New Program with
University of New Mexico

By Dr. Denny Vanhorn

One of our primary areas of focus at San Cristobal Academy is to meet each student's academic and educational needs while they move through program. Therefore, SCA has entered into a new and exciting academic venture with the University of New Mexico-Taos, where we are offering four, three-credit General Study's courses delivered on the Ranch as part of SCA's Phase One curriculum. These classes are: Equine Skills, Basic Woodshop, Experiential Life Skills, and Wilderness Recreation. This is an optional enrollment program (for fee) providing students a great opportunity to acquire college credits while participating in our standard Phase I curriculum. This opportunity is available to all incoming students (with or without a high school diploma). The program encompasses a full 16-week course of study, and, upon earning a passing grade, will provide a student with 12 credit-hours from the UNM-Taos. The fee for enrollment for all four courses at in-state tuition is $55.00 per credit hour for a total tuition of $660.00. SCA staff work with all students in acquiring residency.

Course descriptions:

Equine Skills/Instructor: Jessica Grimes

Equine Skills exposes the student to the basic knowledge of horses and horsemanship by providing an introduction and overview to the world of horses and horse back riding. Students will learn fundamentals of handling, grooming, tacking, training, and riding. Progressive instruction on balance seat and centered riding is offered. Throughout the course each student receives individualized coaching with regards to his specific needs.

Basic Woodshop/ Instructor: Vincent Lauricella

In Basic Woodshop students will be exposed to the basic process and principles of woodworking, shop safety, tool use, and construction techniques. Students will study the correct use of both, hand and machine tools, wood identification, abrasives, joinery, wood technology, measurement, and shop mathematics. After clear demonstration of fundamental shop skills (safety) the student will work both by themselves and with other students in carpentry related projects.

Experiential Life Skills/Instructor: Casey Arrillaga

This course is designed to give students an understanding in the fundamentals of what it takes to "live on your own." In this course, the student will be taught basic life skills and how to live successfully as an independent adult. The curriculum works on helping students gain skills in: managing money, self care, organization, planning, critical thinking skills, problem solving, how to be a savvy consumer, career development, work ethic, teamwork, job skills.

Wilderness Recreation/Instructor: SCA Staff

This course is an introduction to outdoor recreation through wilderness experiences and camp crafts. Students will participate in camping activities, wilderness first aid, stone mapping/arrow construction, environmental awareness (leave no trace), and leadership training. Students are expected to work assigned projects outside of class time to complete projects.

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