History

South Valley Academy is the brainchild of its two founding teachers, Alan Marks and Katarina Sandoval. They saw the need for a school that was personal and community-based. Together, they began discussing the concept of such a school with high academic standards that would have its roots deep in the community. South Valley Academy was founded in 1999, is chartered through Albuquerque Public Schools, and was named by its inaugural class of 2004. Our charter has been renewed through the 2014-2015 school year, at which time we will apply for our charter renewal.

In 1999, SVA began preparation for its first year on the campus of Ernie Pyle Middle School, not far from its current location. The entire school consisted of four portable buildings, seventy ninth-grade students, and nine staff members. Following the 2000-2001 school year, operations were moved to the current campus located at 3426 Blake Road. Once the site of a large tree farm, its size has allowed for the addition of a permanent gymnasium, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade classrooms, Dragon Farm, and an athletics field. Plans for future development include a middle school, housed in the current buildings, and brand new high school facilities.