Why Prep

Hello Sandia Prep Community, 

I hope you are having a great fall so far. I love feeling the cooler, crisper weather in the mornings - it’s a sign of things to come. We have been back at school for more than a month, and, as always, there is a lot of campus activity. Students are busy in classes, on the courts and fields, in the theater, and everywhere else on campus.

The other day, I was talking with a group of students who signed up for the “Prep Ambassadors” activity. For this activity, they will work with the Admission team to become experts on the school and then will lead tours and information sessions for prospective families. They were excited about this responsibility and were brainstorming what they wanted to share about their experiences. I loved seeing how excited they were to share their love of the school with others - it was clear they felt known and needed for this job. In other words, they felt like they belonged. 

Why is belonging important in education? Psychologists like Abraham Maslow have long shown that belonging is a basic human need - just after safety and before achievement on the hierarchy of needs. Without a sense of belonging, it is difficult for anyone - especially young people - to take the risks necessary for growth and learning. Research backs this up: students with a strong sense of belonging are more motivated, more engaged, and more resilient. In fact, studies have shown that belonging can be as strong a predictor of persistence and success as GPA. In other words, when students feel like they belong, they are more likely to stretch themselves, rebound from setbacks, and achieve at higher levels.

At Sandia Prep, we cultivate belonging by design, and we do so through balance. Our “Five A’s” - academics, arts, athletics, activities, and atmosphere - give students multiple pathways to discover what they love and what they are good at. For some, that sense of belonging is built in the classroom, mastering a challenging subject. For others, it is stepping into the spotlight in the theater, leading a team on the soccer field, or finding their voice in student government. I recall one student who initially struggled to find his place until he discovered his love for student government. That discovery gave him confidence and a sense of identity that carried into all of his classes.

Belonging at Prep is also about community. Our small size ensures that each student is known, while our traditions, advisory program, and culture of care knit students into something larger than themselves. And balance matters here, too: the rhythm of our days and programs is designed to challenge students while also giving them space to connect, reflect, and grow in healthy ways. This reflects one of our core Strategic Priorities: creating a Community of Wholeness where every member thrives and has an indispensable role.

When students feel at home here—seen, known, and celebrated—they are not only successful at Prep but also prepared to thrive in the wider world. Belonging at Sandia Prep is paired with balance: the balance of the Five A’s that challenges students to discover what they love and what they are good at, without losing sight of joy and wellbeing. This combination of belonging and balance is what prepares our students for both immediate impact and lifelong purpose.