Sandia Prep Admission Viewbook 2020 - 2021

Admission 2020 - 2021

WELCOME TO
SANDIA PREP
Admission 2020 - 2021

Who
we are.

”
The Future Goes to Sandia Prep
At Sandia Prep, our students take meaningful risks
in a supportive community while learning who
they are and who they want to become.
“The education our daughter is receiving is top notch.
The curriculum is challenging, hands-on, and the
instructors are excellent. In addition to the focus on
academics, Prep also offers many sports and other
activities to keep kids engaged. Prep also has a
wonderful parent community. We love being involved
in a school that combines challenging academics
with athletics, arts, and activities wrapped in a loving
atmosphere that produces well-rounded young
adults.” - Michelle Lawrence, Parent
“I love how much I’ve excelled since the first day
I started at Prep.” - Liam Bazan, Class of 2025
Through a blend of contemporary and traditional
education, our students think creatively, critically,
and without limits. They grow in confidence and
resilience as they navigate the world.
“The teachers at Sandia Prep are some of the best
anywhere. Their level of enthusiasm, passion, and
dedication to their subjects lit a fire under me for
further and deeper exploration. I became a more
inquisitive person because of them.”
- Thomas Savage, Class of 2019
“There’s something absolutely gratifying about
helping young people grow and develop in their
march toward becoming sophisticated thinkers, and,
importantly, global citizens with expansive world
views. I enjoy watching the wheels turn.”
- Joan Goessl, English Department Chair
”

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 Five A’s Academics • Arts • Athletics • Activities • Atmosphere
Sandia Prep cultivates each student’s passions, skills, creativity, and academic
development through our Five A’s. The goal: Strong leaders who are well-rounded
and know how to think critically.
“Our school size is
intentional. We know the
names of each student
on campus, and we are
able to get to know our
students extremely well.”
- Bill Sinfield,
Head of School
“What I appreciate most
about teaching at Prep
is that the faculty are
friendly and supportive,
and genuinely invested in
improving themselves as
teachers all the time.”
- Neal Holtschulte,
Calculus and Computer
Programming faculty
A+
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT STUDENT - TEACHER
AVERAGE
GRADUATION
Named a top school in New
516 students in
RATIO
CLASS SIZE
RATE
Mexico, earning an A+ rating grades 6 - 12
7 - to - 1 15 students 100%

Not what
to think.
How to think.

Great minds don’t think alike. Keeping
teaching and learning fresh, engaging, and
relevant is a driving force behind Sandia Prep’s
expanding approach to education. And because
there’s no one-size-fits-all teaching style or
prescribed curriculum, Prep’s beloved faculty
members practice a wide variety of techniques.
Academics
Sandia Prep’s curriculum is ever-evolving to meet the
needs of students and future job markets. We know
our students learn best when they are engaged, so our
teaching is geared toward active learning, critical thinking,
and collaboration. Our courses are challenging, our
expectations high, and we are passionate about seeing all
of our students succeed.
A Sample of Courses
We offer a unique array of rigorous, honors level
courses that challenge and motivate.
Robotics • Physics 2 • Extreme Theater • Global Literature
Entrepreneurial Studies • Mechatronics • Spanish 5
Senior Capstone • Molecular Biology • Heritage Language Program
Western Civilization 2 (college credit course) • Broadcasting • Calculus 3

Signature Programs
Developing essential skills
and intellectual potential
through challenging
academic programs
“The engineering program
has allowed me to explore
my passion for engineering
and creativity through a
variety of projects,
from building bridges
to programming cars.”
- Ramona Delyser,
Class of 2022
The Odyssey Scholars Program
This two-year capstone program targets students who desire in-depth study in a particular academic or
artistic area, challenging them academically, intellectually, and creatively.
Distinguished Scholar (Certificate of Distinction)
Students choose to take additional classes in a specific area of study while maintaining a 3.5 grade
point average throughout their time in upper school. With these additional classes, students graduate
with 28+ credit hours and a Certificate of Distinction.
Engineering & Coding
Beginning in middle school and continuing through senior year, students build on a foundation of basic
engineering concepts and coding, progressing to mechatronics and more complex strings of code.
DareDevil Design
In Sandia Prep’s makerspace, students in grades 6-7 engage in creative, critical, and constructive
processes to develop products, ideas, and projects to help communities. DareDevils compete in
nationwide engineering challenges such as the Future City Competition and work with nonprofits such
as the Lantern Project.
"DareDevil Design allows me
to be creative and teaches
us how to work with others,
including our clients."
- Augie Braude,
Class of 2024
Entrepreneurial Studies
This senior course develops an entrepreneurial mindset and teaches problem-solving skills essential
to a student’s success in life. Students work with local entrepreneurs who present real-world business
problems. Working in teams, students devise original concepts for a business and pitch their solutions
“Shark Tank”-style to real investors.

Not extra,
but essential.

Extracurriculars are not an afterthought. Along with
a full academic life, your student will unlock his or her
potential by exploring arts, athletics, service learning,
outdoor leadership, and community building.
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
Arts
We offer an abundance
of performing and
visual arts at every
grade level, including a
comprehensive middle
school theater program.
From Dance to Jazz Band
and Clay to Photography,
we encourage students
to nourish their creativity
and to appreciate
their own and others’
creations.

Athletics
Sandia Prep has a proud tradition of encouraging students to explore a wide variety of athletics
to learn life-long skills of fitness, teamwork, and leisure activities. More than 78 percent of our
students play on 54 teams in 22 sports. Under our “no-cut” philosophy, if a student attends
practices, that student is able to play on a team. Our inclusive program is led by a renowned
coaching staff that produces state champions - 53 titles and counting!
Beginning in Sixth Grade
Basketball • Cross Country • Dance • Flag Football
Soccer • Softball • Volleyball • Tennis • Track and Field • Golf
Beginning in Eighth Grade
Baseball • Bowling • Dance Team • Swim & Dive • Lacrosse • eSports
”
“Sports has been one of the most
important parts of my life ever since I
can remember. Prep gave me a chance
to start very young and compete to
be on varsity in eighth grade. All of
my coaches pushed me and my team
to be the best, but to also have fun. I
had so much fun maturing in my game
and leadership skills. I made so many
close friendships, learned so much, and
even won a couple of championships. I
learned hard work and teamwork from
sports, and will forever be grateful to
the Sandia Prep sports program for
letting me be a part of it.”
- Madison Hochrein, Class of 2017
”

Activities
From chess to our Outdoor Leadership Program, Medieval Times to mural painting, our Activity
period allows students to explore their talents and interests and even discover new ones. The
Activity period is built into our weekly schedule, with more than 30 activities offered each
quarter. Students can stick with a beloved activity all year or switch it up every nine weeks.
Activity opportunities include:
• Supercomputing
• SPACE (Sandia Prep’s Makerspace)
• Student Government
• Helping Hands Community Service
• Native American Sandia Prep Alliance
• Newspaper
• Gardening
• Robotics
• Ultimate Frisbee
• ACT Prep
• Mock Trial
• Model UN
• MATHCOUNTS ®
• La Chispa Literary Magazine
• El Modelo Naciones Unidas
A Tradition of Service
More than 90% of students are
involved in Sandia Prep’s voluntary
Community Service program.
Through student-led projects, Sandia Prep
students discover the joy of service to
others while making a positive impact in
the community. By encouraging students
to serve, we hope to cultivate lifelong
leaders who will continue to make a
difference in their communities long after
they leave Prep.
Roadrunner Food Bank
Libros y Niños
Cuidando Los Niños
Tutoring at local elementary schools
Storehouse NM Food Bank
United Blood Services Drive
Zapatos Drive

Outdoor Leadership Program
Through Sandia Prep’s Outdoor Leadership Program
(OLP), students experience adventures that allow
them to know and appreciate the outdoors while
learning problem-solving, teamwork, planning,
and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
“The Outdoor Leadership Program is one of the biggest parts of
who I am. Trip after trip, I still found myself ecstatic about going to
a campground I’d been to four times already. The long car rides to
our destinations were filled with conversation and debate, and
I often found myself learning.” - Jonathan Armijo, Class of 2019
More than 23 OLP trips are offered
each year and are available at every
grade level. Upper school students
who become Camping Associates
work with faculty advisors to plan,
organize and lead trips for middle
schoolers. Prep parents are an integral
part of the OLP and are always
welcome on trips!
Skills Learned in OLP
Leadership Finding campsites
Planning Setting up tents
Problem-solving Tying knots
Teamwork Administering first aid
Communication Learning outdoor sports

Not just a
campus, but
a community.

”
Sure, we have a beautiful campus, but what
sets us apart is our true sense of community.
At this home away from home, your child will
thrive in a culture that promotes kindness,
collaboration, and character.
Atmosphere
Excellent academics in a vibrant,
supportive and unpretentious
community: That’s what many parents
tell us attracted them to Prep. We
challenge students but want them to
feel confident enough to understand
that failure is a part of learning.
One facet of our strong foundation is
our advisory program. Our students
work closely with an advisor, a faculty
member who tracks their progress
and development. These advisors are
advocates with whom students can talk
about anything, from grades to goals
and from science to sports. Once a
week, advisory groups of 10 students
meet to share snacks, thoughts, ideas,
information, and community.
Culture of kindness
Frequent communication
with parents and guardians
Sixth-grade hub building
Secure, closed campus
Welcoming community
Grade-level retreats
Diverse student body
Advisory program
Full-time nurse
Certified mental health counselor
“As a parent who has two students
enrolled at Sandia Prep, I cannot
express enough how lucky we are.
Anyone who is involved as a parent
at Sandia Prep can feel the sense of
community from the very beginning.
I feel as though everyone cares about
the entire family, not just the students,
which is extraordinary. You know
that your kids are being challenged
academically, but Prep is a school
where they can thrive socially and
athletically as well. There are so many
options for everyone to get involved,
from the parents to the students, and
everyone is there with open arms to
help you through the middle school
and high school years. Thank you,
Sandia Prep! You have made a mark
on our lives forever!
- James Huron, Parent
”

We are fortunate to have individuals on campus
dedicated solely to the emotional, social, and
physical well-being of our students.
Social and Emotional Health
Physical Health
Sandia Prep makes kindness cool! We
were among the nation’s first schools,
and New Mexico’s only school, to join
Harvard University’s “Making Caring
Common” campaign. Our school
embodies the campaign’s mission of
teaching students to care about others
and the common good, treating people
well day to day, understanding and
seeking fairness and justice, and doing
what’s right.
Each grade level advisory explores social
and emotional learning on topics such as:
how to be an upstander when witnessing
incidents of bullying and harassment;
respecting and protecting yourself and
others; and in the upper grades, how
to balance emerging independence
and increasing responsibilities with a
joy for living and learning. Our wellness
initiatives are led by our Coordinator of
Health and Counseling.
With a combined 50 years of experience,
Prep’s registered pediatrics nurse and
athletic trainer both ensure that
students’ individual health care needs
are met while on campus.
Health care services include:
• Direct provision of nursing health
care services
• School staff instruction and
supervision in provision of care for
students with special health care needs
• Oversight for medication
administration
• Emergency and injury care,
planning, and training

Our Campus
Many first-time visitors to our secure, 33-acre campus marvel
at how much there is to see. Our athletic, performing arts, and
visual arts facilities are second to none. From our Engineering
Fabrication and Coding Lab to our Makerspace, from our Center
for Learning Excellence to our newly renovated McCall Family
Theater, students have access to a wide range of top-notch
amenities. Contact us for a tour to see for yourself!
Sandia Prep has one of the safest campuses in the city. Our closed
campus is overseen by full-time security personnel who require
every visitor to be identified and badged. A recent security audit
gave Sandia Prep a superior rating.
Along with our Director of Security and full-time security officers,
an Albuquerque Police Department liaison visits our campus
several times a week and keeps us up to speed on best school
safety practices. We work hard to keep our students, faculty, staff,
and visitors protected and secure at all times so they can focus on
what matters most: teaching, learning, and participating.
Parent Involvement
Parents are integral members of the Sandia Prep
community, and we welcome their involvement at
every level. Whether you’re interested in getting a
sneak peek at your son’s interactions as you volunteer
on campus or you’d like to be a team parent for your
daughter’s track team, you’ll find yourself in good
company with inclusive, fun, and caring people.

Our Alumni
Once a Sundevil, always
a Sundevil! We have more
than 2,100 alumni living and
working around the globe.
Beginning in 9th grade, our
college counselors work oneon-one
with students and
their families to navigate the
complex process of planning
for and applying to college.
100% of our graduates are
accepted to four-year colleges
and universities. Once they
have their degrees and launch
into their careers, we love
hearing their success stories
and welcoming them back
onto our campus.
Raúl Torrez Class of 1995
Bernalillo County District Attorney
AB Government, Harvard University
MS International Political Economy, International Relations,
The London School of Economics and Political Science JD, Law,
Stanford University
Former federal prosecutor
Former senior adviser in President Obama’s Department of Justice
“As Bernalillo County’s District Attorney, I am constantly working to
improve public safety, while protecting our community. I consider my
Sandia Prep experience to be one of the first steps I took toward my
commitment to public service. As a Sundevil, I learned how to be a
leader while balancing a full workload. I continue to keep in contact
with many of my Prep teachers and friends. Sandia Prep was an
important part of my teen years.”
Laura Matzen Class of 1999
Sandia National Laboratories Cognitive Science Researcher
BA, Cognitive Science and Linguistics, Rice University
PhD, Cognitive Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“I look back very fondly at my time at Prep because I learned so much in
the classroom from wonderful, engaging teachers, and so much outside
of the classroom by participating in things like the Outdoor Leadership
Program. It was such a supportive environment, and I learned skills that I
still use every single day.”

Andrew Cordova Class of 2011
Global Risk Management, San Francisco
Bachelor’s Degree, History, Earned Distinction in Major, Yale University
“I’ve always appreciated that Prep taught me how to think: What does the
information tell us? What questions can I ask? How does it all fit together?
The skills I learned at Prep were the foundation for my success in college, and
they continue to benefit me professionally, working for a technology company
operating on a global scale.”
Ruquaya Quraishi Class of 2012
Clinical Pharmacy Resident, Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Pharm. D., University of New Mexico
“Securing a residency in California as an out-of-state candidate was a challenge.
I believe that I was able to match at a residency program that only had two
positions because Prep equipped me with an excellent foundation in leadership,
teamwork, and dedication. The thing I miss most about Prep are the amazing
teachers who cared so much about my growth while I was a student there;
I couldn’t have accomplished the things I have today if it wasn’t for them.”
Mandie Harms Class of 2004
Stage Manager, Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas
BS, Finance and Marketing, Oklahoma City University
“Because Prep supports student-led exploration, I was able to build the skills
necessary to create my career path. I learned how to recognize my own interests,
how to develop and pursue them, and how to find the mentors and support
I need to achieve my goals. I was taught the fundamentals of independent
learning and self-structured success while my own drive and ambitions were
bolstered by the Prep culture.”
A LOOK AT
WHERE OUR
GRADUATES GO
American University
Babson College
Boston College
Brown University
University of California, Berkeley
Carnegie Mellon University
Colorado College
Colgate University
Dartmouth College
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 Chicago
University of San Diego
Tufts University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Washington
Yale University

The Independent School Advantage
Sandia Prep is accredited by the National Association
of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is a founding
member of the Independent Curriculum Group.
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.
Independence in the Truest Sense of the Word
Mission-driven education
Student-centered
High academic standards
Freedom to innovate in the development and delivery of curriculum
Provides an ethos and culture that is values-oriented
Small classes that allow for individual attention
Excellent teachers
Education for the whole child
Inclusiveness
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education

Graduates from independent schools are
more likely than other students to:
go to college
Nearly 100% of graduates
have higher average
SAT scores
finish college
on time
feel prepared
for college
of independent schools
NAIS students on average
77% of NAIS grads
In their first year of college,
that belong to the National
score 293 points higher
complete college on time,
NAIS grads are more likely to
Association of Independent
than other students.
compared to 64% of public
have learned to ask questions
Schools (NAIS) go to college.
school grads.
in class, integrate knowledge,
and support opinions with
logical arguments.
enjoy being challenged
academically
76% of NAIS students say
attend a highly-ranked
college
NAIS grads are more than
have a path to success
for first-generational
and minority students
take part in
experiential learning
42% of NAIS graduates
their school work makes
three times as likely to attend
More than three-quarters
conducted research with
them curious to learn more
top ranked universities or
of NAIS minority graduates
a professor in college
(compared to 61% of public
liberal arts colleges than
(77%) graduated from college
(compared to 35% of public
school students).
graduates of other high
within four years, while 62% of
school graduates) and 42%
schools.
minority graduates from public
worked on a long-term
high schools did the same.
project (compared to 32%).
Sources: National Association of Independent Schools - nais.org
NAIS-Gallup Report on NAIS Graduates, Gallup, Inc

Hello from the Head
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.
YOU’RE INVITED
Join us at Sandia Prep’s
Admission events especially
for prospective families!
Make sure to complete a pre-application
online for official invites and information.
Open House
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet the Teachers
Clinics & Workshops
Soccer
Digital Film
Makerspace / Engineering
Theater & Dance
Sincerely,
In-Session Campus Tours
Bill Sinfield, Head of School
Coffee with the Head of School

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
multiple steps, and you will position your child better if you allow plenty of time
for your family to complete the application.
First Choice
Program
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 tuition assistance? Familiarize yourself with the process.
Sandia Prep offers tuition assistance for many income levels. In fact, 40% 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.
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.

Affording
Sandia Prep
Sandia Prep provides
tuition support across a
wide spectrum of incomes.
Tuition
Tuition ($1,000 nonrefundable registration fee included) .......................... $22,840*
Tuition covers campus organizations, retreats, PE clothing, athletic and field trip buses, etc.
* Reflects 2019-2020 tuition; 2020-2021 tuition will be determined by the Board of Trustees in early 2020.
Applying for Tuition Assistance
Sandia Prep offers aid in the form of financial aid grants to families who demonstrate financial need. We
partner with School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS) in our financial aid process. 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 a family’s
financial circumstances have changed. Budgetary constraints generally preclude significant increases to
awards and severely limit the School’s ability to offer awards to families who have not received financial aid
in prior years. Sandia Prep is unable to make an award until both the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS)
and required tax documents are received. Sandia Prep adheres to NAIS Principles of Good Practice that
protect the confidentiality of financial information provided by families. Applications and tax forms will be
reviewed and retained on a yearly basis.
DEADLINES VARY. See the submission deadlines below to make sure you get your application completed
on time. Late filing may jeopardize an award. Only online applications are accepted. Contact the
Admission Office if you need access to a computer, or are unable to afford the filing fee of $48.00. If
parents are divorced or separated, both parents must participate in the financial aid process by each
submitting a separate application directly to SSS – incomplete files will not be evaluated for assistance.
The tuition assistance application is available through School and Student Services at sss.nais.org.
Important Tuition Assistance Information
Sandia Prep SSS Code: 7079
First Choice Applicants: PFS and 2018 taxes due by November 25, 2019
General Pool Applicants: PFS and 2019 taxes due by February 21, 2020

IMPORTANT
ADMISSION DATES
Admission Checklist
To apply for the 2020 - 2021 school year,
please complete the following:
Admission Application
First Choice Program - Due November 18, 2019
General Pool - Due February 10, 2020
Apply online at sandiaprep.org ($65 application fee)
Admission Testing Dates
At Sandia Prep - November 16, January 11, February 8
Off-Campus - December 7, February 1
Then log into your Sandia Prep application account to:
Register for an admission test date
Tuition Assistance Application
First Choice Program - Due November 25, 2019
General Pool - Due February 21, 2020
Request records from your child’s school
Email teacher recommendation forms (available early November)
Admission Decision Notification
First Choice Program - Notified December 9, 2019
General Pool - Notified March 27, 2020
Schedule your child’s student interview (required)
Schedule your child’s student visit day (optional)
Enrollment Due
First Choice Program - Due January 15, 2020
General Pool - Due April 9, 2020
If applying for tuition assistance, submit completed tuition
assistance application at sss.nais.org

We can’t wait
to meet you.
Sandia Preparatory School
532 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Admission Office
p: 505.338.3007 • f: 505.212.0109
admission@sandiaprep.org
sandiaprep.org
Laura Fitzpatrick
Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management
Patricia Snow
Assistant Director of Admission
Ashley Dzogola
Admission Coordinator
Ray Nelson
Admission Events Coordinator
f T
Follow us to see daily life at Sandia Prep
@SandiaPrep

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