Upper School

Our Upper School curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to test their talents and to develop their skills in a variety of academic disciplines. We require students to take courses in English, Fine Arts or Communications, HIstory, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education, and Science.

We also offer students the opportunity to pursue their academic interests in depth either in elective courses in the various disciplines, including engineering and coding, or in an independent study program. Students may elect to take advanced courses at the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College through our concurrent enrollment program.

A typical class load is 5 core courses with 2 additional elective courses totaling 7 classes, with 1 free period. While the school makes no guarantee that additional classes may be scheduled, exceptions may be made. A 2.00 grade point average (GPA) is the cutoff grade for promotion. A student must have a 2.00 GPA at the end of each marking period and a cumulative 2.00 at the end of each school year to be asked to continue.

For the 2017 -18 school year, students entering grades 11 and 12 must have 23 high school credits and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 to graduate. Students entering grade 9 and 10 must have 23.5 high school credits and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 to graduate. View details regarding required classes and electives.

As with Homer's Odysseus, our Odyssey Scholars set out on an epic journey of learning and discovery developed around an area of study which they are passionate about. Odyssey Scholars will challenge themselves academically, intellectually, and creatively by designing a two-year course of study that will culminate in a major public presentation. This program combines the elements of Independent Study, Senior Experience, and research (capstone) projects. Students may apply for the program at the end of Sophomore year.

Meet our Odyssey Scholars and visit their blogs to learn more about their journeys.

Distinguished Scholars are students who have chosen to take additional classes during their time at Sandia Prep while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. These students graduate with 28+ credits. While some may focus specifically in a given area (math, science, arts, etc.) others may have branched out and accumulated the credits in a variety of areas.

Sandia Prep's Engineering & Coding classes begin in the 8th grade and continue through senior year. Students build on a foundation of engineering concepts and basic coding taught in 8th grade and progress to Mechatronics and longer, more complex strings of code. Learn more about Sandia Prep's engineering and coding classes.

Exciting News! Sandia Prep was recently awarded a $25,000 grant for our Engineering & Coding Program. The grant will be used to cover equipment for our engineering and manufacturing lab, including a laser cutter, a 3D printer, robotics kits, and various tools. Thank you to The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc. for believing and supporting Sandia Prep's vision.

Download 2018 - 2019 Curriculum Guide here.

Prior to enrollment in college, Sandia Prep seniors have the opportunity to participate in a senior capstone project during the last month of the school year. The program may take the form of academic research, community service, exposure to a vocational or professional role, or any other idea approved by the Senior Capstone Committee. Students work with an outside supervisor and receive an evaluation of their performance.

Past SPS Senior Capstone Projects
Building a Prototype Prosthetic	Cold Atom Technology
Crime Scene Investigation	Speech Pathology
Musical Composition	Fencing
Air Traffic Control	Exploring Education
Sea Turtle Conservation in Grenada	Computer Engineering at Intel
Pediatrics	Therapy Animals

Sandia Prep's Saunders Library gives students access to all the resources they need for classes, research, and exploration. More than just books.