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
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
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
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
509 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 50%
Students 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
$26,100
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
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
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
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 10/20/2022
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.
5 10/11/2022
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!
5 12/3/2020
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!
5 2/23/2019
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.
5 8/2/2017
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.
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