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ECA Recognitions

ECA named an NMPED Spotlight School

graphic of two spotlights shining on green stars with text "SPOTLIGHT SCHOOL" underneath

Early College Academy has been named a Spotlight School, the highest designation possible, by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) for 2025-26.  Spotlight Schools are top-performing public schools in New Mexico recognized by the NMPED for strong academic achievement, student growth, and high performance on state accountability measures.

ECA Spotlight Report

NM Vistas, developed by the Public Education Department, is a public data reporting website that showcases school performance based on state accountability and other required criteria from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), as mandated by the U.S. Department of Education.  The site aims to assist families and community members in identifying schools that are excelling or schools in need of additional support.  These school identifications are based on a set of multiple measures informed by stakeholders representing New Mexico's communities.

How are schools rated?

Schools are rated on a point system based on the following indicators:

  • Math, Reading, and Science Achievement / Assessment Results
  • Growth in Math and Reading across time
  • Student attendance
  • Progress towards English language proficiency for students that are English learners
  • Post-secondary readiness
  • Graduation rates
  • Graduation rate growth
The seal of the Magnet Schools of America indicating that this school is a Certified Magnet School.

ECA is a Certified Magnet School of America!

In August 2026 Early College Academy was named a Certified National Magnet High School for the second time; the previous certification was earned in 2022.  They earned the distinction from Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet and theme-based schools.  See the news release.

MSA launched the certification program in 2016 as a comprehensive framework to help magnet schools achieve their highest potential.  Schools seeking certification are rigorously evaluated, and the application process requires schools to provide detailed evidence of their efforts to bring together students from different neighborhoods and backgrounds, eliminate barriers to student success, implement innovative curricula, and foster strong parent and community partnerships. 

The seal of the U.S. Dept. of Education, designating the school as a National Blue Ribbon School.

ECA / CEC is a Blue Ribbon School!

Career Enrichment Center & Early College Academy Magnet High School in Albuquerque Public Schools District has been designated an Exemplary High Performing Schools National Blue Ribbon School for 2019 by the U.S. Secretary of Education!

Our school is:

  • one of 362 schools in the nation to be recognized in 2019.
  • one of three schools from New Mexico to be recognized in 2019.
  • only the third high school in NM since 1982 to receive this honor.

Revised Sept. 14, 2026