bring a note from the doctor's office.
Progressive interventions follow the Attendance for Success Act:
Loss of academic credit: Any student who accumulates 10 or more unexcused (non-school-related) absences in a semester could have credit for that class denied (for completed courses). To have credit reinstated, the student and parent/guardian must submit a Request for Credit Reinstatement and appear before an attendance committee. Unexcused absences cannot be appealed. The Attendance Team serves as the Attendance Review Board for special cases (e.g., prolonged illness, terminal illness of a parent, necessary family travel).
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Uniform Maintenance Fee (§2.5): The Student Uniform Maintenance Fee is waived for the 2026–2027 school year.
The uniform policy promotes school culture and safety, improves discipline, and enhances the learning environment. As a career-preparatory model, PECA treats school as business, to be approached with professionalism. School shirts are loaned to each student; other uniform items may be purchased at any department store. All attire must be professional, pressed, clean and in good repair. No oversized clothing is allowed at any time, and no uniform item should be excessively tight.
Free dress / senior dress: even on free-dress days, students dress appropriately for a professional setting. Unacceptable items include (but are not limited to) skinny/tight jeans, jeggings, leggings, yoga pants, saggy pants, joggers, sweatpants, capris, gang-related attire, tank tops, halter/shoulderless tops, biking shorts, sports jerseys, revealing or midriff-exposing clothing, low-cut blouses, spiked jewelry, spiked/unnatural hair, slippers/pajamas, chains, excessively ripped clothing, and anything promoting drugs, sexual activity, violence, disrespect or bigotry.
The school seeks full compliance through positive reinforcement, resorting to disciplinary action only when supports fail. Students wear the uniform at internship and service-learning sites unless an alternate uniform (scrubs, smocks, etc.) is required. Exemptions exist for religious attire and activity-specific clothing. Students out of dress code who cannot correct it spend the day in the alternative placement; parents are notified and demerits are issued. Repeated violations are considered defiance and may jeopardize continued attendance.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Students must maintain a minimum performance standard and an identified pace in online courses. The curriculum records all student activity — log-in/out time, idle time, lessons completed, time spent, grades, and outside websites visited. Each course has beginning and ending dates that require students to prepare a weekly work schedule to keep pace with the semester timeline.
MP3 players, iPods, cell phones, and other electronic devices are not permitted while at school. Students must turn devices off and leave them in bags/backpacks. PECA is not responsible for loss or damage of personal devices. Violations may require checking devices in at the front desk each day or a ban on devices, at administration's discretion.
Use of the electronic information services requires a signed user agreement. Each user must: use IT to support educational objectives; not submit or retrieve defamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, racially offensive or illegal material; abide by copyright and trademark laws; not reveal home addresses or personal phone numbers; understand that electronic mail is not private and may be monitored; not disrupt others' use of the network; not use IT for commercial purposes; follow the code of conduct; and not attempt to harm or interfere with system security. Inappropriate use may result in cancellation of access and disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Students must report any misuse and are personally responsible for any fee-based services used without authorization. Students are expected to follow network etiquette (be polite, respect privacy, avoid disruptions). PECA does not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained through its services.
An artificial-intelligence (AI) use policy for a career-connected learning environment is being developed and will be published here once finalized. Until then, all technology use is governed by the sections above.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
The provisions are in force during regular school hours; during transportation of students; at school-sponsored events and activities (dances, field trips, athletic functions); at times and places that affect school order; and during visits to another school. A student may be disciplined for off-campus conduct that began on campus, has a direct and immediate effect on school discipline or the general safety and welfare of students and staff, or interferes with the educational process.
Consequences depend on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeated offense, and include (but are not limited to): staff/student conference; behavior or attendance contract; staff/parent conference; administrator/student conference; administrator/parent conference; detention; In-School Suspension (ISS); short-term suspension (up to ten school days); long-term suspension (more than ten days, 11–180 school days, with a Due Process Hearing within 10 school days); expulsion; restitution/reimbursement; trespass notice; and referral for legal engagement for illegal acts.
PECA uses a merit/demerit system so students are held accountable for both positive and negative behaviors. Demerits can be erased by earning merits. Final designation of merits/demerits is made by the Executive Director or Dean of Students. Representative demerit values include:
Positive behaviors earn 5–30 merits: displaying moral courage, exemplary leadership, extraordinary trustworthiness, outstanding responsibility, sterling citizenship, and extraordinary caring.
Demerit accumulation (a progressive-discipline guide): 15–20 = 1-day suspension (parents contacted at 15); 20–30 = 3-day suspension with parent conference before return; 31–40 = 5-day suspension, letter mailed, behavior contract; 41–50 = 7-day suspension; 50 = 10-day suspension and possible recommendation to an alternative setting.
A student receiving special-education services may be short-term suspended so long as cumulative days do not exceed ten in a school year. Before any long-term suspension or expulsion, the multi-disciplinary team meets (within ten school days) to determine whether the behavior is related to the student's disability (a manifestation determination). Special circumstances involving weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury result in placement in an interim alternative educational setting.
Tobacco (§12): possessing, distributing or using any tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars, vapes, snuff, plug or leaf — is prohibited on property, in vehicles, and at school functions.
Drugs (§13): students may not use, possess, distribute, buy, sell, or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, look-alikes, or paraphernalia. Prescription/over-the-counter medication requires a Physician's Order Form; students may not carry medications. Violations lead to suspension pending investigation, possible law-enforcement referral, and a required diagnostic evaluation at the family's expense. Certified drug dogs may sweep possessions and vehicles.
Fireworks (§14): possession of any firework, regardless of discharge, is prohibited and may be reported to law enforcement.
Felony (§15): a student petitioned for, charged with, or convicted of a felony may be subject to Due Process Hearing Procedures.
Weapons/Firearms (§16): weapons of any kind (and look-alikes) are strictly prohibited. Any student bringing or possessing a weapon on premises shall be recommended for suspension of not less than one year and turned over to law enforcement.
Gangs/Secret Societies (§17): gang colors, symbols, signs, graffiti, "sagging," and related activity are prohibited; administrators make the final determination, work with law enforcement, and may seek reimbursement for vandalism/graffiti.
Certain infractions carry mandatory minimum responses — e.g., arson, bomb threat, robbery, weapons possession, and controlled-substance offenses require suspension and/or legal action on any offense, and a firearm violation requires expulsion for at least one year. Many acts also violate county, city, state or federal law (with specific NMSA citations in the PDF) and are communicated to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Pathways Early Career Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies are handled by the Title IX Coordinator / Section 504 Coordinator (Director of Academics), 6001-A San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-792-0306. PECA adheres to all Title IX requirements of the Education Amendments of 1972.
All students have the right to a safe, caring and drug-free school setting that is orderly, educationally efficient and free from disruption. Every student has the right to an education relevant to his/her needs and abilities, without regard to race, color, gender, ethnicity, national origin, familial status, gender identity, religion, age, or disability. Students' constitutional rights of free speech, press and assembly are protected when exercised without disrupting the educational process.
Privacy (§8.3): the handbook sets out detailed procedures for arrests at school, questioning by law enforcement (with attempts to contact parents/guardians), investigations of child abuse/neglect, and searches. Desks, cubbies, bags and school facilities may be searched with or without students present; a student's person or vehicle may be searched on reasonable suspicion, and only an administrator conducts physical searches, in the presence of another authorized person of the same gender.
Due Process (§8.4–8.5): for long-term suspension or expulsion, a written notice states the charges, hearing date/time/place, the right to legal counsel, and hearing procedures. A neutral Hearing Officer determines any sanction; decisions may be appealed to the Board of Directors. Disenrollment (§8.6) for invalid enrollment follows a preliminary notice and an opportunity to respond and request a hearing.
Responsibilities (§8.7): students are responsible to attend on time and prepared, be properly attired, exhibit respect, conduct themselves responsibly, pay required fees, follow the handbook and Board policies, seek changes through appropriate channels, and cooperate with staff in investigations.
Bullying or cyberbullying by any student is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to suspension and/or expulsion. "Bullying" means any repeated and pervasive written, verbal or electronic expression, physical act or gesture intended to cause distress, including hazing, harassment, intimidation, or menacing acts that may be based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. The policy defines harassment, disability harassment, racial harassment, sexual harassment, hazing, and cyberbullying, and affirms that LGBTQIA+ youth (and those perceived as such) are protected and supported. Students and parents may file verbal or written complaints; reports may be made to any staff member and are promptly investigated; retaliation is prohibited and confidentiality is preserved. Threats of violence are prohibited and may result in suspension or expulsion and law-enforcement notification. A statewide reporting hotline and additional resources are provided.
PECA recognizes its responsibility to avoid discrimination against persons with disabilities and to identify, evaluate, and provide appropriate educational services to eligible students under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Parents/guardians who disagree with a determination have the right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer. Questions may be directed to the Director of Academics at 505-792-0306.
PECA is committed to eliminating discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity. The Director of Academics serves as the Title IX Coordinator and receives complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation; complaints may be made in person, by mail, phone or email. The school offers supportive measures, investigates all complaints under grievance procedures that comply with 34 CFR Part 106, prohibits retaliation, provides training, and periodically evaluates its programs. The Title IX Coordinator's contact information is published on the school website and in each handbook.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Most core high-school courses are two-semester courses intended to be completed within that time; middle-school courses on Edgenuity are year-long. Students may work more quickly but must maintain the minimum established pace and a minimum mastery level (no Ds or Fs) — no lower than a C in all classes. Case managers may provide a goal plan; refusal to follow the prescribed plan leads to corrective measures.
All students, new and returning, are on academic probationary status for the first 60 days of enrollment. Students who do not maintain regular attendance, sufficient pace, and a mastery grade of at least C are placed on an intensive action plan, with PLC meetings to monitor progress. A conference is held after three weeks to determine if an alternate placement is needed.
All final (cumulative) exams must be taken on campus and proctored by PECA staff; an exam taken elsewhere is expunged and retaken. All students must participate in all standardized testing required by the New Mexico Public Education Department, including short-cycle assessments, as a condition of enrollment.
Grade classification is by high-school credits earned: Freshman 0–5.5, Sophomore 6.0–11.5, Junior 12–17.5, Senior 18–24. Grades are on a 4.0 scale with no weighted grades; a 2.5 GPA is required to qualify for the NM State Lottery Scholarship.
PECA requires 24 credits, including all state-required courses plus PECA-required courses, to earn a diploma. PECA abides by the state requirements for each grade cohort (which may differ); families should refer to the NM PED graduation requirements for their specific cohort. Each student's individual "Next Step Plan" is developed with the student and PECA staff each year.
A dual-credit pathway with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) — including eligible courses, credentials, and enrollment steps — is under development and will be published here once finalized.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Each PECA student is assigned a teacher/case manager to monitor student progress and communicate with parents.
Parents/guardians have the responsibility to:
Pathways Early Career Academy, 6001-A San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Phone (505) 792-0306, Fax 505-792-0225, www.pathwaysabq.org. You can also send us a message.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Students must provide their own transportation to PECA. Student drivers must show proof of registration, a driver's license, and car insurance, register their vehicles at the front desk, and receive a parking pass for any car driven to school. Students who drive themselves and are late more than 4 consecutive days, or more than 6 days per month, without verifiable extraordinary circumstances, will not be allowed to drive onto campus until they can prove they can arrive on time.
PECA is a closed campus. Once students enter for the day they may not leave unless checked out by a parent, guardian, or approved adult noted on the registration documents (including students who remain after hours for Edgenuity work). All visitors must check in and receive a visitor's pass at the front desk, wait in the waiting area, and be escorted to their destination; meetings with case managers or administrators must be scheduled in advance. Any individual on campus without a pass will be asked to obtain one; refusal could lead to law-enforcement contact and criminal-trespass charges.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
PECA's enrollment policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, or need for special-education services. PECA accepts all students who come to the school in "good standing" — students with all necessary shots and records, who have not been suspended or expelled from (and are not currently suspended/expelled by) any public or private school or district, and who are on track to graduate with their cohort.
Key terms include: Administrative Authority (the Executive Director or designee); Co-Curricular Activities (required as part of the curriculum) and Extra-Curricular Activities (sanctioned but not required); Hearing Officer (an independent third party who hears evidence at a hearing); Parent/Guardian (a natural parent, legal guardian, or person with lawful decision-making power); and School Personnel (all staff, faculty and administration employed by PECA).
Students who intend to withdraw must do so formally, giving no less than 24-hour notice to the registrar. If the student is under 18, a parent/legal guardian must complete the withdrawal process with the Registrar.
When requesting transcripts or other educational records, allow office staff a minimum of three to five business days. Call 505-792-0306 to make these requests with the Registrar.
PECA maintains academic, personal-information, disciplinary, attendance, health, progress, and standardized-testing records. Access is limited to parents/guardians (per age/dependency rules), the student, school officials with a legitimate educational interest, required state/local officials, certain testing and accrediting organizations, appropriate persons in an emergency, and law officers serving subpoenas or court orders. Records are kept to an essential minimum and reviewed annually. Individuals may challenge record contents and request a hearing through the Executive Director.
PECA provides a fair process to resolve complaints. Step 1: the parent makes a good-faith effort to resolve the issue directly (administration can assist through mediation); unresolved grievances are submitted in writing to the Principal or Executive Director. Step 2: the Principal/Executive Director discusses the matter and attempts a solution within five days. Step 3: within ten days, the parent may request in writing a hearing before the Board of Directors, held in closed session no later than the next Board meeting, with a written decision within fifteen days. Complaints against the Principal/Executive Director may bypass Step 1 and go directly to the Board President.
The Act ensures educational rights for children and youth experiencing homelessness, including immediate enrollment (even without normally required paperwork); the right to attend the school of origin or the local school; transportation to the school of origin; services comparable to other students; and protection from segregation based on homeless status. PECA's McKinney-Vento Liaison is Keisha Matthews — kmatthews@pathwaysabq.org, 505-792-0306.
The downloadable PDF, approved by the Governing Board, is the official handbook. This on-page text is provided for convenience and may not reflect the latest revision.
Enrolling families confirm they've reviewed the handbook. You can also acknowledge receipt here.