Farmington Municipal Schools Opens Preschool Academy; Largest Early Childhood Education Campus in NM
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Farmington Municipal Schools Opens New Preschool Academy, Creating New Mexico’s Largest Early Childhood Education Campus
The purpose-built facility reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to the region’s youngest learners.
FARMINGTON, N.M. — Monday, August 3, 2026 — A child’s first classroom often shapes a lifetime of learning.
Today, Farmington Municipal Schools (FMS) celebrated the opening of the Farmington Preschool Academy. This new 51,900-square-foot facility expands access to early childhood education and becomes the largest preschool facility in New Mexico.
Designed by FBT Architects and constructed by Jaynes Corporation, the academy was created to provide a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where the district’s youngest learners can build the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
The facility has 23 classrooms, offices, support spaces, and outdoor learning areas built with more than 500 preschool-aged children in mind. Bringing educators, specialists, and families together under one roof shows Farmington Municipal Schools’ lasting commitment to early childhood education across the Four Corners region.
“This building reflects what our community believes about its children,” said Cody Diehl, Superintendent of Farmington Municipal Schools. “Every child deserves an outstanding start to their educational journey. The Farmington Preschool Academy gives our students a learning environment specifically designed to help them grow, explore, and succeed from their very first day of school.”
While the ribbon cutting marks the completion of construction, district leaders say the project represents years of planning and partnership.
Delivered through the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) project delivery method, the academy brought Farmington Municipal Schools, FBT Architects, and Jaynes Corporation together early in the process to make collaborative decisions about design, budget, constructability, and long-term value. That integrated approach allowed the team to solve challenges together while maintaining a shared focus on the district’s educational mission.
“Successful projects begin with trust,” said Neil Reese, General Superintendent for Jaynes Corporation. “From our very first planning meetings, every conversation centered on one question: What’s best for Farmington’s students? When the owner, architect, and builder stay aligned around that purpose, you create a better project and, ultimately, a better place for children to learn.”
For FBT Architects, the project offered an opportunity to design a facility around the unique ways young children experience space.
“Architecture has a profound impact on how children learn and interact with the world around them,” said Michele Carter, Principal and Director of Marketing & Business Development for FBT Architects. “Every classroom, every outdoor space, and every shared area was designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. That’s only possible when the entire project team shares the same vision.”
That spirit of collaboration remained constant throughout construction, according to Isaac Gamboa, FMS Executive Director of Operations & Athletics.
“This project has always been about creating opportunities for children,” Gamboa said. “The relationships between our district, FBT, Jaynes, and our consultants created an environment where challenges became solutions instead of obstacles. That collaboration is reflected in every part of this building.”
The academy’s design emphasizes natural daylight, intuitive circulation, durability, security, and flexible learning spaces that can evolve alongside the district’s educational programs. Outdoor learning environments extend the classroom experience while creating opportunities for exploration, movement, and play.
Although the building officially opens today, its impact will be measured for decades to come, in the students who take their first steps into learning, the teachers who help them grow, and the families who will watch their children begin their educational journeys within its walls.
For Farmington Municipal Schools, the Farmington Preschool Academy is more than New Mexico’s largest preschool campus. It is a lasting investment in children, families, and the future of the Four Corners community.
About Farmington Municipal Schools
Farmington Municipal Schools is a public school district in Farmington, New Mexico. The District was established in 1901. The District covers an area of approximately 808 square miles in San Juan County. The District has more than 10,400 students enrolled and employs over 1,800 staff, including 711 teachers. Farmington Municipal Schools serves students throughout the Four Corners region with a commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities that prepare every student for success.
About FBT Architects
FBT Architects is an award-winning architecture and planning firm serving clients throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. Established in 1973, FBT has made educational design a central focus of their practice, with over 300 completed school projects that inspire collaboration, creativity, and focus. FBT offers an experienced and talented core staff of 65 people, including licensed architects, engineers, and LEED-accredited professionals. The firm also offers specialized services, including a landscape architecture studio, interior design studio, and structural and civil engineering subsidiary. Along with education, FBT Architects also specializes in creating civic, healthcare, and commercial facilities that strengthen communities through thoughtful design.
About Jaynes Corporation
Founded in 1946, Jaynes Corporation is one of the Southwest’s largest employee-owned commercial general contractors. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jaynes provides preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting services throughout New Mexico and the surrounding region. For 80 years, Jaynes has partnered with owners to deliver complex projects in healthcare, education, civic, federal, industrial, commercial, and mission-critical markets.
Media Contacts
Farmington Municipal Schools
Robert Taboada
Public Information Officer
Jaynes Corporation
Alicia Flores
Director of Marketing
FBT Architects
Michele Carter
Director of Marketing & Business Development & Principal