What is TMP?      

  • The MASTERS Program is an early college charter school, one of three in the state.  We are located on the campus of Santa Fe Community College.  
  • Our students follow a college-type schedule that requires independence and responsibility, the ability to use free time wisely, and the wisdom to come and go according to individual schedule.  
  • The college offers such resources as a library, labs, and tutoring and TMP offers as much academic support as a student needs. 
  • We do expect that students will let us know when they need tutoring help in any class.  

What is your mission?

  • The mission of The MASTERS Program is to support the goal of a college education as an option for every student by expecting all students to perform at rigorous academic levels when provided challenging educational activities by inspired, talented teachers.

  • At The MASTERS Program, we will be engaged in lifelong learning, in our community through service, and with our world as a whole.

  • We will respect ourselves, our peers and colleagues, the community, and the world through compassionate communication, practicing integrity, and working towards lifelong service.

  • We will cultivate the joy of challenge with support.

How do I enroll and what are the fees?

  • Students enter The MASTERS Program by lottery.
  • We are a public charter school and thus charge no tuition.
  • We hope that this early college experience will create a seamless transition to college, and can allow a student to get 2 years of college without having to pay tuition. 

What does TMP focus on academically?

  • By charter, we are STEM focused (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and our goal is to infuse everything we do with STEM learning and to prepare our students to continue on at the college level in science, math, engineering, sustainable technologies etc.  
  • Our curriculum is rigorous, attendance is mandatory and students are expected to feel challenged by the work asked of them.  Quality of work is important.
  • We also require community service of our students and offer mentorships for elective credit.  The importance of interface with and involvement in the community is a fundamental of our school.  Juniors and seniors are required to participate in 40 hours of community service per year.
  • Our charter also states that we will use the Paideia method of instruction to teach higher level thinking skills.  To accomplish this, we use texts written long ago; we read them together and then discuss them, encouraging students to wrestle with concepts, to disagree in a way that invites participation rather than shutting it off and to use higher level, conceptual thinking.

In five thoughts or less:

As a staff, we have adopted the following 5 guidelines to focus our work at The MASTERS Program:

  • College or further education for all – we are preparing our students for college.
  • Challenge with Support – help is always available from teachers or tutors.
  • Excellence – late work is penalized and quality is expected.
  • Connection – relationships are important at TMP, and we have teams and a Gathering each week.
  • Self Discovery – we want our students to take responsibility, learn independence and ask for help.

What are people saying?

  • "I appreciate my student being able to get ahead on college credits."

  • "TMP creates a smooth transition from high school to college."

  • "I appreciate how involved the school is with its students and how all the students are like one big family."

  • "My daughter is flourishing in this environment – able to follow her interests and find challenge."

  • "A good option and better opportunity for my child to get the most out of her time spent at school."

  • "Love having a school like this, that it’s on a college campus, academically challenging." 

  • "I appreciate the opportunity to learn at a more mature level."      

  • "TMP is such a wonderful opportunity for anyone serious about their education.  I have recommended it to several people."

Other successes of TMP:

  • Our students have enrolled in such varied classes as Biofuels, American Sign Language, Genetics, Culinary Arts, CAD, Jewelry, Web Design, Nutrition, Voice, Piano, Psychology, Woodturning and Comparative World Religions.  Approximately 280 courses were taken Spring Semester 2012.

  • Currently three students are in Calculus 3, two are in Calculus 1, five are in Trigonometry with Vectors, and fourteen are in Pre-Calculus.

  • One student who will graduate this May will stay at SFCC and get her Associate in Arts degree in December of this year.  Another student will have her phlebotomy certificate and is applying to the UNM/MD program.  Two students graduating were in the HEP Program at Christus St. Vincent Hospital last year and one student is starting the dental assisting program.

  • One senior recently had a spread in Pasatiempo and an exhibit at William and Joseph Gallery for his blown glass human organs packaged as meat. 

  • Two seniors won a film competition through their work at SFCC.

  • One continuing student has just begun the nurse’s aide program and plans to apply to the nursing program.  Two students are currently in EMT training.  

  • College acceptances this year include Smith, Bard, Alfred University, and Washington University.

  • Eight juniors are already close to having their Associate in Arts degrees.

  • Three students have completed tax preparation courses and helped people with their tax returns.

  • Three continuing students are mentoring at the Santa Fe Institute doing graduate level research.  Another is mentoring at Senator Bingaman’s office.

The MASTERS Program SFCC LL320 6401 Richards Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87508  (505) 428-7320  F: (505) 428-7322  dbreland@tmpsantafe.org

Copyright © 2011 The MASTERS Program.  All Rights Reserved.  Notice of non-discrimination.