Moving to Aguilar for my son's senior year ... suggestions? (Trinidad: credit, home)

[uthooves]

Hi, All -

My husband and I are about to make an offer on a home in the Aguilar area. One of my biggest obstacles right now is that I'll be moving my 17-year old from a 5A school for his senior year next year. I'm looking for some input on Aguilar High, or other options for him. Hoehne might be an option even though it is a pretty good drive for him every day, however I've heard there is a waiting list to get in.

My son is more interested in math, science and technical programs and not really involved in team sports. He is currently enrolled in an aviation maintenance program at Tulsa Tech and wants to be an engineer. Are there any programs in the area for high school students like that?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[bongo]

I used to live up Trujillo Creek above Aguilar, & loved it up there. It's a beautiful location with the
Huajatolla peaks right there. I even lived right in Aguilar for a while. I love some of the old, traditional adobes. Aguilar, as you know, is a tiny village with what, 20 kids in the senior class maybe? It's a pretty economically depressed area. Here is the state's report card for Aguilar Junior & High School:

http://reportcard.cde.state.co.us/reportcard/pdf/2008_1620_0066_M.pdf (broken link)

Perhaps there is potential enrollment in some courses down at Trinidad State Jr. College?

[sunsprit]

If you son's academic opportunities and performance are of importance to you, I think you might consider a delay that moves him from the academic environment and program he's currently enrolled in. Even if he can get into a challenging academic program in the Aguilar area, getting to it during the winter months may be problematic due to the road conditions.

You'll be moving to an entirely different learning culture in Aguilar, which may not be consistent with the goals and achievement that your son has now set in what sounds like a very challenging academic environment.

[Samuel J. Jones]

I taught at Aguilar Jr. & Sr. High School a few years back. There are NO advanced programs in this district with less than 50 students in the high school! They are lucky to have ANY programs. (what ever current figures you get, only 2/3 are in the high school. They quote both Jr. & Sr. High) They were so very proud that they had a welding program. Doesn't EVERY school have a welder?! Back then they had a business program (computer, Accounting and Personal Finance) They were able to do this because the state paid most of the salary of a certified vocational teacher. The Husband and Wife Gjovik team (then Superintendent & Principle) abandoned the program and had the Elementary Librarian teach the high school students Computer Applications. (not even close to being certified) This flys in the face of the current push at every other school for thier teachers to be "Highly Qualified."(Per No Student Left Behind) Make sure the Gjovik team has been run out of town before you ever consider this school district. I wasn't there very long, but I am familiar with Hoehne. That is where all the experienced teachers moved to. You can talk to the School Board President. He owns the only grocery store in town. Steve, the local Taxidermist, is also on the board. (Ask them about the Gjoviks)

If you have to do this: Seriously consider Trinidad State Junior College! There is a state program to take college classes for both college and high school credit, and the local district pays the tuition, but this may be out of the reach of the Aguilar School District. (1 year of Junior College is not that expensive, and alot less expensive than a year at a University)

It is quite pnoient that the only reason I saw your post is that I was researching possible ground water polution by the local mining interests in 2006.

Nice place to live, but very high poverty, and all that entails. Good luck