Balanced Program

Academics

A strong academic program is the heart of our college preparatory curriculum. Sandia Prep offers rigorous preparation in English, journalism, mathematics, laboratory science, history, modern languages (Spanish and French), and computer technology.

Sixth grade students at SPS enroll in extended class sessions of reading and language arts and 7th and 8th-graders may study either French or Spanish. Fine arts, journalism, photography, physical education, and computer classes are required. Middle School students may pursue advanced work in math and languages.

Upper School (High School) students at Sandia Prep follow a challenging college preparatory curriculum. Multiple years of study in English, history, mathematics, science, modern languages, and fine arts or communication are required, creating a well-rounded program. Our approach is also structured to encourage students to develop powerful and effective skills in various forms of written expression. Elective courses in art, music, history, communication, theater and other areas give students the chance to pursue a variety of topics, including new classes in radio and television broadcasting and filmmaking.

During the last month of the school year, each senior participates in a Senior Experience, completing an internship in a selected field. This program offers each graduating senior a unique opportunity to explore future career possibilities.

Individualized College Counseling

Sandia Prep’s excellent college counseling program is unique in Albuquerque.Sandia Prep’s excellent college counseling program is unique in Albuquerque. Our one-on-one process begins in the student’s Junior year, allowing our expert college counselors to work intensely with each student and family. Our goal is to help each student and family make an appropriate college placement. As a college preparatory school, one of the most important things we do is to help each of our students find and be admitted to the best colleges suited to his or her needs and goals.

As teachers and advisors, our college counselors have established personal relationships with students long before the college search begins. In Junior/Senior Seminar, students meet weekly with counselors to work on the college selection process. Faculty members assess student interests and aptitudes and meet with parents to discuss college choices. By the end of the Junior year, each SPS student has prepared a college application and essay and compiled a list of 10 suitable colleges. Our counselors then continue to work with students as they apply to colleges and choose the schools they will attend.

Our counselors place great emphasis on helping students secure financial aid and scholarships for college. We identify schools that are likely to provide aid of various kinds and review awards to ensure families receive ample financial support. After graduation, alumni can count on Sandia Prep’s assistance through college, graduate school, and beyond.

We like Prep’s emphasis on academic excellence and the well-rounded program designed to develop the individual, leader and citizen. The result is exceptional students thoroughly prepared to excel at the university level."

Jay Weingardt, Owner- The Fitness Superstore & parent of Collin '12, Kendall '10 & Karin '15

Arts

No education is complete that does not appeal to the heart and soul. Sandia Prep’s comprehensive arts program is designed to encourage each student to explore and develop his or her own artistic interests and abilities.

Fine arts are an integral part of Sandia Prep’s philosophy and program, with students able to explore an extensive mix of music, visual, theater and photography arts. The range and depth of our arts programs allows our students the opportunity to participate – in all grades and at all levels. Through participation in a high quality arts curriculum, SPS students learn about themselves while discovering the world around them.

Both Sandia Prep’s music and theater programs are renowned. Our award-winning chorus has performed in venues across the country and our theatrical productions are cutting edge. Students at SPS enjoy the benefit of our state-of-the-art theater. Our arts faculty includes talented, practicing artists, musicians and photographers who are also trained and dedicated educators.

Each year, SPS middle school students participate in an art and media rotation, which includes a combination of art, dance, computer, drama, music, photography and/or journalism. Middle school students are also invited to participate in chorus and band (beginning, advanced or jazz); orchestra is offered as an after-school option.

Upper school students at Sandia Prep complete two years of study in Fine Arts or Communications to graduate.Upper school (high school) students at Sandia Prep complete two years of study in Fine Arts or Communications to graduate. Arts courses offered include design and composition, art history, clay, sculpture, drawing and painting, printmaking, advanced acting, technical theater, theater design, music history, music theory and filmmaking. Upper school (high school) students also have the opportunity to participate in chorus, jazz band and theatrical productions.

Athletics

Volleyball Team Receives Academic Award

The 2010-2011 Varsity Volleyball team, led by Peter MacFarlane, is a recipient of the AVCA Team Academic Award! This award honors teams who have matched their dedication to the sport of volleyball with excellence in the classroom. To qualify for this award, the entire volleyball teamhad to hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent for the entire academicyear. This is a remarkable accomplishment and we are so proud of our volleyball team and coach. Congratulations!

SPS Baseball Student Athlete and Coach Honored

Nick Nelson '11 was recently named the Student-Athlete Baseball Player of the year in the Albuquerque Metro Area. This is the most prestigious award in the baseball community. Sundevil Coach Paul Huitt was named the Baseball Coachof the Year.

Athletics at SPS

Athletics & physical education are an important part of Sandia Prep's well-rounded approach. All 6th through 9th grade students take physical education classes as part of a regular schedule, and Upper School students take additional P.E. classes during their 10th through 12th grade years. We also encourage SPS students to participate in our active team sports program. More than 70% of our students compete in team sports each year. Last year (2010-2011), 459 students participated on 54 teams in 20 different sports.

Sandia Prep has a special “no-cut” philosophy concerning sports: If a student attends practices, that student is able to play on a team. We look for teamwork, individual skill improvement, and good sportsmanship in our athletes. This unique "no-cut" policy allows our students to enjoy a wide range of athletic opportunities – and we are proud to have earned numerous championship titles! Competitive team play is offered at both middle and upper school levels in soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, cross-country, and track. In addition, upper school teams compete in golf, tennis and swimming. All Sandia Prep students who participate in team sports are expected to maintain academic standing at all times.

Sports

Baseball; Basketball, Boys & Girls; Bowling; Cross Country, Boys & Girls; Dance; Golf, Boys & Girls; Soccer, Boys & Girls; Softball; Swimming, Boys & Girls; Tennis, Boys & Girls; Track, Boys & Girls; Volleyball

Participation

During the 2009-2010 school year, 480 Sandia Prep students participated on 53 teams in 19 sports.

Activities

One of the unique benefits of attending Sandia Prep is the opportunity to explore existing interests and talents — and discover new ones. As part of our regular school schedule, we set aside time for our students to participate in an activity of special interest to them. Students can choose a new activity every nine weeks or pursue the same interest for an entire year. While the menu of options changes from year to year, activity choices can range from world music, radio production, supercomputing, yoga, movies, and Model U.N. to Ultimate Frisbee, Junior Civitan and chess. More than 40 activities are offered weekly during two activity periods.

Outdoor Leadership Program

Sandia Prep also offers an outstanding nationally accredited Outdoor Leadership Program, which includes a camping program for those in middle school and an outdoor leadership program and week-long “outdoor classroom” experiences for upper school (high school) students. Sandia Prep’s activity program allows students to explore new, non-academic interests while providing a time and place for building strong relationships among students and faculty. Activities at SPS also help our students to grow as whole individuals — learning to cultivate balance in their lives.

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Community Service

Sandia Prep has a long tradition of community service. From the early days of the original Sandía School to our years on the current campus, our students and faculty have been actively involved in working to better our community. Our philosophy is that each person, as an individual, can make a difference in the lives of others and in the larger community.

Community service at Sandia Prep is voluntary. We feel strongly that, for students to benefit and learn, service must be student-directed. As a result, students at Sandia Prep grow to become members of the larger community, giving of themselves to others through a variety of service opportunities.

Sandia Prep students have led projects which have benefited numerous individuals, families and organizations both locally and beyond. Some of the causes that have been addressed by our students include hunger, children in need, people with disabilities and the environment. One such effort, the Zapatos program, was founded by SPS students. This unique endeavor pairs local elementary students in need with Sandia Prep upper school (high school) students, who provide shoes and mentoring to the younger children.

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Atmosphere

Simply put, Sandia Prep is a great place to be a student.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.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