A Visit to The ASK Academy: A Hub of STEM Excellence

This month, I had the incredible opportunity to visit The ASK Academy, a STEM-focused 6-12 charter school in Rio Rancho, NM. My visit was sparked by a connection with John Keelin, a passionate educator who was previously featured on our podcast, The Charter School Connection (listen here). John graciously welcomed me to the academy and gave me a firsthand look at the remarkable work happening within its walls.

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was struck by the energy and engagement between scholars and project managers. It was as if I had walked in during the capstone project of the year—but no, this was just a normal day at The ASK Academy. In one classroom, scholars were designing and building prosthetic limbs, complete with moving appendages. Just down the hall, another class was using high-speed cameras to research the molecular properties of light and water. The hands-on, inquiry-driven learning was not just impressive—it was inspiring.

Following the tour, I had the privilege of sitting down with John and The ASK Academy’s CEO, Ed Garcia. What stood out most during our conversation was their unwavering dedication to their community. They have worked diligently to expand their reach through grassroots efforts, ensuring that their impact is both meaningful and sustainable. Their vision for the future is ambitious by increasing their capabilities with a new building and further solidifying their position as the STEM education leader in Albuquerque.

As I reflect on my visit, I can’t help but feel grateful for the connection I have made with The ASK Academy. The passion, innovation, and commitment to student success that I witnessed reaffirm the importance of schools like this in shaping the future of STEM education. I have no doubt that The ASK Academy’s future is bright, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.