Old Armijo School

Atanasio Montoya became Bernalillo County's school superintendent in 1912 and set out at once to modernize its rural schools, designing some himself. This was the second building of his tenure, opened in 1914 as the Ranchos de Atrisco district school, and the Albuquerque Journal called it modern in accordance with the latest and most approved ideas, down to a folding partition in its large classroom. The New Armijo School opened in 1940, but enrollment was so heavy the old building stayed open. It was listed on the National Register in 1982.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historical Marker Old Armijo School Constructed in 1914, this building was designed by Atanacio Montoya, a pro- gressive educator who introduced many reforms into early 20th century rural schools. It served as the school for the Village of Armijo until 1948. This school incorporated architectural fea- tures that were considered quite inno- vative and advanced for its time and is the only surviving structure of its kind.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Petroglyph National Monument — 7.2 mi
  Some 24,000 images pecked into the dark basalt of Albuquerque's West Mesa, protected in 1990 and then crossed by a city boulevard.

More markers nearby

• La Doctora María Dolores Gonzáles — 1.6 mi
• Graciela Olivárez — 1.7 mi
• Harvey Girls / Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, 1869 - 1958 — 2.3 mi
• Crossroads at Martineztown — 2.7 mi