Update: The Test to Stay Program will no longer occur on APS campuses.

Albuquerque Public Schools is doing all it can to keep students safe and in school even as the number of COVID cases in New Mexico remains high.

The Test to Stay program allows unvaccinated and partially vaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 to stay at school as long as they test negative in the days that follow. Students can also ride the bus, participate in extracurricular activities including athletics, and attend before- and after-school programs.

Outside of school and school-related activities, students would still be expected to quarantine.  

The Test to Stay program is only available to students exposed at school or school-related activities. Employees exposed to the virus at work also are eligible. 

Eligible students whose families have opted into the Test to Stay program must take a rapid, shallow, nasal swab test at their school in the days following exposure to COVID-19. As long as they test negative, they can stay at school.

The tests are administered by Premier Medical Group, an outside agency, under the supervision of school personnel. PMG test technicians will come to campus as needed and at varying times during the school day; therefore, schools will not be able to notify families when tests are being conducted.

The tests are free for families. The New Mexico Department of Health is using federal funding to cover costs. 

APS families may register their children in advance for the Test to Stay program:

Registered students are eligible for surveillance testing.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students who are exposed to COVID but choose not to participate in the Test to Stay program will be required to quarantine. Please remember that quarantining means avoiding all public contact, not just school and school-related activities.

Physical Address: 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE Albuquerque NM 87110

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25704 Albuquerque NM 87125-0704

Student Service Center (505) 855-9040 servicecenter@aps.edu