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Atmosphere
Simply put, Sandia Prep is a great place to be a student. Our school atmosphere is informal and unpretentious. Here, learning is fun – and academic achievement is encouraged and supported.
We celebrate diversity at Sandia Prep. Our student body and faculty include members from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. And you’ll find a diversity of philosophy and thought on our campus.
Most of all, our school atmosphere is supportive. Every teacher and administrator is committed to the personal and academic success of each of our students. At Sandia Prep, individuals flourish – and every child can be a leader.
Here's a sample of what our faculty members say when asked if they enjoy working at Sandia Prep:
"I love working at Sandia Prep! The mission of the school isn’t just “lip service.” We really do provide the opportunity for kids to follow their passions, love learning, and become better human beings in an environment that is encouraging, supportive and community oriented. We don’t lose the rigor and level of difficulty in any area; we simply manage to truly enjoy the effort that comes with excellence."
– Debi Kierst, SPS teacher & Theater Chair
Advisory Program
Sandia Prep’s unique advisory program represents the “other half” of the education process. This formalized system is designed to foster informal communication among our teachers and students. As a child-centered school, and one where the development of the whole person is emphasized, Sandia Prep is committed to providing a time and place where students meet regularly with teachers to discuss concerns and simply to get to know one another.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, each SPS faculty member serves as an advisor to a group of ten students (of the same grade) each year. As a “special friend and advocate,” the advisor is available to talk with each of these students about academic and other issues. In addition, the advisor serves as the primary liaison between the school and parents, meeting with parents each semester to track the student’s progress and development.
Advisory groups gather daily before morning assembly to check in for the day. Advisors then meet once weekly with these students during a campus-wide advisory period. Here, students are free to discuss issues in an open setting with an adult facilitator. While suggested topics are provided, each advisor is free to channel the day’s discussion as needed. Students are also encouraged to meet individually with their advisor whenever they need to talk with a trusted adult about an academic or personal topic of concern.
“I liked the small classes at Prep, which resulted in close relationships with our teachers. I enjoyed the wide variety of electives - such as film history - and language classes that immersed us in the culture. Our college counselors were excellent; they guided me as I chose among several Ivy League schools.”
- Mack Puhl ’08, student, Yale University