Desert Academy Photo #1 - Our renowned college counselor, Jennifer Dryfoos, working with some juniors.

Desert Academy

Desert Academy at Santa Fe is a college preparatory school dedicated to academic and personal excellence.
We are an International Baccalaureate World School offering both the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, for grades 6 through 12.
We support and encourage the development of individual abilities in a community characterized by educational, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
Students are involved, challenged, and empowered by a fully accredited college preparatory curriculum, a creative slate of electives, and comprehensive arts and athletic programs.
Recently awarded places in Best of Santa Fe 2019 in Best High School and Best Middle School categories
Rated #1 Private School in Santa Fe by niche.com 2019

Quick Stats (2024-25)

Top Rankings

Desert Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Please inquire
Year Founded
1994

Student Body

Total Students
123 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Desert Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
12 students
Advanced Courses
International Baccalaureate classes
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 1 / Feb. 14 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Generous need-based financial aid available.
% on Financial Aid
48%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,500
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lucy Barna

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
20 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Assistance Dogs of the West, NHS, NJHS, Student Government, Theater

Club or Organization:
chess club, Desert Ambassadors, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Leos Service Club, Ministry of Silly Walks fun club, OASIS magazine, Shakespeare Club, speech & debate, Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
48-Hour Film Festival, choir, Future Voices Film and Photography

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mountain Biking Club, rock climbing club, Skateboarding Club

School Notes

  • Desert Academy is dedicated to academic and personal excellence. We provide a quality college prepatory education in a diverse school community, which values individuality, builds character, promotes self-confidence and fosters global understanding.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Desert Academy cost?
Desert Academy's tuition is approximately $19,500 for private students.
What schools are Desert Academy often compared to?
Desert Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Santa Fe Prep School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Desert Academy?
The acceptance rate of Desert Academy is 85%, which is lower than the national average of 87%.
What sports does Desert Academy offer?
Desert Academy offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Martial Arts, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Desert Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for most sports offered.
What is Desert Academy's ranking?
Desert Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Highest average ACT score, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Desert Academy?
The application deadline for Desert Academy is Dec. 1 / Feb. 14 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 1 / Feb. 14 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Fe, NM is $14,955 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Santa Fe, NM is 86% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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