Farmington Municipal Schools begins construction of new preschool academy

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

CHINLE – Farmington Municipal Schools is set to start construction on a new Preschool Academy, thanks to full funding from the Public School Capital Outlay Council.

The $40 million project will combine the current Preschool Academy East and West into one facility, improving educational resources for the district’s youngest learners and providing a convenient childcare facility for parents. Construction begins this month and is expected to be completed by November 2026.

Designed by FBT Architects of Albuquerque, the new facility will be one of the largest preschools in New Mexico, specifically designed for early childhood education. Sanjay Engineer, the vice president and managing principal of FBT Architects, explained how each aspect of the building was designed with children in mind.

“Everything in the classrooms, from cubbies and desks to bathroom fixtures, is tailored for preschool-age students,” Engineer explained. The new building will feature soft seating, strong surfaces, and a centralized playground, a safe learning environment for children.

The preschool’s layout is set to support both learning and play, with spacious classrooms, multi-purpose areas, and designated quiet zones. Natural light was also chosen for the design, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Special attention has also been given to safety, with secure entry points and an intuitive layout that allows for easy supervision of students.

The groundbreaking event on March 10 drew a wide array of attendees, including representatives from the PSFA, PSCOC, city officials, first responders, and members of the Farmington Board of Education. According to Roberto Taboada, the spokesperson for FMS, the community’s enthusiasm highlights the significance of this investment in early education.

“This project has been years in the making, and we are thrilled to see it take shape,” Taboada said. “Once completed, it will bring our two preschools together under one roof and allow us to repurpose the existing Preschool West facility into a full career and technical education school.”

With the consolidation of preschool programs, FMS will enhance convenience for parents and expand access to early childhood education for more families in the district. The new preschool will allow for increased enrollment, ensuring that more children benefit from high-quality early learning experiences.

In addition to the benefits for preschoolers, the new school will be great for parents too. The expansion of career and technical education at the former Preschool West building will provide parents and young adult students with hands-on training in various trades, preparing them for more career opportunities.