Sandia Prep 2024-2025 Viewbook
Sandia Preparatory School's Admission Viewbook for families applying for the 2024-2025 school year
Sandia Preparatory School's Admission Viewbook for families applying for the 2024-2025 school year
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The Future Goes To<br />
SANDIA PREP<br />
At <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>, students take meaningful risks in<br />
a supportive community while learning who they<br />
are and who they want to become.<br />
Through a blend of contemporary and traditional<br />
education, students think creatively, critically,<br />
and without limits. They grow in confidence and<br />
resilience as they navigate the world.<br />
ON A MISSION<br />
The joy of learning and living is<br />
at the center of all we do.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>aratory School<br />
provides remarkable<br />
opportunities for intellectual<br />
and personal growth<br />
within a challenging and<br />
balanced program.<br />
As an extension of our families,<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>'s diverse community<br />
inspires students to find their<br />
academic focus, talents,<br />
and creativity.
HELLO FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL<br />
Welcome to <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>!<br />
I am thrilled that you have decided to learn more<br />
about this wonderful school. As our mission says,<br />
“The joy of learning and living is at the center of<br />
all we do.” This is evident in every corner of the<br />
campus - students are truly engaged in all aspects<br />
of the school, and the atmosphere is abuzz with<br />
excitement.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>’s vision is clear in its equal emphasis<br />
on academics, character, and community. The<br />
school understands that learning occurs when<br />
people connect with one another, experience the<br />
world around them, and forge their own paths as<br />
they seek knowledge.<br />
The world into which our students will graduate is<br />
changing rapidly. It is our responsibility in schools<br />
to teach not only content knowledge but the<br />
skills and intellect needed to collaborate, to think<br />
critically and creatively, to empathize, and to solve<br />
problems. <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> students go on to serve<br />
their communities and to excel in their chosen<br />
careers. They look back at <strong>Prep</strong> as the place that<br />
encouraged their curiosity, allowed them to take<br />
risks, and challenged their intellect and work ethic<br />
beyond what they once thought possible.<br />
I began my career at <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> several years<br />
ago. <strong>Prep</strong> taught me the importance of truly<br />
knowing each student and helping them develop<br />
their individual strengths and passions while<br />
creating a tight-knit community of lifelong learners.<br />
I look forward to meeting you!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Heather B. Mock, Head of School
SMALL<br />
At <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>, students take meaningful risks in<br />
a supportive community while learning who they<br />
By Design<br />
are and who they want to become.<br />
Through a blend of contemporary and traditional<br />
education, students think creatively, critically,<br />
and without limits. They grow in confidence and<br />
resilience as they navigate the world.<br />
We want to know, support, and<br />
celebrate your child. Our cohesive<br />
community means no one goes<br />
overlooked or unnoticed.<br />
“Small by design” means students<br />
can more easily master curriculum<br />
in an environment that allows for<br />
individual attention.
Small school = big things for students<br />
Considering <strong>Prep</strong>’s size, parents are continually amazed at the<br />
breadth of academic offerings and incredible variety of arts,<br />
athletics, and activities we offer.<br />
Right from the get-go, in addition to their English, math, science,<br />
history, and P.E. classes, sixth graders choose French, Spanish,<br />
or Heritage Spanish for their language class and select chorus,<br />
guitar, study hall, jazz band, or DareDevil Design for their elective.<br />
They also sample new courses every nine weeks in their rotation,<br />
which includes visual arts, performing arts, engineering and<br />
computer science, and digital media and communications.<br />
Finally, in their twice-weekly Activity period, students can opt for<br />
everything from gaga ball to gardening, sketchbook journaling to<br />
student government.<br />
“<br />
Faculty take the time to<br />
truly know students as<br />
individuals, and each<br />
student’s educational<br />
journey is valued as much<br />
as the destination.<br />
- Heather B. Mock, Head of School<br />
A+<br />
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOL<br />
Named a top school in<br />
New Mexico, earning an A+ rating<br />
ENROLLMENT<br />
506 students in<br />
grades 6 - 12<br />
“<br />
Upper school students can delve deeper into subjects they’re<br />
passionate about with honors-level courses and independent<br />
studies.<br />
When we say we have something for everyone, we mean it!<br />
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE<br />
15 students<br />
STUDENT - TEACHER RATIO<br />
7 - to - 1
Not what to think.<br />
HOW TO THINK.<br />
Keeping teaching and learning fresh, engaging, and relevant is<br />
a driving force behind <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>’s approach to education.
ACADEMICS<br />
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all teaching style<br />
or prescribed curriculum, <strong>Prep</strong>’s beloved faculty<br />
members practice a wide variety of techniques.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>’s curriculum is ever-evolving to meet<br />
the needs of students and future job markets. We<br />
know our students learn best when they are engaged,<br />
so our teaching is geared toward active learning,<br />
critical thinking, and collaboration. Our courses<br />
are challenging, our expectations high, and we are<br />
passionate about seeing all of our students succeed.<br />
A SAMPLE OF COURSES<br />
Advanced Digital Filmmaking Computer Science 2<br />
<strong>Prep</strong> offers a unique array of rigorous, honors-level<br />
courses that challenge and motivate.<br />
Students pursue their academic interests in depth,<br />
either in elective courses in the various disciplines,<br />
in our independent study program, or in special<br />
academic programs.<br />
American Studies<br />
Anthropology & Archaeology<br />
Astrophysics & Cosmology<br />
Calculus 2<br />
Heritage Spanish Program<br />
Mechatronics<br />
Molecular Biology<br />
Performing Arts Intensive
Signature Academic Programs<br />
DareDevil Design<br />
Sixth-grade students develop products, ideas, and projects to help communities. DareDevils<br />
compete in nationwide challenges such as the Future City Competition and work with nonprofits<br />
such as the Lantern Project.<br />
Distinguished Scholars<br />
We don’t rank our students, but those who maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average throughout<br />
upper school can choose to take additional classes in a specific area of study. With these<br />
additions, Distinguished Scholars graduate with 28+ credit hours and a Certificate of Distinction.<br />
Entrepreneurship Through Design<br />
This senior course develops an entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills essential to a<br />
student’s success in life. Students work with local entrepreneurs who present real-world business<br />
problems. Working in teams, students devise original concepts for a business and pitch their<br />
solutions Shark Tank-style to real investors.<br />
Staying at the Forefront<br />
Innovation is fundamental at <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>.<br />
We want our graduates to be at the forefront of technology in<br />
the future, helping to make a difference in society.<br />
Innovation and Design<br />
Innovation & Design courses at <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> offer students some of the best opportunities in the<br />
state to become highly-skilled in engineering, design, computer science, and entrepreneurship,<br />
among other disciplines. Students are immersed in problem-solving and logical thinking exercises<br />
and challenges in our the DesignLab on campus: part studio, part shared workplace, and part<br />
fabrication lab.<br />
A partnership with the National Science Foundation’s<br />
Engineering 4 Us All (e4usa) introduces engineering to students<br />
who may never have considered that career path. UNM’s<br />
Engineering Department provides mentoring and curriculum<br />
support. As of summer 2023, <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> is one of only two<br />
New Mexico high schools to participate in the program.<br />
Odyssey Scholars Program<br />
In this two-year capstone program, students embark on deep dives into academic or artistic<br />
projects. Recent Odyssey Scholars projects included resilience as it relates to Black artists; poetry,<br />
modern languages, and literacy; women’s rights, nutrition, and workouts; increasing awareness<br />
about people on the neurodivergent spectrum; and much more.
“<br />
There’s always a cutting edge in science, and we<br />
want to make sure we’re there. We’re looking at<br />
involving our students in real-world research.<br />
- Dr. Chuck Buxbaum, Science Teacher<br />
“
Turning Over a New Leaf<br />
Lori Hunt, English Teacher<br />
When opportunity knocks, answer. For more than two decades as a<br />
middle school English teacher, I’ve approached reading from all sides.<br />
You name it, I’ve tried it. Except, until recently, in one of perhaps the most<br />
innovative yet obvious ways – readers’ choice. Sure, I’d incorporated<br />
choice as “outside reading,” but I had never placed it front and center.<br />
Until I did.<br />
away from the dreaded “have to” and toward a dynamic “want to.” Choice<br />
affords students a unique way to explore themselves, their individual<br />
tastes and preferences. In our digital age of disruptive technologies,<br />
reading (the old fashioned way) provides a quiet journey inward where<br />
we can meet ourselves and, as ancient wisdom guides, gain a creative<br />
opportunity to better “know thyself.”<br />
At first, it was like stepping off a cliff.<br />
Gone were the familiar guardrails<br />
of a conventional curriculum. But<br />
gone, too, was the reluctance that<br />
required reading often rouses. In<br />
its place came a welcome sense<br />
of adventure, like trekking into the<br />
unknown. If “wonder is the beginning<br />
of wisdom,” we were off to a good<br />
start. Initial instructions were simple:<br />
find something you love, something<br />
that really knocks your socks off,<br />
something that expands you, excites<br />
you, makes you feel something.<br />
Even bonafide nonreaders began<br />
to embrace the idea that “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found<br />
the right book.” Our explorations earnestly ensued through the limitless<br />
landscape of literature.<br />
Here’s the thing about reading: It’s both a skill and an art. Conventionally,<br />
we drill the skills, and there’s value in that; however, if we want students<br />
to become passionate readers, then opportunities to discover the joy in<br />
it, the pure pleasure of it, should be an integral part of their experience,<br />
too. Choice cultivates both. Delightfully, choice also moves the needle<br />
Stories get our synapses<br />
firing, improve our ability<br />
to concentrate, and<br />
elevate both confidence<br />
and empathy.<br />
Science tells us that what stimulates the brain<br />
more than anything else is stories. Stories<br />
get our synapses firing, improve our ability to<br />
concentrate, and elevate both confidence and<br />
empathy. We all have our favorites, the stories<br />
that spoke to us, stirred something inside<br />
us, sparked our imaginations, challenged us,<br />
helped us dream and grow. Above all, reading<br />
“helps you understand and be understood,”<br />
both deeply human longings.<br />
As an educator, among the things I also<br />
love about choice is the space it provides<br />
for success. It accommodates learning<br />
differences quite organically. Still another<br />
beautiful aspect was the broader dialogue it stimulated about books and<br />
ideas. Students would ask other teachers, each other, administrators,<br />
teammates, siblings, parents and grandparents for recommendations.<br />
In that way, choice created a community buzz about books. My avid<br />
readers flew through more than 50 books, while emerging readers read<br />
no fewer than 15, in both cases far more than we’d be able to read<br />
traditionally as a class together. To get better at anything, you have to do<br />
it. If you want to help shape passionate, life-long readers, let them read<br />
more of what they want.
The Center for<br />
Learning Excellence<br />
It’s all about student success.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> faculty are not constrained by a<br />
traditional, rigid curriculum, so they are able to<br />
adapt their lessons to students with diverse<br />
learning styles.<br />
Project-Based Learning<br />
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching<br />
method that puts student curiosity and<br />
problem-solving at the center. Students<br />
work on a project over an extended period<br />
of time – from a week up to a semester –<br />
that engages them in solving a real-world<br />
problem or answering a complex question.<br />
They demonstrate their knowledge and<br />
skills by creating a public product or<br />
presentation for a real audience.<br />
“Project-Based Learning (PBL)<br />
helps students connect the dots<br />
between the content learned<br />
in class and the experiential<br />
learning that emerges from a<br />
PBL format. It creates a fertile<br />
ground for ‘aha’ moments.”<br />
- Anna Wilkerson, Science Teacher<br />
Our Center for Learning Excellence offers<br />
academic services to meet the individual needs<br />
and learning styles of all students. Our philosophy<br />
is that all attending students should be afforded<br />
opportunities to succeed academically.<br />
The Center for Learning Excellence offers:<br />
Academic Coaching<br />
Accommodation Plans<br />
ACT/SAT Accommodations<br />
Provide Opportunities for Community Tutors<br />
Study Strategies Support
Not extra.<br />
ESSENTIAL.<br />
Extracurriculars like art, athletics, and community service are not an afterthought.
Along with a full academic life, your student will unlock their<br />
potential by exploring arts, athletics, service learning, outdoor<br />
leadership, and community building.<br />
ARTS<br />
We offer an abundance of performing and visual arts at every<br />
grade level, including a comprehensive middle school theater<br />
program. From dance to jazz band and clay to photography, we<br />
encourage students to nourish their creativity and to appreciate<br />
their own and others’ creations.<br />
Theater<br />
Musical Theater<br />
Drama<br />
Technical Theater<br />
Dance Company<br />
Music<br />
Guitar<br />
Chorus<br />
Jazz Band<br />
Visual Arts<br />
Photography • Painting<br />
Sculpture & Ceramics<br />
Drawing • Architectural Studies<br />
Industrial Design • 3D Design
ATHLETICS<br />
Not only do we win state championships with no-cut<br />
athletics, we model sportsmanship while molding some<br />
of the state’s best student-athletes! More than 80 percent<br />
of our students play on 48 teams in 17 sports. Our<br />
inclusive program is led by a renowned coaching staff<br />
that produces state champions - 65 titles and counting!<br />
BEGINNING IN 6TH GRADE<br />
Basketball • Cross Country • Dance • Flag Football • Golf • Mountain Biking<br />
Soccer • Softball • Swim & Dive • Tennis • Track and Field • Volleyball<br />
BEGINNING IN 8TH GRADE<br />
Baseball • Bowling • Dance Team • eSports • Lacrosse<br />
“<br />
I loved playing soccer with my team, and being able to compete<br />
to win three State titles for the school was a surreal experience<br />
which will be remembered forever.<br />
- Mateo, Class of 2023<br />
“
ACTIVITIES<br />
From Model United Nations to the Outdoor Leadership<br />
Program, sports medicine to mural painting, through<br />
our Activity period, your student will explore their<br />
talents and interests and may even discover new<br />
ones. The Activity period is built into our weekly<br />
schedule, with more than 50 activities offered each<br />
quarter. Students can stick with a beloved activity all<br />
year or switch it up every nine weeks.<br />
ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:<br />
American Sign Language<br />
Black Student Union<br />
Chess<br />
La Chispa Literary Magazine<br />
Mock Trial<br />
National Honor Society<br />
Native American <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> Alliance<br />
Needle Art<br />
Stocks and Finance<br />
Ultimate Frisbee
Outdoor Leadership Program<br />
Not only do <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>’s Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP) students<br />
experience epic adventures near and far, they develop and implement<br />
leadership skills that will last a lifetime. More than 15 OLP trips are<br />
offered each year and are available at every grade level.<br />
During these trips, students focus their attention on:<br />
Interpersonal communication • Outdoor skills • History/ecology/geology of area<br />
SKILLS LEARNED<br />
• Administering first aid<br />
• Communication<br />
• Finding campsites<br />
• Leadership<br />
• Learning outdoor sports<br />
• No-trace camping<br />
• Planning<br />
• Problem-solving<br />
• Setting up tents<br />
• Teamwork<br />
• Tying knots<br />
SAMPLE OF OLP EXPERIENCES<br />
Caving and camping at El Malpais National Monument<br />
Climbing and downhill skiing in Durango, Colorado<br />
Kayaking at Navajo Lake and Lake Powell<br />
Cross-country skiing at Spruce Hole Yurt<br />
Sledding in the Great Sand Dunes<br />
Backpacking in the Cruces Basin Wilderness,<br />
Elk Creek, and Gila National Forest<br />
Domestic and international trips to Colorado, Hawaii,<br />
Chile, France, Iceland, Switzerland, and Peru
“<br />
In OLP, I’ve learned how<br />
to work with others as a<br />
team. It’s important to<br />
listen and work together<br />
to accomplish a task.<br />
- Philip, Class of 2027<br />
“
“<br />
At <strong>Prep</strong>, students are given many opportunities to try<br />
new things. That really helps broaden horizons and gives<br />
different perspectives of the world around you.<br />
- Meredith, Class of 2026<br />
“
A Tradition of Service<br />
At <strong>Prep</strong>, community service is inherent, not prescribed. Your<br />
student can choose and lead projects that make a positive impact<br />
in the community.<br />
By taking ownership of their enterprise, students discover the<br />
joy of service to others and build an ethos of compassion and<br />
leadership. More than 80% of <strong>Prep</strong> students are involved in our<br />
voluntary community service program.<br />
SERVICES PROJECTS INCLUDE:<br />
Cuidando Los Niños<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> students help at a daycare for<br />
unhoused children.<br />
Make-A-Wish Foundation<br />
National Honor Society members raise funds<br />
and awareness for local Wish Kids.<br />
Libros y Niños<br />
Students raise money and provide books<br />
and mentoring to elementary children in need.<br />
Storehouse and Roadrunner Food Bank<br />
Community service groups gather donations and<br />
volunteer on-site at local food banks.<br />
Los Ranchos Elementary Tutoring<br />
Ninth-grade students and National Honor<br />
Society members tutor elementary students.<br />
Vitalant Blood Drive<br />
Seventh-grade students sponsor an annual<br />
blood drive, one of the largest school blood<br />
drives in the state.
f<br />
1<br />
SANDIA PREPAR<br />
532 OSUNA ROAD<br />
EL PARAISO ROAD<br />
B<br />
D<br />
2<br />
3<br />
A<br />
C<br />
c<br />
b<br />
d<br />
4<br />
F<br />
N<br />
g<br />
a<br />
G<br />
H<br />
FIELD HOUSE PARKING LOT<br />
KEY<br />
EAST<br />
to <strong>Sandia</strong><br />
Mountains<br />
CLASSROOMS & ADMINISTRATION<br />
A Barbara Young Simms Classroom (200 Bldg)<br />
B Outdoor Leadership Program<br />
C DesignLab (300 Bldg)<br />
D Studio Arts (500 Bldg)<br />
E Saunders Library<br />
F Computer Lab and Center for Learning Excellence<br />
G Wellness Center<br />
H Science Labs<br />
I Physics Lab & Observatory<br />
J 6th and 7th Grade Hub Classrooms (700 Bldg)<br />
K Dance Studio<br />
L McCall Performing Arts Center<br />
M Black Box Theater<br />
N Digital Media Lab & College Counseling<br />
O Main Office (Head of School, Nurse)<br />
P Sundevil Supply Store<br />
Q Admission Welcome Center<br />
GATHERING AREAS<br />
a Gaga Pit<br />
b Gazebo<br />
c The Quad<br />
d Briley Commons<br />
e Russell Student Center<br />
(<strong>Prep</strong> Café & Sundevil Supply Store)<br />
f Karen Lyall Garden<br />
g Pitchfork Café
ATORY SCHOOL<br />
NE • ALBUQUERQUE<br />
6<br />
5<br />
E<br />
P<br />
e<br />
J<br />
M<br />
L<br />
K<br />
O<br />
Q<br />
7<br />
I<br />
SECURITY<br />
& WELCOME<br />
STUDENT & FACULTY PARKING<br />
MAIN<br />
ENTRANCE<br />
OSUNA ROAD<br />
SPORTS FACILITIES<br />
1 Tennis Courts<br />
2 East Field<br />
3 Softball Field<br />
4 Field House<br />
5 West Gym<br />
6 Durán Family Track & Soccer Stadium<br />
7 Baseball Field<br />
WEST<br />
to Rio Grande<br />
River
Not just a campus.<br />
A COMMUNITY.<br />
Sure, we have a beautiful campus, but what sets us apart is our true sense of community.
ATMOSPHERE<br />
At this home away from home, your child will thrive in<br />
a culture that promotes kindness, collaboration, and<br />
character.<br />
“ As a parent who has two<br />
students enrolled at <strong>Sandia</strong><br />
<strong>Prep</strong>, I cannot express enough<br />
how lucky we are. Anyone<br />
who is involved as a parent at<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> can feel the sense<br />
of community from the very<br />
beginning.<br />
Excellent academics in a vibrant, supportive, and<br />
unpretentious community: That’s what many parents<br />
tell us attracted them to <strong>Prep</strong>.<br />
Three facets of our strong foundation are: a robust<br />
advisory program, a cultivated culture of kindness,<br />
and active parent involvement.<br />
You know that your kids are<br />
being challenged academically,<br />
but <strong>Prep</strong> is a school where<br />
they can thrive socially and<br />
athletically as well.<br />
- James H., Parent<br />
“
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> is proud that our students come from diverse backgrounds.<br />
We foster equity in our policies and inclusivity in our decorum. We believe<br />
that students’ distinctions of race, ethnicity, income, gender identity,<br />
sexuality, and religion are facets to be championed, not muted. Our<br />
differences enhance the quality of life on <strong>Prep</strong>’s campus and bring our<br />
community together. Education around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and<br />
Belonging (DEI&B) is implemented in our curriculum, student events, faculty<br />
professional development, affinity groups, and schoolwide initiatives.<br />
Making Kindness Cool<br />
Community is one of <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>’s greatest strengths. We welcome<br />
students with diverse learning needs and understand the complexity and<br />
mutual benefit of being a truly inclusive school. Our culture of kindness is<br />
integral to who we are and what we do, every single day.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> was among the nation’s first schools to join Harvard University’s<br />
“Making Caring Common” campaign. The campaign encourages students<br />
to build strong, inclusive communities and prepares them to be caring,<br />
constructive citizens.<br />
Advisory<br />
Students work closely with an advisor, a faculty member who tracks their<br />
progress and development during the year. As an advocate, the advisor<br />
is available to talk with students about any and all concerns, academic or<br />
otherwise. In addition, the advisor serves as the primary liaison between<br />
the school and parents, meeting with parents each semester to track the<br />
student’s growth. Once a week, advisory groups of 10 - 12 students meet to<br />
share thoughts, ideas, information, and community.<br />
Parent & Guardian Involvement<br />
Parents and guardians are integral members of the <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> community,<br />
and we welcome their involvement. Whether you’re interested in getting a<br />
sneak peek at your student’s interactions as you volunteer on campus or<br />
you’d like to be a team parent for your child’s track team, you’ll find yourself<br />
in good company with inclusive, fun, and caring people.<br />
“<br />
Everyone is very supportive.<br />
If it’s about schoolwork or<br />
emotions, the teachers and<br />
students are always there to help.<br />
- Ava, Class of 2027<br />
“
Health and Wellness<br />
The social, emotional, and physical well-being of each<br />
student is embedded within our educational philosophy,<br />
curriculum, and culture.<br />
Physical Health<br />
Social and Emotional Health<br />
With more than a combined 50 years of<br />
experience, <strong>Prep</strong>’s registered pediatrics<br />
nurse and athletic trainer both ensure that<br />
students’ individual health care needs<br />
are met while on campus.<br />
Health care services include:<br />
• Direct provision of nursing health care<br />
services<br />
• School staff instruction and supervision<br />
in provision of care for students with<br />
special health care needs<br />
• Oversight for medication<br />
administration<br />
• Emergency and injury care,<br />
planning, and training<br />
Our wellness initiatives are led by our<br />
School Psychologist & Director of<br />
Wellness. With a background in child<br />
clinical, school, and pediatric psychology,<br />
our licensed clinical school psychologist<br />
works alongside our counseling team<br />
to provide high-quality, evidence-based<br />
evaluation, treatment, and consultation<br />
services for adolescents affected by<br />
developmental, social, emotional, and<br />
behavioral difficulties.<br />
Each grade-level advisory also explores<br />
social and emotional learning on topics<br />
such as: how to be an upstander when<br />
witnessing incidents of bullying and<br />
harassment; respecting yourself and<br />
others; and in the upper grades, how to<br />
balance emerging independence and<br />
increasing responsibilities with a joy for<br />
living and learning.
Our Campus<br />
Many first-time visitors to our secure, 33-acre campus marvel at how<br />
much there is to see. Our athletic, performing arts, and visual arts<br />
facilities are second to none. From our DesignLab to our Durán Family<br />
Track and Soccer Stadium, from our McCall Family Theater to the<br />
Briley Commons, students have access to a wide range of top-notch<br />
amenities.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> has one of the safest campuses in the city. Our closed<br />
campus is overseen by full-time security personnel who require every<br />
visitor to be identified and badged.<br />
We work hard to keep our students, faculty, staff, and visitors<br />
protected and secure at all times so they can focus on what matters<br />
most: teaching, learning, and participating.<br />
POPULAR CAMPUS SPOTS<br />
Anderman Concourse<br />
Clay Studio<br />
Field House<br />
Gazebo on the Quad<br />
Karen Lyall School Garden<br />
Pitchfork Café<br />
Saunders Library<br />
Sundevil Plaza
Marisa Brito Lienert<br />
Class of 2021<br />
Our Alumni<br />
One hundred percent of <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong><br />
graduates are accepted to four-year<br />
colleges and universities.<br />
Studying Neuroscience/Pre-Med at<br />
Georgia Institute of Technology<br />
Medical interpreter (Spanish) at Good<br />
Samaritan Clinic, researched at Emory<br />
University Medical School, published<br />
biomechanics research<br />
Participates in Division 1 Competitive Dance,<br />
Public Health Student Association, and Latin<br />
American Student Organization<br />
Students work one-on-one with college counselors,<br />
beginning in ninth grade, to understand the complex<br />
process of planning for and applying to college. <strong>Prep</strong><br />
graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of college.<br />
But they’re also prepared for life: Alumni consistently<br />
attribute their successes to the lessons learned at <strong>Prep</strong> in<br />
leadership, work-life balance, teamwork, critical thinking,<br />
and finding courage to step outside their comfort zone.<br />
They learned who they are and who they want to become.<br />
These three alumni epitomize what it means when we say,<br />
“The Future Goes to <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>.”<br />
““While at <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>, I built a<br />
strong foundation of knowledge,<br />
character, and skills that now<br />
benefit me as a student, an<br />
athlete, a scientist, and an active<br />
member in the community.<br />
“<br />
Where Our<br />
Graduates Go<br />
American University • Boston College • Brown University • University of California, Berkeley • California Polytechnic State University • Carnegie Mellon University<br />
Harvard University • Johns Hopkins University • Kenyon College • Macalester College • University of Michigan • Mount Holyoke College • New York University<br />
Polytechnic Institute • Rhode Island School of Design • University of San Diego • Sarah Lawrence University • Smith College • Syracuse University • Tufts University
“<br />
Above all, <strong>Prep</strong> made me a<br />
strong critical thinker, a skill I've<br />
applied in every academic and<br />
professional responsibility I've<br />
had since graduating.<br />
Brendon Gray<br />
Class of 2016<br />
“<br />
Economics B.A. & Political Science B.A.<br />
Carnegie Mellon University<br />
for Public Policy and Management M.A.<br />
Internships and research projects with<br />
U.S. Department of State, <strong>Sandia</strong> National<br />
Labs, and City of Albuquerque<br />
Juhee Patel<br />
Class of 2016<br />
Biology B.S.<br />
Medical student at University of<br />
New Mexico School of Medicine<br />
Vice President of the American Medical<br />
Women’s Association at the University<br />
of New Mexico School of Medicine<br />
“<br />
Ms. James's chemistry class<br />
made me realize my love for<br />
science. <strong>Prep</strong> gave me the skills<br />
of integrity, confidence, and<br />
great communication.<br />
“<br />
University of Chicago • Colorado School of Mines • Colgate University • Columbia University • Dartmouth College • The George Washington University • Georgia Institute of Technology<br />
Northeastern University • Northwestern University • Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences • Occidental College • Princeton University • Rice University • Reed College • Rensselaer<br />
United States Air Force Academy • United States Naval Academy • University of Vermont • University of Washington • Washington University, St. Louis • Yale University
The Independent School Advantage<br />
Graduates from independent schools are more likely than other students to:<br />
go to college<br />
Nearly 100% of graduates<br />
have higher average<br />
SAT scores<br />
finish college<br />
on time<br />
feel prepared<br />
for college<br />
of independent schools<br />
NAIS students on average<br />
77% of NAIS grads complete<br />
In their first year of college,<br />
that belong to the National<br />
score 293 points higher than<br />
college on time (compared to<br />
NAIS grads are more likely to<br />
Association of Independent<br />
other students.<br />
64% of public school grads).<br />
have learned to ask questions in<br />
Schools (NAIS) go to college.<br />
class, integrate knowledge, and<br />
support opinions with logical<br />
arguments.<br />
enjoy being challenged<br />
academically<br />
76% of NAIS students say their<br />
attend a highly-ranked<br />
college<br />
NAIS grads are more than<br />
have a path to success<br />
for first-generation and<br />
minority students<br />
take part in<br />
experiential learning<br />
42% of NAIS graduates<br />
school work makes them curious<br />
three times as likely to attend<br />
More than three-quarters of<br />
conducted research with<br />
to learn more (compared to 61%<br />
top ranked universities or<br />
NAIS minority graduates<br />
a professor in college<br />
of public school students).<br />
liberal arts colleges than<br />
(77%) graduated from college<br />
(compared to 35% of public<br />
graduates of other high<br />
within four years, while 62% of<br />
school graduates) and 42%<br />
schools.<br />
minority graduates from public<br />
worked on a long-term project<br />
high schools did the same.<br />
(compared to 32%).<br />
Sources: National Association of Independent Schools - nais.org<br />
NAIS-Gallup Report on NAIS Graduates, Gallup, Inc
Application Process Tips<br />
FIRST CHOICE PROGRAM<br />
All applicants are eligible for our First Choice Program,<br />
an early decision privilege for any family who knows that<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> is their top educational choice.<br />
Why First Choice?<br />
• Your child will be considered with a smaller<br />
pool of applicants before the general pool.<br />
• You will receive a decision in December,<br />
much sooner than general pool applicants.<br />
• You will have peace of mind and be able to<br />
look forward to the coming school year.<br />
Questions? Ask our Admission Team for more<br />
information at admission@sandiaprep.org or<br />
505.338.3007.<br />
Start early.<br />
It is often hard for parents to believe that the application process<br />
starts in September for enrollment the following school year. The<br />
admission process has multiple steps, and you will position your<br />
child better if you allow plenty of time for your family to complete the<br />
application.<br />
Do your research ahead of time by talking to current families.<br />
Ask them about their children's learning or educational experience,<br />
and just as importantly, their overall happiness. Are their children<br />
engaged, challenged, and supported? What is the stress level like?<br />
What kind of athletic and extracurricular activities will be available to<br />
your child? How are parents included in the school community? Ask<br />
families to explain how the school supports academic and personal<br />
growth at all grade levels.<br />
Don't sweat the admission test.<br />
We care more about school engagement and performance than just<br />
test scores. Putting pressure on your child can create undue anxiety<br />
and hinder admission test performance.<br />
Familiarize yourself with the tuition assistance process.<br />
<strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong> offers tuition assistance for many income levels. In fact,<br />
40% of our current students receive tuition assistance. Investment in<br />
elementary, middle, and high school prepares students for a lifetime<br />
of academic and career success. Moreover, independent and private<br />
schools can provide expertise in securing funding for college when<br />
the time comes.
WE CAN'T WAIT<br />
TO MEET YOU.<br />
We're excited to welcome you to our campus!<br />
Learn how to apply for the <strong>2024</strong> - <strong>2025</strong><br />
school year below.<br />
ADMISSION CHECKLIST<br />
Apply online at www.sandiaprep.org/apply<br />
(A $65 application fee will increase to $100 for late-wave<br />
applications beginning February 9, <strong>2024</strong>.)<br />
First Choice Applicants<br />
General Pool Applicants<br />
Register for an admission test date via the Admission Portal.<br />
Admission Application<br />
Due Tuesday, November 14, 2023<br />
Admission Application<br />
Due Thursday, February 8, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Request records from your child's school.<br />
Email teacher recommendation forms (available in October)<br />
Schedule your child's student interview and visit day.<br />
If applying for tuition assistance, submit application at<br />
sssandtadsfa.my.site.com/familyportal ($60 application fee).<br />
Tuition Assistance Application<br />
Due Tuesday, November 14, 2023<br />
Admission Decision Notification<br />
Thursday, December 14, 2023<br />
Enrollment<br />
Due Friday, January 26, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Tuition Assistance Application<br />
Due Friday, February 8, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Admission Decision Notification<br />
Friday, March 8, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Enrollment<br />
Due Friday, March 15, <strong>2024</strong><br />
CONTACT US<br />
Phone: 505.338.3007 • Fax: 505.212.0109 • admission@sandiaprep.org • sandiaprep.org/admission<br />
Ray Nelson, Director of Admission • Alexandra Darling, Assistant Director of Admission • Stacey Wiegleb, Admission Associate
532 Osuna Road NE<br />
Albuquerque, NM 87113<br />
505.338.3007<br />
sandiaprep.org<br />
Non-discriminatory Policy: <strong>Sandia</strong> <strong>Prep</strong>aratory School shall admit students of any race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights,<br />
privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender<br />
identity or expression, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.