Academics Overview


Not what to think. How to think.

Our blend of contemporary and traditional education allows students to think creatively, critically, and without limits. 

We know our students learn best when they are engaged, so our teaching is geared toward active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration. Every department at Sandia Prep offers advanced classes, as well as the chance to take multiple classes in the same discipline in one year. Our courses are challenging and our expectations high. We are passionate about seeing all of our students succeed.

A Sandia Prep education positions our students well for admission to college. Each year, one hundred percent of our seniors are accepted into a four-year college or university. Most importantly, Prep graduates are well prepared for the challenges of college work and beyond.
 

Preparing Our Students for the Future

Students will need to be well-versed, even fluent, in technology (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence) to succeed in the job market. Sandia Prep is preparing our students with a curriculum that will meet the future needs of our world.

Explore Academics
 
Innovative Advanced Courses

We offer students opportunities to pursue their academic interests in depth, either in elective courses in the various disciplines, in our independent study program, or in special academic programs. We are continually expanding our course offerings in response to students’ interests and needs. Our unique array of rigorous, honors-level courses challenge and motivate.


Click here to view our 2023 - 2024 curriculum guide


 

 

A sample of Sandia Prep courses

  • American Studies (History/English)

  • Architectural Studies

  • Astrophysics & Cosmology

  • Curtain! The Production Experience

  • Entrepreneurial Studies

  • Heritage Language Program

  • Intensive Writing

  • Mechatronics

  • Media Production

  • Molecular Biology

  • Physics 2 with Calculus

  • Spanish 5: Border Studies & Special Topics in Latin American Culture

Keeping teaching and learning fresh, engaging, and relevant is a driving force behind Sandia Prep’s approach to education. And because there’s no one-size-fits-all teaching style or prescribed curriculum, Prep’s beloved faculty members practice a wide variety of techniques.

“Project Based Learning helps students connect the dots between the content learned in class to the experiential learning that emerges from the PBL format. It creates a fertile ground for ‘aha’ moments.”
- Science teacher Anna Wilkerson on the use of Project-Based Learning in the classroom

 

Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method that puts student curiosity and problem- solving at the center. Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.

“The engineering program has allowed me to explore my passion for engineering and creativity through a variety of projects, from building bridges to programming cars.”
- Ramona, Class of 2022

 

 

Scott Jeffries

Assistant Head of School for Upper School

sjeffries@sandiaprep.org

Susi Hochrein

Assistant Head of School for Middle School

shochrein@sandiaprep.org