Sandia Prep Application Booklet - 2019-2020

Welcome to Sandia Prep Admission
2019 - 2020 Academic Year

Important
Admission Dates
Learn about our First Choice Program on page 6.
MY ADMISSION
CHECKLIST
ADMISSION APPLICATION
First Choice Program - Due November 19, 2018
General Pool - Due February 12, 2019
Welcome to Sandia Preparatory School Admission
To apply for the 2019 - 2020 school year, please complete the following:
Apply online at sandiaprep.org ($65 application fee)
ADMISSION TESTING DATES
At Sandia Prep - November 17, January 12, February 9
Off-Campus - December 1, February 2
Then log into your Sandia Prep application account to:
Register for an admission test date
TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION
First Choice Program - Due November 26, 2018
General Pool - Due February 22, 2019
Request records from your child’s school
Email teacher recommendation forms (available early November)
ADMISSION DECISION NOTIFICATION
First Choice Program - Notified December 10, 2018
General Pool - Notified March 22, 2019
Schedule your child’s student interview (required)
Schedule your child’s student visit day (optional)
ENROLLMENT DUE
First Choice Program - Due January 11, 2019
General Pool - Due April 5, 2019
If applying for tuition assistance, submit completed tuition
assistance application at solutionsbysss.com.

WELCOME TO
SANDIA PREP
When I greet our students each day in the drop-off area with a handshake
and a “Good morning,” I’m reminded of why I am honored to work
at Sandia Prep. As I walk around campus, I am always struck by how
welcoming and kind our students are.
Sandia Prep is a one-of-a-kind place, and I have come to believe that
student and faculty engagement both define and differentiate our community. At Prep, a
palpable sense of enthusiasm underscores the day-to-day classroom experience. Students
are appreciated as individuals, and the journey through adolescence is prized as much as
the destination.
The world into which our children will graduate is changing at a pace nearly impossible
to fathom. To prepare them, schools must cultivate intellect while nurturing the social and
emotional skills that go hand-in-glove with innovation. Sandia Prep students go on to serve
their communities and to excel in their chosen careers. They look back at Prep as the place
that encouraged their curiosity, allowed them to take risks, and challenged their intellect
and work ethic beyond what they once thought possible.
I am delighted that you are considering Sandia Prep for your child. It is my sincere hope
that you will join me on campus over the coming admission season to experience our
remarkable school for yourself.
Sincerely,
Bill Sinfield, Head of School
Sandia Preparatory School
532 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
p: 505.338.3007 • f: 505.212.0109
admission@sandiaprep.org
sandiaprep.org
Laura Fitzpatrick - Director of Admission
Roxanna Caird - Associate Director of Admission
Patricia Snow - Admission Coordinator
f
T
Follow us!
@SandiaPrep

WHO WE ARE
High fives in the hallway. Lions and Unicorns. Celebrating one another’s successes. 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.
INNOVATIVE ADVANCED CURRICULUM
We offer a unique array of rigorous courses
that challenge and motivate.
Classes include:
Robotics • Physics 2 • Extreme Theater
Entrepreneurial Studies • Global Literature
Engineering & Mechatronics • Calculus 2
Molecular Biology • Western Civilization 2
Spanish Model UN • Broadcasting
OUR FIVE A’S
Academics • Arts • Athletics
Activities • Atmosphere
Sandia Prep cultivates each student’s
passions, talents, creativity, and intellectual
development through our Five A’s.
The goal: Strong leaders who are
well-rounded and know how to think critically.
ENROLLMENT
525 students in
grades 6 - 12
FACULTY
68 faculty members
STUDENT - TEACHER
RATIO
AVERAGE
CLASS SIZE
7 - to - 1 15 students
23

OUR 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.
OUR VISION
100%
68%
Seniors accepted to
four-year colleges
Students of color
Faculty who hold
advanced degrees
47%
Developing essential skills and intellectual potential
through challenging academics
Cultivating a socially responsible environment of
innovation and creativity
Students who receive
tuition assistance
39%
Engaging as a vibrant community for the
betterment of society
ACCREDITATIONS
Higher level cognitive
skills are developed
throughout curriculum
(Founding Member)
All courses are
honors level
MEMBERSHIP
Emphasis on
design-thinking
and innovation
(Founding Member)
4

JOIN US
You’re invited to Sandia Prep’s Admission events especially for prospective families!
Make sure to complete a pre-application online for official invites to student workshops,
athletic clinics, theater performances, and much more. much more!
PASSPORT
to PREP
October 21, 2018
An interactive open house for
prospective students and their families
February 6, 2019
An evening for parents to meet
Sandia Prep’s exceptional faculty
Meetthe
Teachers
SUNDEVIL
SNEAK PEEK
April 2, 2019
A preview of Sundevil traditions and a cookout
on the Quad for newly admitted students
In-Session Campus Tour
& Coffee with Bill
See classes in action and get to know
Head of School, Bill Sinfield
5

FIRST CHOICE
PROGRAM
Application Process Tips
Start early.
It is often hard for parents to believe that the application process
starts around September for enrollment the following school year.
The admission process has a few steps, and you will position your
child better if you allow plenty of time for your family to complete
the application.
All applicants are eligible for our First Choice Program,
an early decision privilege for any family who knows that
Sandia Prep is their first choice.
Why First Choice?
• Your child will be considered with a smaller pool of
applicants before the general pool.
• You will receive a decision much sooner, by early December.
• You will have peace of mind and be able to look forward to
the coming school year.
Questions? Ask our Admission Team for more information at
admission@sandiaprep.org or 505.338.3007.
Do your research ahead of time by talking to families who have
students at Prep.
Ask them about their children's learning or educational experience,
and just as importantly, their overall happiness. Are their children
engaged, challenged, and supported? What is the stress level like?
What kind of athletic and extracurricular activities will be available to
your child? How are parents included in the school community? Ask
families to explain how the school supports academic and personal
growth at all grade levels.
Don't sweat the test.
We care more about school engagement and performance than just
test scores. Putting pressure on your child can create undue anxiety
and hinder admission test performance.
Applying for financial aid? Familiarize yourself with the process.
Sandia Prep offers tuition assistance for most income levels. In fact,
39% of our current students receive tuition assistance. Investment in
elementary, middle, and high school prepares students for a lifetime
of academic and career success. Moreover, independent and private
schools can provide expertise in securing funding for college when
the time comes. See page 14 for more information on affording
Sandia Prep.
6

WHY AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL?
Sandia Prep is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Independent schools are private, nonprofit schools that serve students in pre-kindergarten,
elementary, middle, and/or high school. These schools are governed by independent boards
of trustees and each school has a unique mission and culture.
Graduates from independent schools are more likely than other students to:
1
go to college
Nearly 100% of graduates of
independent schools that belong
to the National Association of
Independent Schools go to college.
have higher average SAT scores
2 3
NAIS students on average
score 293 points higher
than other students.
enjoy being challenged academically
76% of NAIS students say their school
work makes them curious to learn more
(compared to 61% of public school
students) and 74% enjoy tasks that require
a lot of mental effort (compared to 59%).
attend a highly-ranked college
NAIS grads are more than three
take part in experiential learning
4 5 6
42% of NAIS graduates conducted
times as likely to attend top ranked
research with a professor in college
universities or liberal arts colleges than
(compared to 35% of public school
graduates of other high schools.
graduates) and 42% worked on a longterm
project (compared to 32%).
feel prepared for college
In their first year of college, NAIS grads
are more likely to have learned to ask
questions in class, integrate skills/
knowledge, and support opinions with
logical arguments.
7
finish college on time
77% of NAIS grads
complete college
on time, compared
to 64% of public
school grads.
8
have a path to success for firstgenerational
and minority students
More than three-quarters of NAIS minority
graduates (77%) graduated from college within
four years, while 62% of minority graduates
from public high schools did the same.
Sources: National Association of Independent Schools - nais.org
NAIS 2015-16 SAT Test Scores Report - NAIS
NAIS Report on the 2016 High School Survey of Student Engagement
NAIS-Gallup Report on NAIS Graduates, Gallup, Inc
“‘It’s everything else you do..’: Alumni views on extracurricular activities and
employability.” - Sage Journals
“Four-Year Myth: Make College More Affordable. Restore the Promise of
Graduating on Time, Complete College America
7

Where Our
Graduates Go
ALUMNI STORIES
American University
Boston College
Brown University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
University of California, Berkeley
Carnegie Mellon University
Colorado College
Colgate University
Dartmouth College
University of Denver
The George Washington University
Harvard University
Kenyon College
Macalester College
University of Michigan
New York University
Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences
Occidental College
Princeton University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island School of Design
University of San Diego
Tufts University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Washington
Yale University
KATIE SHARP ’03 • Postdoctoral Researcher at the UC
Berkeley Department of Molecular and Cell Biology •
BS in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester
and a PhD. in Genetics from Stanford University
“You can draw a pretty straight line from Prep’s science
program to my job now. Still, Prep’s emphasis on learning
to write well was perhaps the most important preparation.
A career as an academic scientist requires strong writing
skills to win grants and fellowships to fund your work as
well as to get your work published.”
DAVID TENORIO ’13 • BS in Engineering from Harvey
Mudd College • Engineering Internship at Intel
“Prep gave me a great foundation to succeed in college. I
would not have even known about Harvey Mudd without
the wonderful college counseling department - Mudd has
indeed turned out to be the perfect fit.”
ALI HASHEMIAN ‘01 • Owns Los Angeles-based
Kinetic Financial • BS in Mathematics and Computer
Science and MS in Business Administration from the
University of San Diego
“Prep was one of the most influential experiences of
my life. The skills I acquired during my seven years as a
Sundevil were essential to my collegiate success as well
as my professional achievements as an author, speaker,
business owner, financial adviser, and philanthropist.”
8

ACADEMICS
Depth and expertise over standardization
• Comprehensive college counseling beginning in ninth grade
Senior Capstone
Academic research,
community service, or
exposure to a profession
culminating in a public
presentation
Interdisciplinary Studies
Students engage in creative,
critical, and constructive
processes to develop
products, ideas, and projects
to advance communities.
• 7 : 1 student-teacher ratio
• 100% of seniors accepted to four-year colleges
• Dual enrollment classes for college credit
• More than $4 million merit scholarships awarded annually to
graduating classes of approximately 70 students
Heritage Language Program
Advanced language
instruction typically for
students who speak Spanish
at home or come from
dual language programs
Odyssey Scholars Program
Students combine elements
of independent study,
capstone classes, and ongoing
research for in-depth
study in a particular area.
9

ATHLETICS
State champions. No-cut policy.
Inclusive no-cut athletic program led by a renowned
coaching staff that produces state champions
Beginning in Sixth Grade
Basketball • Cross Country • Dance • Flag Football
Soccer • Softball • Volleyball • Tennis • Track and Field
Beginning in Eighth Grade
Baseball • Bowling • Golf • Dance Team • Swim & Dive • Lacrosse
50 State Championships
Multiple NMAA Coaches of the Year
10

ARTS
Vital. Vibrant. Vast.
Performing arts and visual arts offered at every grade level,
including a comprehensive middle school theater program.
Music
Guitar • Strings • Chorus • Jazz Band
Theater
Musical Theater • Drama • Technical Theater • Dance Company
Visual Arts
Photography • Painting • Sculpture • Ceramics • Drawing • Digital Film • Graphic Design
11

ACTIVITIES
Explore your potential.
An Activity period is built into our weekly schedule with more than 30 activities offered each quarter.
Supercomputing
SPACE (Sandia Prep’s Makerspace)
Student Government
Helping Hands Community Service
Soccer
El Modelo Naciones Unidas
(Spanish Model UN)
Mock Trial
Model UN
Outdoor Leadership Program
La Chispa Literary Magazine
Math Competition
ACT Prep
Newspaper
Gardening
Robotics
Ultimate Frisbee
Chess
Native American
Sandia Prep Alliance (NASPA)
112

ATMOSPHERE
We’re more than just a campus.
We’re a community.
We think of it as the heart and soul of our school: the relationships
that carry our students forward each and every day.
Culture of kindness
Personalized, frequent communication with parents and guardians
Sixth-grade hub building
Secure, closed campus
Unpretentious, welcoming community
Grade-level retreats
Diverse student body
Advisory program
Full-time nurse
Certified mental health counselor
13

AFFORDING
SANDIA PREP
Tuition
Tuition ($1,000 nonrefundable registration fee included) .......................... $22,390*
Tuition covers campus organizations, retreats, PE clothing, athletic and field trip
buses, etc. * Reflects 2018-2019 tuition; 2019-2020 tuition will be determined by
the Board of Trustees in early 2019.
Applying for Tuition Assistance
We partner with School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS) in our financial aid
process. Sandia Prep offers aid in the form of financial aid grants to families who
demonstrate financial need. The amount of each grant varies, depending on the
family’s need and our available resources. Families are required to file for financial
aid on an annual basis. Aid awards are typically similar from one year to the next
unless financial circumstances have changed. Sandia Prep is unable to make an
award until both the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) and required tax documents
are received. If parents are divorced or separated, both parents must participate in
the financial aid process by each submitting a separate application directly to SSS.
Late filing may jeopardize an award.
Tuition assistance application available at sss.nais.org/parents
Important Tuition Assistance Information
Sandia Prep SSS Code: 7079
First Choice Applicants: PFS and 2017 taxes due by November 26, 2018
General Pool Applicants: PFS and 2018 taxes due by February 22, 2019
14

An independent college preparatory school for grades 6 - 12
532 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
505.338.3007 • sandiaprep.org