Welcome

The ASK Academy Androids: Pioneering the Future of STEM

Welcome to The ASK Academy, where innovation meets education! Nestled in the heart of the City of Vision, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, The ASK Academy is a state-authorized public charter school dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Serving grades 6 through 12, we specialize in providing an inspiring environment for students passionate about STEM careers, with a focus on biomedical sciences, engineering, and design.

At ASK Academy, we believe in more than just traditional learning. Our scholars thrive in an exciting blend of traditional teaching methods combined with hands-on, project-based learning. This dynamic approach ensures that our scholars are not only gaining knowledge but also applying it in real-world scenarios.

Our strong partnerships with local STEM businesses and top-tier post-secondary institutions give our scholars the unique opportunity to learn directly from professionals and engage in authentic, career-focused experiences. With a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, The ASK Academy prepares scholars for the ever-evolving STEM workforce, empowering them to excel in cutting-edge fields that are shaping the future.

We invite you to explore our website to discover how The ASK Academy stands apart in providing a truly innovative educational experience. Whether you're a prospective student or a family eager to invest in a bright, STEM-driven future, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions, or if you're ready to learn more about how your scholar can be a part of our forward-thinking community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to helping your child take the next step toward an exciting and fulfilling STEM career!

Meet our Middle School Principal, John Keelin

Mr. Keelin has 25 years of experience in education. Mr. Keelin is a native New Mexican with strong ties to our educational system. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and holds his administration degree from Highlands University along with a Masters in Curruclum and Planning. Mr. Keelin believes that we must come together as a community to reach the needs of our scholars. Working with the community and providing a safe and consistent learning environment is a key goal for him. He works closely with the administration team to create and implement consistency within our Academy. He builds strong bonds with the scholars and they know he is firm, fair, and trustworthy.

Meet our High School Principal, Bill Barrett

Mr. Barrett is thrilled to be part of The ASK Academy family as the High School Principal. He has more than thirty years of leadership, senior administrative, teaching, coaching, and counseling experience in education to the community. Mr. Barrett has many ties to New Mexico, having lived in Albuquerque years ago. In fact, he got his formal start in education through his attendance at UNM, where he received his master’s degree in special education and taught for one year at Highland High School.

Before ASK, he was the head of school for five years at St. Mary’s Academy, an independent PK-12 school in Colorado. In addition to this role, he taught a positive psychology course to juniors and seniors and coached the middle school boys’ lacrosse team. Prior to leading St. Mary’s Academy, he served in several roles during his twenty-year tenure at Rippowam Cisqua School, an independent PK-9 school in New York. Mr. Barrett was the grades five through nine principal for eleven years, and was also the dean of students, director of boys’ athletics, sixth grade English and History teacher, seventh grade math teacher, ninth grade TED Talk facilitator, and football, basketball, and lacrosse coach.

Mr. Barrett has led several initiatives to help prepare students for success. Examples include program and
facilities expansion, strategic planning, marketing, institutional advancement, community relationships,
technology integration, and wellness, among others. In addition, he has a depth of experience in
supporting STEM education, project-based learning, and is deeply interested in educating for global
competence.

“Great schools develop and foster meaningful relationships. In an environment where students are known, cared for, understood, and supported appropriately, they become inspired to grow in ways they might never have dreamed possible. I am excited to partner with the incredible individuals in The ASK Academy family in support of our scholars.”