Our School


We don't expect your child to fit a mold.
 

You know your child has potential.
We see it.

You know your child needs a challenge.
We provide it.

You want your child to enjoy learning.
We encourage that.

You want your child to have friends. Support. Role models. Mentors.
We are that community.


 What makes us who we are is your intelligent, talented, curious, creative, individual child. That’s who inspires us, motivates us, humbles us, and makes us love coming to work every day. We build our community around your child. We don’t expect your child to fit a mold. We mold our community and our curriculum around your child.

Heather Mock in Sundevil Plaza


Meet our Head of School

Heather B. Mock began her distinguished career at Sandia Prep more than 25 years ago, when she taught social studies, English, and drama. She also coached volleyball and led trips with the Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP). We are so honored and excited to have her back at Sandia Prep. Click the links below to meet our Head of School.

Welcome Letter from Heather

Over the Garden Wall: Head of School Blog


Who We Are

When Sandia Preparatory School students reach their senior year, and we ask them to write an essay for the Commencement Ceremony program, one resounding theme emerges: This place is home. Whether students are here from sixth grade on, or somewhere in between, they find their place. A place where teachers challenge and support them. Where friends become family. Where confidence and strength replace doubts and fears. A place to connect. To celebrate. To stand strong as lifelong learners and global citizens.

We are small by design. We want to know, support, and celebrate your child. Our cohesive community means no one goes overlooked or unnoticed. Small by design means greater opportunities for each student to participate and grow as a leader. Students can more easily master curriculum in a smaller learning environment where high aspirations and respectful relationships are encouraged. We want your child to enjoy a well-rounded, personalized experience.

“Prep has pushed me to do the things I did not think I could do and allowed me to discover my love of art, dance, and engineering, as well as helped me connect with my Native American heritage.”
- Reija, Class of 2022


On a Mission

The joy of learning and living is at the center of all we do. Sandia Preparatory School provides remarkable opportunities for intellectual and personal growth within a challenging and balanced program. As an extension of our families, Sandia Prep's diverse community inspires students to find their academic focus, talents, and creativity.


Our Vision

At Sandia Prep, we will inspire our students to discover their purposes in the world by: Developing essential skills and intellectual potential through challenging academics; Cultivating a socially responsible environment of innovation and creativity; and Engaging as a vibrant community for the betterment of society.
 

Our 5 A's

To foster growth toward human as well as academic excellence, Sandia Prep seeks to create balance along our Five A's - AcademicsAthleticsArtsActivities, and the school Atmosphere. Our logo represents our balanced philosophy and program: The Five A's converge to form an integrated whole, reflecting the well-rounded education that Sandia Prep students receive.

Fast Facts

Enrollment

506 Students in Grades 6 - 12

Average Class Size

15 Students

Student - Teacher Ratio

7 - to - 1

Student - Advisor Ratio

9 - to - 1

Top Private School

Named a top school in New Mexico, Earning an A+ Rating

Graduation Rate

100%

Community Service

82% of students participate in this voluntary, student-led program

Students that Self-Identify as BIPOC

46%

Tuition Assistance

40% of students receive tuition assistance

“By design, our size creates a strong community.  Students and teachers work closely together and form strong bonds.”
– Scott Jeffries, Assistant Head of School for Upper School

Students in kayaks

Signature Programs

From engineering to experiential outdoor adventures, from future city challenges to senior capstone experiences, Sandia Prep’s Signature Programs offer opportunities students won’t find anywhere else. Whether a student wants to take a dual-credit history course, become an entrepreneur, research an independent study topic, or be part of a filmmaking crew, they’ll discover options for academic challenge, leadership, and collaboration!

Advanced Curriculum

At the upper school (high school) level, courses are advanced and considered equally rigorous to AP courses, with many comparable to introductory college classes. We prize our independence too highly to ask our teachers to use a curriculum based on standardized tests. Because of this, we are able to offer a wide variety of advanced classes that allow for intense, in-depth study. 

Student at microscope

Student on laptop

Individualized College Counseling

Our College Counseling Department works one-on-one with students and their families beginning in the ninth grade.

  • We help your student find and be admitted to the best colleges and universities suited to their goals.
  • We help your student secure financial aid and scholarships for college.
  • After graduation, your graduate can count on Sandia Prep's assistance through college, graduate school, and career.

Prep Community

When we say “not just a campus, but a community”, we mean it. We are one SPS "family" - students, parents, and faculty focused on each student's success. That means faculty who go the extra mile to know and challenge their students. Who collaborate and brainstorm and continually refine and redesign their lessons and their expertise. Parents not at the periphery but front and center -- welcomed and encouraged to participate. And students whose academic journeys include daily opportunities to be kind, caring citizens of our campus and the world.

Student laughing at lunch

Why an independent school?

Student smiling with book

We value our independence.

Independent schools offer a tailored, student-focused, holistic education. At Sandia Prep, we celebrate aspiration and provide our students with opportunities and time to pursue their own interests, which results in a more fulfilling and well-rounded education. 

  • Our teachers have the freedom to create educational experiences that meet each child’s needs, without state mandates on curriculum, textbooks, and testing.
     
  • Independent schools have high academic standards. We nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
     
  • Our small classes allow for individual attention. Low student-teacher ratios encourage close connections between instructors and students.
     
  • We educate the whole child. In addition to academics, independent schools also nurture students’ personal and social growth and civic conscience.

Independent schools have a community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. We promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals. As a parent, you can actively engage in your student’s education, because our staff and teachers want and value your participation.

Parents choose independent schools because:

  • They want a safe learning environment.
  • They want their child to be academically challenged and supported.
  • They want their child to reach their potential and be prepared for college.
  • They want a school that focuses on their child’s social and emotional development so they will be a well-rounded and productive member of society.

Sources: independentschoolparent.comnais.org

Line of students at pottery wheels

Non-discriminatory Policy: Sandia Preparatory School shall admit students of any race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights, 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 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.