Welcome to Sun Mountain Community School

Sun Mountain Community School is a Waldorf-inspired, tuition-free, public charter school that utilizes developmentally appropriate holistic education to nurture the body, mind and heart of each student.

Sun Mountain Community School Mission

Sun Mountain Community School (SMCS) is a community of families and educators dedicated to cultivating the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and consciousness capacities of the developing human being. Our mission is to educate the whole child, using an age-appropriate approach to content and skills based on principles of Waldorf Education and the work of Rudolf Steiner. Our students engage in rigorous academics, develop connections to the natural world and moral discernment, and achieve an appreciation of themselves and others.

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Curriculum & Pedagogy

Early Childhood

Our Early Childhood classrooms offer a warm, home-like environment where young children learn through rhythm, movement, and meaningful hands-on experiences. Each day unfolds with a gentle flow of creative play, songs, stories, and time in nature—nurturing curiosity, confidence, and the joy of discovery.

Grades

As children move into the grades, learning unfolds through rich stories, art, and discovery. Fairy tales grow into history, science, and geography, guided by imagination and clear thinking. Each year deepens understanding as students observe, question, and create—building knowledge through beauty, logic, and purpose on their path toward adolescence.

Unique Features

At Sun Mountain Community School, learning grows through creativity, curiosity, and meaningful work. Our approach honors the whole child—head, heart, and hands—by blending academics with art, movement, and practical skills. Each day invites imagination and purpose, nurturing confidence, joy, and a lasting love of learning.

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Admissions & Enrollment

Sun Mountain Community School (SMCS) is a tuition-free public charter school offering a Waldorf-inspired education. When there are more applicants than spaces available, we hold a lottery to determine enrollment in a fair and transparent way. Families are encouraged to learn about our philosophy, visit the campus, and connect with teachers and staff to gain a deeper understanding of the SMCS experience. Rooted in respect, curiosity, and community engagement, Sun Mountain fosters lifelong learners who are confident, compassionate, and capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

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Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression (ARAO)

Sun Mountain Community School is committed to fostering a learning environment where every child and family is treated with dignity, respect, and belonging. We stand against all forms of racism, discrimination, and oppression, and we work to cultivate a community grounded in equity, compassion, and understanding.

As part of this commitment, we align with the State of New Mexico’s Black Education Act, which supports culturally and linguistically responsive education for all students.

Reporting Concerns

Students, families, staff, and community members may report incidents of racism or racial discrimination through the State of New Mexico’s Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Portal. This tool ensures that concerns are formally documented and reviewed.

https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/student-support-services/at-risk-intervention-response/arao-portal/

We also encourage families to reach out directly to the school so we can listen, respond, and work together toward understanding and resolution.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Sun Mountain Community School is committed to ensuring that every child has access to a stable and supportive education. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students experiencing housing instability—including temporary housing, shared living situations due to hardship, shelters, motels, or other transitional arrangements—may qualify for educational support and services. Our school works compassionately and confidentially with families to help remove barriers and support student success.

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Book a Campus Tour Today!

Campus Tours are offered on Thursdays at 10 am and Fridays at 2 pm. Currently these are group tours, so keep in mind that you might not be the only family touring on the day of your choice.

Book Your Tour Today!

Blog & Latest News

Notice of School Board Meetings/Work Sessions

OMA Statement: SMCS Board Meetings are recurring monthly meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 pm at 26 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Fe, NM 87508, unless otherwise noted.

Please refer to the agenda for the zoom link and instructions for public comment.

2025-2026

July16 , 2025
August 20, 2025
September 17, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - closed executive session re limited personnel discussion
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
November 20 @ 6:00 pm - joint SMCS/SMSF board work session re capital outlay application
December 17, 2025
January 21, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - board work session re board self evaluation
March 18, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
April 15, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - closed executive session re HOS evaluation
April 15, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
May 20, 2026
June 17 @ 5:00 pm - joint SMCS/SMSF board work session re budget priorities
June 17, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

2024-2025

October 10th, 2024
November 07, 2024
December 09, 2024 - work session
December 12, 2024
January 16, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
January 27 @ 6:00 pm - closed executive session re HOS hiring
February 13 @ 5:00 pm - closed executive session re HOS deliberations
February 13, 2025
February 16 @ 10:30 am - closed executive session re HOS deliberations
February 25, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 8th, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - board meeting & work session
May 15, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
May 15, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
June 9, 2025 - NMCSP Subgrantee Technical Assistance Governing Board Training
June 12, 2025
June 17, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - SMCS Board has been invited to attend the SFWS Board Meeting
No SMCS business will be discussed at this meeting.