In 2003 the South Broadway community identified the need for stronger elementary and middle school reading, math and science education. Because of its deep roots and long presence in the community, United South Broadway Corporation (USBC), a local community development organization, took up the challenge, and worked with community leaders to launch the Dorn Charter Community School. USBC brought in the expertise of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Community Partnerships (now the Netter Center for Community Partnerships) and the University of New Mexico Community Engagement Center to help develop the program. 

Dorn supports traditional public education – and indeed, the school is chartered by the Albuquerque Public Schools – but finds that the charter school framework is best able to support a cutting-edge curriculum in math, science and reading by engaging urban students with the natural world of their own neighborhoods. 

Dorn Charter Community School was awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant and a Children’s Award.

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Note: the banner image of this page is a mural by artist Layqa Nuna Yawar titled “Educational Justice will Guide us,” located on the Working Classroom building. Our community neighbor and ally, Working Classroom cultivates the artistic, civic, and academic minds of youth through in-depth arts projects with contemporary artists to amplify historically ignored voices, resist systemic injustices, and imagine a more equitable society.

Yawar’s statement about the mural:

"Educational Justice Will Guide Us Into the Future We Deserve is a mural that highlights how a just present guarantees a better and brighter future for our youth. The mural speaks of traditional forms of education given to us by nature and indigenous cultures as well as the western educational system as stepping stones to success and shows us how to make this trajectory just for all: by leveling the ground and lifting each other up within our communities as brother and sisters. Along with this message of renewal and growth, the mural reflects and celebrates Working Classroom’s mission of bridging Art, Education and Social Justice for the youth of the community."