# Sunset Mesa School — Full Content > Complete content index for LLM consumption > Generated: 2026-03-26 | Posts: 25 --- ## Fifth Graders Bring the Courtroom to Life in Annual Mock Trial URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/annual-mock-trial/ Type: post Modified: 2026-03-26 March 17, 2026 – Each year, fifth grade students at Sunset Mesa School step into the world of the judicial system through the school’s highly anticipated Mock Trial program. The judge listens intently as students make their case for the big bad wolf. As part of their curriculum, students participate in a full courtroom simulation, complete with prosecution and defense teams, witnesses, and a jury. The trial is typically based on a familiar fairy tale, allowing students to creatively apply real-world legal concepts. A highlight of the experience is the involvement of a real judge, who presides over the trial and guides students through the process. Following the proceedings, students have the opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand what it’s like to work in the legal system. Held annually, the Mock Trial not only reinforces academic learning but also builds confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration skills among students. --- ## Sunset Mesa Students Showcase Innovation at Annual STEM Fair URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/stem-fair/ Type: post Modified: 2026-03-26 March 18, 2026 – This year, Sunset Mesa School once again transformed its campus into a vibrant showcase of creativity and curiosity during its annual STEM Fair. Held each year, the STEM Fair invites students from kindergarten through fifth grade to take ownership of their learning through optional, at-home projects. Students choose their own topics, conduct research, and present their findings through detailed posters, models, and experiments. Sunset Mesa student presents his Tsunami STEM project to judge. Throughout the day, classrooms visit the exhibit space to explore the projects, while volunteer judges—including scientists, engineers, and medical professionals—evaluate each presentation. Students eagerly explain their work, sharing both their process and discoveries. This year, approximately 30 students participated, demonstrating a wide range of topics and creativity. In addition to judged awards, students also vote for their favorite projects, making the event both a learning experience and a celebration of peer recognition. Kindergarten student shares her passion for snakes with the judges. The STEM Fair continues to be a cornerstone academic event, encouraging innovation, public speaking, and independent thinking—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. --- ## Sunset Mesa School Community Rallies for Kids Heart Challenge URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/sunset-mesa-school-community-rallies-for-kids-heart-challenge/ Type: post Modified: 2026-03-26 November 7, 2025 – Sunset Mesa School community kicks off the school year with the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. As highlighted by KRQE, Sunset Mesa has earned the title of top-earning school in the state of New Mexico, raising more than $345,000 over the past five years. Proof that great teachers will do anything for their students — even get slimed! Last year alone, students raised more than $40,000, and this year our community once again stepped up — raising an incredible $32,000 to support heart health education, research, and advocacy. More About Kids Heart Challenge The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide program that teaches students about heart health while raising lifesaving funds. Students learn the importance of heart-healthy habits, the basics of hands-only CPR, and how kindness, gratitude, and stress mangagement support overall wellness. Fun With a Purpose It’s a celebration that brings laughter, teamwork, and school spirit together — all for a meaningful cause. Through fun activities and school-wide challenges, students are encouraged to set goals and work together. One of the most anticipated traditions? Top earners earn the chance to “slime” a teacher at the end of the campaign! Sunset Mesa teacher Ms. Jackman smiling through the slime. We are incredibly proud of our students, families, and staff for showing what it means to lead with heart. Our brave teachers that were slimed in celebration of our students’ incredible efforts. --- ## Future Forward, Past Proud URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/future-forward-past-proud/ Type: post Modified: 2026-02-25 Sunset Mesa Alumni Senior Day 2026 May 1, 2026  12PM-2PM This alumni event brings graduating seniors back on campus for a special “welcome back” before their own high school graduation. Our campus shines with springtime warmth and graduation excitement as our fifth graders pair up with a senior to explore the campus. Teachers greet their former students and reminisce about their time together. A special ceremony is held allowing the seniors to share their memories of Sunset Mesa. Alumni families are recognized and awards are given to a few special alums.   Sign-up below for the 2026 Senior Day event and receive more information. Register --- ## Our History URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/our-history/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 1948 Sunset Mesa Schools’ first year. It was founded by Mrs. Beatrice Adkins, a kindergarten teacher and former principal from Ohio who had relatives living in Albuquerque.  It was the first kindergarten school in Albuquerque. Mrs. Adkins named the school Sunset Mesa Day School.  She enrolled children 4-6 years of age.  Kindergarten age children were placed in a junior or senior kindergarten class depending on their developmental readiness.  This was likely the first concept for the PreFirst class at Sunset Mesa Schools!  Mrs. Adkins was progressive for her time.  She was a passionate educator and very specific about her expectations for and responsibilities to, the children who attended Sunset Mesa Day School. The original location of Sunset Mesa Day School was at the intersection of Girard Blvd and Lomas near the University of New Mexico.  When Mrs. Adkins sold Sunset Mesa Day School, she had 100+ students and classes for children 4 years old through 3rd grade. 1959 SMS sold to Truett and Eulene Sheriff. Mrs. Sheriff was a wonderful educator who was a specialist in Early Childhood Education.  Mrs. Sheriff’s commitment to the education of young children prompted a strong initiative with three and four year olds.  She developed a serious learning program appropriate for that age group.  The combination of the already established Kindergarten program and the Early Childhood initiative resulted in numerical growth sufficient to require more space than was available in the original location. 1962 SMS moves to the present site. North Campus at 3020 Morris NE. The primary emphasis of the school through the sixties continued to be Early Childhood and Kindergarten. By 1970, Sunset Mesa Schools had added a 4th grade, expanding the primary grades through fourth. 1975 John and Wynona Ratliff purchase the school. At the time of the purchase, the Ratliff’s made the decision to shift the focus of Sunset Mesa Schools to the primary grades, first through fifth grades. The Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs had a solid foundation. In addition to building a strong curricular program, Sunset Mesa Schools emphasized six enrichment classes for children since the early 1970’s.  These are:  library, computer (the first computer program in an elementary school in Albuquerque,) art, Spanish, music and physical education. 1985 SMS acquires Albuquerque Montessori School. This provided parents with a choice of programs for their preschool childen. Additional buildings were added in 1979, 1981, 1992, 1993 and 2000, for a total of 37,000 square feet of instructional and administrative space. 1998 Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff retire. Their daughter, Deborah Mask, and her husband, Alan, became the directors of Sunset Mesa Schools. The following year Michelle Mock Clark became principal. 2003 New south campus opens. This 12,000 sq. ft. facility is dedicated to the education of preschool children. The elementary program remains on the North Campus site. 2025 Mr. and Mrs. Mask retire Mrs. Michelle Mock Clark became Head of School, and Mrs. Jennifer Donalson became Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations Sunset Mesa continues to provide students in the Albuquerque area a strong academic foundation in an environment that challenges students to think and act independently, develop strong study habits and think critically. Sunset Mesa encourages students to be productive, responsible and caring by learning sound values, compassion and ethical behavior. The purpose of Sunset Mesa is to give children, from their entry into the academic preschool until conclusion of fifth grade, a strong foundation on which to build their future educational and life experiences—an investment that will pay interest for a lifetime. --- ## Testimonial – Michaela Chavez URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-michaela-chavez/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Sunset Mesa School offers the best educational experience a parent could ever expect.” Sunset Mesa School is a phenomenal school that offers the best educational experience a parent could ever expect. Both my children are graduates of Sunset Mesa and both were well prepared for middle school. I love the fact that the Sunset Mesa community is a family atmosphere. – Michaela Chavez --- ## Testimonial – Jay McCleskey URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-jay-mccleskey/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “This is an absolutely great school!” This is an absolutely great school! My son attended Sunset Mesa from preschool through the 5th grade, and is now attending the Albuquerque Academy.  – Jay McCleskey --- ## Testimonial – Kirsten White URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-kirsten-white/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Our children gained confidence to head into middle school.” I am so grateful we found this amazing school. We have three children who attended this school from Pre-K through graduation. The solid educational foundation provided by the caring teachers here prepared our children to academically succeed. In addition the opportunities to have Spanish, computers, music and PE on a regular basis was important to our children’s growth. Between the small class sizes and the supportive  school environment, our children gained confidence to head into middle school prepared to meet the academic challenges.  – Kirsten White --- ## Testimonial – Meghan Stanford URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-meghan-stanford/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Sunset Mesa teachers rock!” Sunset Mesa teachers rock! Every year we think we’ve seen the best teacher our kids will have, maybe ever. But that’s the standard here! – Meghan Stanford --- ## Testimonial – Susan Johnson URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-susan-johnson/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Sunset Mesa prepared our son for a success in education and life.” – Susan Johnson --- ## Testimonial – Heather Summers URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-heather-summers/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “A great learning environment for our kids!” – Heather Summers --- ## Testimonial – Margie Espe URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-margie-espe/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “If you are looking for a school where your child will thrive, look no further.”  Both my children started in the Pre-K program.  One in the montessori program, the other in the early childhood program.  Both experiences were amazing.  My son has graduated from Sunset Mesa School and is now attending Albuquerque Academy.  My daughter is entering the third grade.  The school comes with an experienced staff and welcoming parent community.  Many of the teachers have been there 10+ years.  It is an enriching educational experience that offers a safe and happy learning environment. – Margie Espe --- ## Testimonial – Kathleen Lucero URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-kathleen-lucero/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “My two Kids were very well prepared for the challenge of middle school and high school.” Highly recommend this school for kids wanting a  good foundation before going to any of the college preparatory schools. My two kids both attended and were very well prepared for the challenges of their middle school and high school curriculum. -Kathleen Lucero --- ## Is My Child Ready for Preschool? URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/is-my-child-ready-for-preschool/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 Sunset Mesa Preschool begins accepting children at 2 ½ years old, but age is not the only consideration when determining if your child is ready for preschool. Readiness for preschool has more to do with whether a child is developmentally ready. Is your child socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically ready to participate with a group of children in a structured educational program? The following considerations are provided by Patricia Henderson Shimm, associate director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and co-author of Parenting Your Toddler. Is your child fairly independent? Sunset Mesa is licensed by New Mexico to only accept children who are potty-trained. While it is routine for the teachers to incorporate multiple bathroom trips throughout the day, the young child should understand his/her body well enough to tell the teacher when an extra bathroom trip is needed. Below are the guidelines we follow that may be helpful in preparing your child for school: Children must wear underwear; diapers and pull ups are not allowed.Most children have occasional accidents, and we are most understanding and helpful in those situations. Those accidents should be rare and should quickly decrease in frequency. Your child should be able to help him/herself get on and off the potty. Having easy fitting, elastic waist pants and underwear is most helpful for this level of independence. Teachers will certainly offer assistance on occasion. Your child should be able to clean him/herself with toilet paper. This skill will improve as the child matures, but teachers are not expected to help a child wipe, except in very occasional situations. Children may need to change their underwear on occasion. Teachers will offer appropriate assistance, but they will also encourage age-appropriate independence. In addition, your child should be able to wash his hands, eat his lunch and snack without assistance, and lay alone quietly during rest/nap time. Is your child able to verbally communicate? Preschool is a wonderful time for a child to learn how to interact with their peers as children have a chance to play and learn together. An essential part of these interactions is a child’s ability to communicate with simple words and sentences with their classmates and with the preschool teacher. Children in preschool need to use their words and not express themselves by hitting or biting. Is your child able to participate in group activities and follow directions? Many of our preschool activities, like circle time, requires all the children in the class participate at the same time. This means the all children will be asked by the teacher to sit still in their spot and listen to stories, count together, or sing songs. Your child will also be asked to follow teacher directions for transitional activities such as to line up for recess or gather their belongings for dismissal. If your child has not participated in group activities, we suggest you introduce them to story time at the library or enroll them in a gymnastics or structured play activity. --- ## Position Openings URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/position-openings/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 Looking for a career at Sunset Mesa? Sunset Mesa offers employment for a wide range of positions from part-time daycare staff to full-time teachers! If you’re interested in joining us, please fill out an application and submit it to admissions@sunset-mesa.com. Download Application --- ## Enrichments URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/enrichments-test/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 Art The goal in the Art curriculum is to create enthusiasm and appreciation for fine arts and for the student artists’ growth through a natural progression of experiences. The children learn to apply numerous methods (drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, printmaking) to create art. They are encouraged to evaluate their feelings and experiences resulting in continuous improvements in technique and further exploration of alternative methods. Library Our library curriculum emphasizes fostering a love of reading and developing information literacy and research skills to prepare students for later schooling.  Lessons are planned around the American Association of School Librarian’s (AASL) National School Library Standards. --- ## Testimonial – Megan & Dennis Napier URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-megan-dennis-napier/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “SMS supports us in developing our children’s characters, not just their test scores.” We were looking for a challenging academic program for our kids, and what we found at Sunset Mesa was an inclusive, welcoming community for our entire family that reinforces the values of respect, positive discipline, and community mindedness we value at home. SMS supports us in developing our children’s characters, not just their test scores. -Megan & Dennis Napier​ --- ## Testimonial – Drs. Kevin and Anne Harrison URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/drs-kevin-and-anne-harrison/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “The culture on campus fosters strong academics” We have three children attending Sunset Mesa Elementary and Preschool. Our oldest is in 3rd grade and started at Sunset Mesa in Kindergarten. The culture on campus is one that fosters strong academics and a supportive environment that involves families. We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience and our children’s preparation for the future. -Drs. Kevin and Anne Harrison --- ## Testimonial – Trevor and Denise Riggs URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-trevor-and-denise-riggs/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Fun and positive learning environment” Beyond teaching my children how to reach academic excellence, Sunset Mesa provides a caring group of highly talented teachers who truly care about each of their students. My kids receive a superb education while being a part of a magnificent community where they are seen and known. They love going to school not only because of their sweet friendships at Sunset Mesa but also because of the fun and positive learning environment the entire staff has created. – Trevor and Denise Riggs --- ## Testimonial -Josh and Melissa Rogers URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-josh-and-melissa-rogers/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Strong sense of community” As parents, our journey with Sunset Mesa has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment we enrolled our daughters, we knew we had made the right choice.  The dedication of the Sunset Mesa faculty and staff is truly remarkable. They not only educate but also nurture each child, understanding their individual strengths and challenges. Our girls have flourished academically, socially, and emotionally under their guidance. What sets Sunset Mesa apart is its strong sense of community. The support and camaraderie among parents, teachers, and students create a warm and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We wholeheartedly endorse Sunset Mesa to any parent seeking an exceptional education for their child. It has been a privilege to be part of this incredible school community, and we look forward to our children’s continued growth and success with Sunset Mesa. -Josh and Melissa Rogers --- ## Testimonial – Rathi Casey URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-rathi-casey/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Sunset Mesa has nurtured my daughter’s love for learning” Sunset Mesa has nurtured my daughter’s love for learning through a robust academic curriculum and a supportive learning environment. Ben and I will forever be grateful for the impact this has had on the early years of her life, laying a solid foundation for her future success! – Rathi Casey --- ## Testimonial – Albert Garcia URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-albert-garcia/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Both children are thriving and love the school and their friends” Both of my children transferred from another local private school, and while the transition was challenging, and at times difficult, their teachers and staff made every effort to help both children catch up to the other students. Both are now thriving and love the school and their friends. – Albert Garcia --- ## Testimonial -Dr. Erin Bell URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-dr-erin-bell/ Type: post Modified: 2025-12-18 “Sunset Mesa sets the highest standards in education through its curriculum” Sunset Mesa sets the highest standards in education through its curriculum. The teaching staff is helpful, attentive, and with the smaller class sizes, makes the education of my children feel more personalized to their needs. Together with all of the faculty, they foster a community environment, encouraging parents to participate in their children’s educational experience and build relationships with other parents. Sunset Mesa is a family – one that my children and I feel lucky to have. -Dr. Erin Bell --- ## Our Mission & Philosophy URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/mission-philosophy/ Type: post Modified: 2023-07-20 Sunset Mesa School (SMS) is family-owned, non-sectarian, and independent. Each of these adjectives reflects a significant truth about this school. First, SMS has been a tax-paying, family-owned school since 1948 and has operated under its current ownership for over 40 years. What we do at SMS is not just a job; our work impacts family stewardship, personal reputation and a lengthy heritage. Family-owned also means “hands on.” You will find the decision-makers right here. Second, the school is non-sectarian. Religious instruction has never been part of the curriculum. No faith requirement has ever been applied to students or faculty. However, SMS has over the years been owned and directed by Christian people. That necessarily informs our actions and values. People are uniquely created by God, are highly valued by Him and are responsible to him. All people in the SMS community should therefore treat one another as valuable, respected individuals with great potential to develop and use their unique characteristics and traits. Those values which Americans customarily call Judeo-Christian should be modeled by adults and taught to the students. These values include honesty, integrity, loyalty, patriotism, diligence, respect, personal responsibility, perseverance, courage, and friendship. Students should be challenged with high expectations and held to high standards for learning, behavior, and values. The same is true for the adults at SMS. Third, SMS is an “independent school.” This term historically has meant that ownership, governance, and finances are independent of governmental or diocesan control. Of course, independence has its consequences. SMS must persuade families year by year that this education is worth the tuition; no other source of revenue exists for a tax-paying independent school. An independent school has substantial choice in defining its own approach to education. We highly value that prerogative here. In this context, SMS purposefully provides a strong academic climate which fosters the intellectual and emotional growth of each student. Students can learn responsibility; they can earn self-esteem. We challenge students to become productive, responsible, and caring people by learning sound values, compassion and ethical behavior. We encourage them to learn, develop good study habits, act independently, solve problems, and think critically. These characteristics do not mean, however, that SMS is isolated in its own insular world. It is accredited by the National Independent Private School Association (an organization of tax-paying schools) and the New Mexico Public Education Department. Accreditation provides you an assurance of quality. It provides SMS with peer review and support, professional development, and a wide spectrum of information. Thank you for placing your child with SMS for this exciting experience in learning. You, the parent, are a vital part of the process. Thank you for cooperating with the administration and faculty in all of the vital areas of mutual concern for the education of your child. --- ## Testimonial – Test URL: https://sunset-mesa.com/testimonial-test/ Type: post Modified: 2023-07-20 …while receiving an excellent education.  The high academic standards, the many enrichments and the focus on raising kind, polite, and respectful children make it worth every cent of tuition.” -Ashley ---