Why IPA?
IPA provides a new middle school option for students and families seeking highly challenging academics in a structured environment. IPA offers small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, and a unique academic program that emphasizes fundamentals with daily practice in reading, writing, and mathematics, while also incorporating immersive and integrated hands-on learning experiences.
Who thrives at IPA?
Many different kinds of students thrive at IPA! Successful IPA students have two things in common: first, they are willing to commit to the demands of our challenging academic program; and second, they are willing to do their part to maintain our structured and focused learning environment.
Is IPA part of NMMI?
Yes! IPA and NMMI are one community, and IPA enjoys the support of NMMI resources. By design, middle school students attending IPA learn in their own building, about a mile distant from NMMI’s existing campus. IPA students interact with NMMI Cadets only in the course of structured learning activities supervised by IPA teachers.
Do IPA students have the same teachers and do the same activities as the NMMI cadets?
Learning at IPA is nurtured by a dedicated middle-school faculty. The program was designed with the needs of middle school students in mind from the start. However, the IPA program is aligned with the NMMI program and cultivates leadership learning in the NMMI tradition.
If my children attend IPA, will they also attend NMMI?
Families may choose IPA but not NMMI, or NMMI but not IPA, depending on individual student needs and family preferences. Though IPA students are not guaranteed acceptance to NMMI, the aligned IPA program prepares them to be highly competitive applicants in NMMI’s separate admissions process.
Is IPA a new school?
IPA opened its doors to a founding class of sixth graders in Fall 2023. The seventh grade was added in Fall 2024. The eighth grade launches in Fall 2025. From its first day, IPA has delivered a complete academic program with dedicated faculty in all subject areas. IPA is still growing, with additional facilities and offerings expected to serve larger numbers in the next few years.
Does IPA offer boarding?
IPA is a day school only, serving families in Roswell and the surrounding area.
What are the facilities?
On-campus learning at IPA takes place in a newly remodeled building at 402 West Country Club Road in Roswell. IPA students also access NMMI facilities, including the Paul Horgan Library and Toles Learning Center. Plans for IPA include a future gymnasium at the West Country Club location. At this time, IPA has a fenced field for outdoor games while indoor gym classes take place at a gym a few blocks from the IPA campus or on the NMMI campus.
Do IPA students wear uniforms?
Students wear a simple and inexpensive uniform, and families are responsible for purchasing uniforms from an approved supplier.
Is IPA a public school? Will IPA follow a public school curriculum?
Like NMMI, IPA is a state educational institution. Like NMMI, IPA is not a public school and is not limited by the curricular restrictions set by the New Mexico Public Education Department.
How will the IPA academic program differ from what my child is used to? What does “immersive” mean?
IPA students study Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, and Latin, as well as Fine Arts, P.E., and Leadership. The program emphasizes daily practice in core skills like reading, writing, and mathematics. Immersive learning is organized around topics that integrate different subjects of study and allow students to explore real-world applications.
Is there homework?
IPA students typically have homework five nights per week. Continued enrollment at IPA depends on consistent homework completion. Parents/guardians are expected to support homework by providing students a place and time to study at home and by monitoring student progress.
Does IPA have sports?
In school year 2025-2026, IPA expects to offer Girls’ and Boys’ Cross-Country, Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ Basketball, and Girls’ and Boys’ Track and Field. IPA sports operate under the direction of the NMMI Athletics program. Under special circumstances and with the approval of the Athletics Director, capable eighth grade students may be considered for participation in NMMI Athletics.
Does it cost money to attend IPA? Will IPA offer us financial help?
NMMI and IPA are required by statute to charge tuition. Generous support from the Daniels Foundation and other donors allows IPA to offer scholarships to many families. IPA cannot guarantee financial help to all families in need.
How do I apply? Is space limited?
Space is very limited. Open enrollment for new sixth graders begins in January and runs until all available spots are filled. Families are encouraged to apply early. Please see the application portal for additional information.
