Sandia Preparatory School Photo #9 - At Prep, visual and performing arts are not "extra," they are essential.

Sandia Preparatory School

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Sandia Preparatory School Photo #1 - Sandia Preparatory School provides a rigorous college prep education in a small class setting for grades 6 - 12.
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Sandia Preparatory School Photo #1 - Sandia Preparatory School provides a rigorous college prep education in a small class setting for grades 6 - 12.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #2 - Founded in 1966, Sandia Prep offers advanced courses balanced with comprehensive arts and athletics.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #3 - Our 700 Building serves as the "6th Grade Hub."
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #4 - Prep's "no-cut" philosophy produces state champions.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #5 - Along with core classes, middle school students enroll in art, technology, and elective rotations.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #6 - Prep's engineering and design classes include computer science, machatronics, architectural studies, and tinkering in the makerspace (aka DesignLab).
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #7 - We offer a unique array of rigorous, honors-level courses that challenge and motivate, including genetics and microbiology.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #8 - Sandia Prep celebrates a Culture of Kindness and was among the first schools to join Harvard's "Making Caring Common" campaign.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #9 - Through the Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP), students appreciate the outdoors, grow in confidence, and develop leadership skills.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #10 - At Prep, visual and performing arts are not "extra," they are essential.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #11 - Students enjoy lunch and study breaks in the Briley Commons and student-run Pitchfork Caf.
Sandia Preparatory School Photo #12 - From chess to community service, Medieval Times to Model U.N., our activity period allows students to explore beyond the classroom.
More than just a campus, Sandia Prep is a community, bringing together innovative, advanced classes, dynamic arts and athletics, and leadership opportunities for every type of student. At Sandia Preparatory School we provide remarkable opportunities for intellectual and personal growth within a challenging and balanced program for students in grades 6 - 12.
Our innovative college prep curriculum prepares students for success in college and beyond, and inspires each to find and achieve their purpose in the world.
Named Best Private School in Albuquerque by Albuquerque the Magazine voters and rated a top private school for arts and athletics in New Mexico, earning an A+.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NM School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 509 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,100
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 13 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Sandia Preparatory School 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
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia / Individualized Education Plan
Year Founded
1966
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
509 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Sandia Preparatory School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
68%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Nov. 13 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
for 2024 - 2025*Tuition covers campus organizations, retreats, PE clothing, athletic and field trip buses, etc. ($1,000 non-refundable registration fee included)*Tuition rate for 2023 - 2024 will be available in early 2023.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Admissions Director
Ray Nelson
Admissions Associate
Alex Darling

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
41 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
ACT Prep, Black Student Union, Chess, DirtDevils Gardening, Empower Prep, Gay-Straight Alliance, Greendevils Environmental Club, Helping Hands Community Service, Japanese Club, La Chispa Literary Magazine, Medieval Times, Middle School Helping Hands Community Service Club, Mock Trial, Model U.N., Modelo Naciones Unidas en Espanol, Mountain Biking Club, National Honor Society, Native American Sandia Prep Alliance, Outdoor Leadership Program, Robotics, Sandglass Yearbook, Sandia Prep Refugee Alliance, Senior Senate, SPACE Makerspace, Spanish Model UN, Speech and Debate, Student Government Association, Supercomputing Challenge

Arts and Music Programs:
Beautify The School, Chorus, Clay, Instrumental Ensemble, International Thespian Club, Jazz Band, Musical Tech, Tech Theater, Theater

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Camping Associates, Hiking Club, Soccer, Tennis

School Notes

  • Sandia Prep's mission:The joy of learning and living is at the center of all we do. Sandia Preparatory School provides remarkable opportunities for intellectual and personal growth within a challenging and balanced program. As an extension of our families, Sandia Prep's diverse community inspires students to find their academic focus, talents,and creativity.
  • Sandia Prep's vision:We will inspire our students to discover their purpose in the world by: Developing essential skills and intellectual potential through challenging academics; cultivating a socially-responsible environment of innovation and creativity; and engaging as a vibrant community for the betterment of society.
  • Named a top private high school in New Mexico
  • Truly small class sizes (7:1 student - teacher ratio)
  • Dual enrollment courses for college credit
  • Engineering and programming track
  • Heritage Language Program
  • Extensive college counseling beginning in grade 9
  • Middle school arts and athletics
  • Test scores significantly higher than state averages
  • 100% of graduates accepted to 4-year colleges
  • Secure, closed campus
  • Full-time nurse on staff
  • No-cut athletics produce state champions
  • Our advanced curriculum offers higher-level classes than AP
  • We offer outstanding college counseling, with a 28 to 1 student-counselor ratio; many schools strive for a 45 to 1 ratio.
  • Sixth-grade and seventh-grade hub
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Raul Torrez '95 - New Mexico Attorney General, former District Attorney for the Albuquerque metro area, graduate of Harvard University, the London School of Economics, and Stanford Law School
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Sandia Preparatory School cost?
Sandia Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $26,100 for private students.
What schools are Sandia Preparatory School often compared to?
Sandia Preparatory School is often viewed alongside schools like Albuquerque Academy by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Sandia Preparatory School?
Sandia Preparatory School famous alumni include: Raul Torrez '95.
Does Sandia Preparatory School offer a summer program?
Yes, Sandia Preparatory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Sandia Preparatory School offer?
Sandia Preparatory School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Golf, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Sandia Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for most sports offered.
What is Sandia Preparatory School's ranking?
Sandia Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Sandia Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Sandia Preparatory School is Nov. 13 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 13 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Sandia Preparatory School located?
Sandia Preparatory School is located in the Vineyard neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
I have had my son and daughter in Sandia Prep for the past 3 years, and they are just starting their fourth. We chose Sandia Prep because they use current teaching methods that have been demonstrated to be highly effective, rigorous, inclusive, and enjoyable by many academic studies. I know this because I learned about the methods and implemented them in my own introductory and advanced courses for undergraduates in STEM that I teach. However, that was only part of our reasoning. The rest centered on the large range of opportunities our kids would get, the friendly and safe atmosphere, and the incredibly responsive teachers and staff. I am very pleased to say that my hopes and desires have been met and exceeded for both of my children, even through the pandemic. Prep handled the pandemic better than any school I am aware of in the region with tons of safe, in-person days and excellent hybrid learning. No outbreaks for my kid's classes and the teachers we unbelievably well prepared. My daughter was traditionally shy until she felt comfortable with her environment. That was almost immediate at Sandia Prep where she has participated in award-winning engineering teams, taken on student leadership roles, jumped into outdoor leadership programs, started track and dance, participated in plays, learned new instruments, and is getting experience in small business. I am just floored by all the opportunities Prep has provided and that she is doing so many. She even opted to take extra school in the summer to get ahead! I would never have enjoyed school enough to do that, and I liked my school growing up. In contrast, my son has always been extroverted, but also a teenage boy so a bit less motivated by school. Still, the teachers inspired him to learn a new instrument, build great art skills, participate in multiple sports (including a championship-winning basketball team), join in outdoor leadership activities, and get him excited about learning. He didn't want to take summer school, so instead, he worked as a counselor and earned great pay, which he found empowering. It is just so clear that the teachers, staff, and administration are looking out for my children, sparking and nurturing their interests, and keeping me well-informed. I feel like they are family now and my teenagers are happy and well-rounded. I couldn't ask for more.
- Posted by
5  
I encourage you to take a tour of this amazing school. Yes, it's private. Yes, it's a sacrifice. Trust us when we say - you will not regret sending your child(ren) here! As a parent of two very different children, Sandia Prep positively surprises us daily. The Outdoor Leadership Program (aka OLP) takes advantage of New Mexico's vast and beautiful nature and allows the children to get to know each other (and themselves) on a deep level. The academics are challenging and thoughtful (i.e. - no student is expected to complete hours of homework each evening), sports and activities are unique yet competitive, and the friendships on all levels speak to the spirit and excellence of this school. Honestly - I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg of all the wonderful aspects of this incredible school. Take a tour, ask questions, and talk to the faculty, parents, and administration - you belong at Prep!
- Posted by
5  
After doing public elementary school in Albuquerque, we started Gabe in public middle school and quickly learned he was just a number. There was little if any customization and even less time to get help from the already overworked teachers. We started Sandia Prep and noticed a new interest in Science, Math, and Reading IMMEDIATELY! The best investment I've ever made!
- Posted by
5  
Sandia Prep is not focused on the same track for all students. The school embraces individuality and different learning styles so that all students can succeed.
- Posted by
5  
Sandia Prep is a very welcoming community that offers innovative courses with very small class sizes. I believe this, paired with their sports, arts, and extracurricular activities, is what makes them one of the best, if not the best, middle school and high school in the state.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NM School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 509 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,100
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 13 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Albuquerque, NM is $10,667 for elementary schools and $13,957 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Albuquerque, NM is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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