Middle School


Middle School

Our middle school (grades 6 – 8) is a lively place where students develop meaningful relationships with teachers and with their fellow students. We believe this supportive web of relationships makes it possible for our students to take risks in a variety of areas. They can learn where their talents lie and develop the skills they need to grow intellectually and academically.

We believe it is important for middle school students to learn skills in context. In particular, we teach critical thinking and study skills in each discipline rather than teaching them individually. At Sandia Prep, we want our students to discover the connections between subjects and to use these discoveries to explore and understand the world around them.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be able to work with Prep families. Sandia Prep showed me everything education should be. I’m happy to be able to give back to this community, a place I call my second home.”
- Susi Hochrein, Assistant Head of School for Middle School

Sixth Grade

Our sixth-grade program focuses on fostering a joy in learning and teaches our students the academic skills necessary to succeed at Prep and beyond. We believe it is important for students to have a solid background in reading and writing. With its focus on culture and geography, our social studies course allows students to explore the connections between their community and the larger world. In science, we provide hands-on activities and stimulate students' curiosity as they deepen their scientific literacy.

We hone students' fundamental skills in our math program and introduce them to more sophisticated mathematical concepts. Our rotation courses expose students to a variety of experiences and skills in drama, visual arts, music, and computer skills, and explores the relationship between leadership and environmental sustainability. Electives include performing arts and DareDevil Design where students engage in creative, critical, and constructive processes to develop ideas, products, and projects to contribute to the community. Our physical education program stresses the importance of lifelong fitness and team skills while developing overall healthfulness.

Seventh Grade

Our seventh-grade program is designed to provide students with a multitude of opportunities to explore their relationship with the world around them while, at the same time, developing and refining the skills necessary to understand and negotiate the many situations they encounter, both in school and their larger community.

Eighth Grade

The focus of our eighth-grade program is two-fold: to enhance and strengthen the skills students have already learned during middle school, and to prepare them for the rigor of high school. Core courses include: history, as a study of the U.S. political system; science, comprising physics, chemistry, and fundamental lab skills; math, which is primarily Algebra 1, the foundation of all high school math courses; English, in a combination of classic and contemporary literature; and modern language, emphasizing communication and oral proficiency in French or Spanish. In keeping with Sandia Prep's Five A philosophy, our physical education, arts, and elective offerings allow students to explore the varied realms of athletics, music, art, and engineering.

Curriculum Guide Cover

Preparing for Life

Throughout our honors-level courses, higher-level cognitive skills are developed with a curriculum that emphasizes design-thinking and innovation. Prep students aren’t just preparing for college, but for life.

Click here to view the 2023 - 2024 Curriculum Guide


Susi Hochrein

Assistant Head of School for Middle School

shochrein@sandiaprep.org