Engineering & Coding

Software development and information technology are growing fields full of good-paying jobs, but the value of computer programming lies in the traits developed through its practice: Patience, persistence, and the ability to plan. Sandia Prep's Computer Science curriculum is student-paced with ample opportunity for creativity and one-on-one instruction. Students begin by exploring the tools of computer programming and have the opportunity to work all the way up to writing artificial intelligence programs, such as neural networks.
Sandia Prep Partners with UNM for Engineering Program
The University of New Mexico has partnered with Sandia Prep to bring design-based engineering courses to students. As part of the National Science Foundation's Engineering for Us All (E4USA), the partnership is aimed at introducing engineering to students who may never have considered that career path. UNM Engineering will provide mentoring and curriculum support. As of Spring 2020, Sandia Prep is one of only two New Mexico high schools to participate in the program.

8th Grade Engineering and Computing
Introduction to Engineering (Grades 9-12)
This course provides an introduction to the design, fabrication, and testing process followed by all engineers. Students gain these engineering skills by completing a variety of projects like building bridges, remote-controlled cars, and other projects. Projects introduce basic mechanical construction techniques necessary to be a successful engineer. Students use computer-aided design programs (AutoCAD) to design each piece needed for their designs and then fabricate prototypes and final designs using AutoCAM, 3D Printers, CNC Routers, and printed circuit board makers. The final step is to assemble and test designs. The course is meant to instill the engineering design process and the need for iterative design.
Engineering: Mechatronics (Grades 11-12 Students)
Computer Science
Computer Science 2
Students immerse themselves in more challenging problems and learn more complex programming constructs in the Java Programming Language. CS 2 begins with a study of control flow, followed by principles of Object Oriented Programming. Students design larger programs than in previous courses, necessitating organization, clarity of thought, and a renewed emphasis on clear commenting. CS 2 students are also introduced to more advanced data structures and theory of computation.