Sandia Prep Viewbook 2022-2023

Admission 2022 - 2023

The Future Goes To
Sandia Prep
Admission 2022 - 2023

At Sandia Prep, students take meaningful risks in
a supportive community while learning who they
are and who they want to become.
Through a blend of contemporary and traditional
education, students think creatively, critically,
and without limits. They grow in confidence and
resilience as they navigate the world.
ON A 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.

SMALL BY DESIGN
We want to know, support, and celebrate your
child. Our cohesive community means no one goes
overlooked or unnoticed.
“Small by design” means students can more
easily master curriculum in a smaller learning
environment where high aspirations and respectful
relationships are encouraged. We want your child
to enjoy a well-rounded, customized experience.
“
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
“
A+
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT STUDENT - TEACHER
Named a top school in
510 students in
RATIO
New Mexico, earning an A+ rating grades 6 - 12
7 - to - 1
AVERAGE
CLASS SIZE
GRADUATION
RATE
15 students 100%

ACADEMICS
Great minds don’t think alike.
Keeping teaching and learning fresh, engaging,
and relevant is a driving force behind Sandia Prep’s
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.
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.
Astrophysics • Extreme Theater • American Studies
Entrepreneurial Studies • Mechatronics • Spanish 5
Molecular Biology • Heritage Language Program
Product Design • Broadcasting • Calculus 3

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
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.
“Being well-versed, almost
fluent, in all kinds of technology
is crucial to students’ success
navigating the future.”
Dr. Cheryl McMillan,
Assistant Head of Upper School
Engineering and Design
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 DesignLab, 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 challenges such as the Future
City Competition and work with nonprofits such as the Lantern Project.
Entrepreneurial Studies
This senior course develops an entrepreneurial mindset and teaches problemsolving
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.
Staying at the Forefront
Innovation is fundamental at Sandia Prep.
That’s why we are continually expanding our engineering,
computer science, and design offerings. We want our
graduates to be at the forefront of technology in the future,
helping to make a difference in society.
Sandia Prep has partnered with The University of New Mexico
to bring design-based engineering courses to students. As
part of the National Science Foundation's Engineering 4 Us All
(e4usa), the partnership introduces engineering to students
who may never have considered that career path. UNM
Engineering will provide mentoring and curriculum support.
As of summer 2021, Sandia Prep was one of only two New
Mexico high schools to participate in the program.

“
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, Class of 2022
“

“There’s always a cutting edge in science, and we
want to make sure we’re there. So our biology students
will use CRISPR technology (a type of gene-editing
technology that could revolutionize everything from
medicine to agriculture). We’re looking at involving
our students in real-world research.”
“
- Dr. Chuck Buxbaum, Comparative Anatomy & Evolution Teacher

Revealing the Writer Within
“In teaching strategies for precise,
active writing, I like to hold short, oneon-one
conferences to review and
discuss my students’ rough drafts.
Those interactions, illuminating and
energetic, deal with word choice,
sentence structure, and organization,
among other elements that bridge the
analytical/narrative divide.
The conferences help students gain
confidence and recognize themselves
as writers. Sometimes, they push
an essay down an entirely new and
thrilling path.
‘My part-time job has taught me to
bag groceries with the eggs on top
and to treat all people with respect,
even when their carts careen into
shelves stocked with pickle jars.’
Finally, after a short discussion about
anecdotal openings, he settled on this
version: ‘It’s 9:30 p.m. on a school
night, I still have to finish a lab report
and read a chapter in a novel, and
at this very moment I am walking
down an aisle strewn with pickles
and broken glass—bucket, and mop
in hand.’
As he described lessons learned
from a part-time job, for example,
one student opened his essay like
this: ‘I have a part-time job bagging
groceries at Smith’s, and I have
to say I learned a lot in the past
few months.’ After a minute of
introspective questioning, he revised
the sentence to include more detail:
Over the span of a semester, I watch
as my students learn the importance
of revision, discover the benefits
of constructive feedback, and just
generally bump up their writing
games. It’s a blast.”
- Joan Goessl, Director of Special
Academic Programs

“Through proposals
and mock debates
centered on statewide
issues, students are
better equipped to draw
the critical connections
between past
and present.”
History teacher Dr. Scott Crago on
his use of PBL in the classroom
Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching
method that puts student curiosity and problemsolving
at the center. Students work on a project
over an extended period of time – from a week
up to a semester – that engages them in solving
a real-world problem or answering a complex
question. They demonstrate their knowledge and
skills by creating a public product or presentation
for a real audience.
Dual Credit Options
We offer dual credit classes to allow our students
to earn college credit even while in high school.
These credits are free and will be accepted by
almost any state university. Also, this gives our
students an opportunity to enter the world of college
expectations and acclimate under the guidance
of a supportive teacher they know. Teachers of
dual credit classes are required to have advanced
degrees in the discipline they teach, as well as
experience with college-level teaching.

The Center for
Learning Excellence
It’s all about student success. Sandia Prep
faculty are not constrained by a traditional,
rigid curriculum, so they are able to adapt their
lessons to students with diverse learning styles.
Our Center for Learning Excellence offers
academic services to meet the individual
needs and learning styles of all students.
Our philosophy is that all attending students
should be afforded opportunities to succeed
academically.
The Center for Learning Excellence offers:
• Accommodation Plans
• Academic Coaching
• Structured Study Hall
• Academic Skills Intervention
• Study Strategies Support
• Assistive Technology Support
• ACT/SAT Standardized Test Accommodations

Extracurriculars are not an afterthought.
Along with a full academic life, your student will unlock
their potential by exploring arts, athletics, service learning,
outdoor leadership, and community building.
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.
Theater
Musical Theater
Drama
Technical Theater
Dance Company
Music
Guitar
Chorus
Jazz Band
Visual Arts
Photography • Painting
Sculpture/Ceramics
Drawing • Digital Film
Graphic Design

ATHLETICS
Your student will explore a wide variety of athletics
to learn lifelong fitness skills, 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
will play on a team. Our inclusive program is led
by a renowned coaching staff that produces state
champions - 59 titles and counting!
Beginning in Sixth Grade
Basketball • Cross Country • Dance • Flag Football • Golf • Soccer
Softball • Tennis • Track and Field • Volleyball
Beginning in Eighth Grade
Baseball • Bowling • Dance Team • eSports • Lacrosse • Swim & Dive
“
Along with engineering and film, I love participating in sports
because our coaches want us to succeed above all else.
- Mac, Class of 2022
“

ACTIVITIES
From chess to the Outdoor Leadership
Program, mountain biking to mural painting,
through our Activity period, your student will
explore their talents and interests and may
even discover new ones. The Activity period is
built into our weekly schedule, with more than
40 activities offered each quarter. Students
can stick with a beloved activity all year or
switch it up every nine weeks.
Activity opportunities include:
• ACT Prep
• El Modelo Naciones Unidas (Spanish Model UN)
• Empower Prep
• Gaga Ball
• Gardening
• Helping Hands Community Service
• La Chispa Literary Magazine
• MATHCOUNTS ®
• Medieval Times
• Mock Trial
• Model UN
• Native American Sandia Prep Alliance
• Newspaper
• Robotics
• Student Government Association
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Yoga and Meditation

Outdoor Leadership Program
Through Sandia Prep’s Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP), your
student will 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.
“
I never thought of myself as a leader, but the
Outdoor Leadership Program has helped
me become more of an extrovert.
- Ajmain, Class of 2021
“
More than 15 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

A Tradition of Service
At Prep, community service is inherent, not prescribed. Your
student can choose and lead projects that make a positive
impact in the community. By taking ownership of their enterprise,
students discover the joy of service to others and build an ethos of
compassion and leadership. More than 90% of Prep students are
involved in our voluntary Community Service program.
Prep service projects include:
Cuidando Los Niños
Sandia Prep students help at a daycare for
homeless children.
Libros y Niños
Students raise money and provide books
and mentoring to local elementary children in
need.
Locker #505
Students organize clothing drives and sort
through donations for this nonprofit that
provides school clothing for more than 1,000
Albuquerque students each year.
Los Ranchos Elementary Tutoring
Ninth graders and National Honor Society
members tutor elementary students.
Storehouse and Roadrunner Food Bank
Community service groups gather donations and
volunteer on-site at local food banks.
Vitalant Blood Drive
Seventh-grade students sponsor an annual
Blood Drive, one of the largest school blood
drives in the state.
Zapatos
This program pairs elementary students in
need with upper school volunteers, who provide
shoes, socks, and mentoring.

ATMOSPHERE
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.
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.
Three facets of our strong foundation are: a robust
advisory program, a cultivated culture of kindness,
and active parent involvement.
“
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.
You know that your kids are
being challenged academically,
but Prep is a school where
they can thrive socially and
athletically as well. Thank you,
Sandia Prep! You have made a
mark on our lives forever!
- James H., Parent
“

Making Kindness Cool
Community is one of Sandia Prep’s greatest strengths. We welcome
students with diverse learning needs and understand the complexity and
mutual benefit of being a truly inclusive school. Our culture of kindness is
integral to who we are and what we do, every single day.
Sandia Prep was among the nation’s first schools, and New Mexico’s only
school, to join Harvard University’s “Making Caring Common” campaign.
The campaign encourages students to build strong, inclusive communities
and prepares them to be caring, constructive citizens. Sandia Prep also is
a proud member of Kindness Club International, an organization whose
objective is to engage and empower students to see how they can create
positivity around school, at home, and in the world.
You’ll find the Prep Pledge displayed on campus: “As a member of this
community, I promise to uphold the highest standards of personal and
academic integrity, respect all its members, and contribute to Sandia Prep's
culture of kindness.”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
“
Everyone is very supportive.
If it’s about schoolwork or
emotions, the teachers and
- Ava, Class of 2027
Advisory
Students work closely with an advisor, a faculty member who tracks their
progress and development during the year. As an advocate, the advisor
is available to talk with students about any and all concerns, academic or
otherwise. In addition, the advisor serves as the primary liaison between
the school and parents, meeting with parents each semester to track the
student’s growth. Once a week, advisory groups of 8 - 10 students meet to
share thoughts, ideas, information, and community.
“
students are always there to help.
Sandia Prep is proud that our students come from diverse backgrounds.
We foster equity in our policies and inclusivity in our decorum. We believe
that students’ distinctions of race, ethnicity, income, gender identity,
sexuality, and religion are facets to be championed, not muted. Our
differences enhance the quality of life on Prep’s campus and bring our
community together. Education around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(DEI) is implemented in our curriculum, student events, faculty professional
development, affinity groups, and school-wide initiatives. When we say we
are a community, we mean it in every sense of the word.
Parent & Guardian Involvement
Parents and guardians 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 student’s interactions as you volunteer on
campus or you’d like to be a team parent for your child’s track team, you’ll
find yourself in good company with inclusive, fun, and caring people.

Health and Wellness
The social, emotional, and physical well-being of each
student is embedded within our educational philosophy,
curriculum, and culture.
Physical Health
Social and Emotional Health
With more than 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 wellness initiatives are led by our
School Psychologist & Director of
Wellness. With a background in child
clinical, school, and pediatric psychology,
our licensed clinical school psychologist
provides high-quality, evidence-based
evaluation, treatment, and consultation
services for adolescents affected by
developmental, social, emotional, and
behavioral difficulties.
Each grade-level advisory also explores
social and emotional learning on topics
such as: how to be an upstander when
witnessing incidents of bullying and
harassment; respecting yourself and
others; and in the upper grades, how to
balance emerging independence and
increasing responsibilities with a joy for
living and learning.

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 DesignLab to our Durán Family Track and
Soccer Stadium, 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 school safety best 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.

Our Alumni
Making their mark on the world.
One hundred percent of Sandia Prep
graduates are accepted to four-year
colleges and universities.
Gabi Albert
Class of 2015
Biology B.S. with a concentration in
molecular biology and a minor in chemistry
Magna Cum Laude honors and
Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society
Distinction from University of Tampa
Currently in Ph.D program studying
cancer immunology
Students work one-on-one with college counselors,
beginning in ninth grade, to understand the complex
process of planning for and applying to college. Prep
graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of college.
But they’re also prepared for life: Alumni consistently
attribute their successes to the lessons learned at Prep in
leadership, work-life balance, teamwork, critical thinking,
and finding courage to step outside their comfort zone.
They learned who they are and who they want to become.
These three alumni epitomize what it means when we say,
“The Future Goes to Sandia Prep.”
“I would not have been as successful during my
undergraduate studies without the intellectual
foundation I gained from the classes and
teachers at Sandia Prep.
The small class sizes also taught me the
importance of teacher-student bonds and how
that helps to facilitate learning.”
Where Our
Graduates Go
American University • Babson College • Boston College • Brown University • University of California, Berkeley • Carnegie Mellon University
Kenyon College • Macalester College • University of Michigan • Mount Holyoke College • New York University • Northeastern University
Sarah Lawrence University • Smith College • Syracuse University • University of Chicago • University of San Diego • Tufts University

Brendon Gray
Class of 2016
Juhee Patel
Class of 2016
Economics B.A. & Political Science B.A.
Attending Carnegie Mellon University
for Public Policy and Management M.A.
Internships and research projects with
U.S. Department of State, Sandia National
Labs, and City of Albuquerque
Biology B.S.
Medical student at University of
New Mexico School of Medicine
Vice President of the American Medical
Women’s Association at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine
“Above all, Prep made me a strong critical
thinker, a skill I’ve applied in every academic
or professional responsibility I’ve had
since graduating.
I found my passion for writing at Prep from
my time in the newspaper class, and I
developed a love of reading thanks to a long
line of great English teachers.”
“Ms. James’s chemistry class made me realize
my love for science. Sandia Prep gave me the
skills of great communication, integrity,
and confidence.
The safe and nurturing environment of
Prep was such a privilege to have as I was
growing up. I owe many of my continued
successes to this wonderful school.”
Colorado College • Colgate University • Dartmouth College • The George Washington University • Georgia Institute of Technology • Harvard University
Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences • Occidental College • Princeton University • Reed College • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Rhode Island School of Design
United States Air Force Academy • United States Naval Academy • University of Vermont • University of Washington • Washington University, St. Louis • Yale University

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

HELLO FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL
When I greet our students each day in the drop-off area, 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

“
At Prep, students are given many
opportunities to try new things. That really
helps broaden horizons and gives different
perspectives of the world around you.
- Meredith, Class of 2026
“

ADMISSION CHECKLIST
Important Admission Dates
To apply for the 2022 - 2023 school year,
please complete the following:
First, complete your Sandia Prep Admission Application:
Admission Application
First Choice Program - Due November 15, 2021
General Pool - Due January 7, 2022
Apply online at sandiaprep.org/apply ($65 application fee).
Then, log into your Sandia Prep application account to:
Admission Testing Dates
Multiple testing dates are offered throughout the year.
Sign up for a test date via the Admission portal.
Register for an admission test date.
Request records from your child’s school.
Tuition Assistance Application
First Choice Program - Due November 22, 2021
General Pool - Due January 14, 2022
Email teacher recommendation forms (available early November).
Admission Decision Notification
First Choice Program - Notified December 7, 2021
General Pool - Notified February 25, 2022
Schedule your child’s student interview.
If applying for tuition assistance, submit completed tuition assistance
application at sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal.
Enrollment Due
First Choice Program - Due January 31, 2022
General Pool - Due March 7, 2022

Application Process Tips
Start early.
It is often hard for parents to believe that the application process starts in
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.
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 Admission 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.
FIRST CHOICE PROGRAM
All applicants are eligible for our First Choice
Program, an early decision privilege for any
family who knows that Sandia Prep is their top
educational 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.

ADMISSION FAQS
Answers to essential questions that families
ask us during the admission process. If you have
a question that is not covered here, contact our
Admission Team, who will be happy to provide you
with the information that you need.
I love your school, but how can I afford it?
My child doesn’t want to leave her friends and is worried that they won’t know
anyone at Prep. How can I reassure her?
Everyone is nervous about starting at a new school. In the sixth grade, students
come from more than 30 elementary schools around the region, so everyone
is in the same boat! Prep works hard to make new students feel comfortable
and welcomed at every grade level. Our community-building efforts start before
classes even begin, and they continue throughout the school year. Back-toschool
retreats in the first week of classes are designed to help students get
to know one another and their teachers, too. By week two, your child will have
formed friendships that they will carry them through their years at Prep!
Tuition assistance is available for many income levels. In fact, 40% of our current
students receive tuition assistance. If the cost feels out of reach based on your
family's budget, we believe that 45 minutes of tuition assistance paperwork
is worth the time to explore this possibility. A Sandia Prep education is an
investment that will last a lifetime for your child.
My child gets stressed out during testing. What if he doesn’t do well on the
admission test?
We like to reassure applicants that admission testing is only one piece of the
application process. We are looking for reasons to admit motivated, talented
students, not turn them away. A student's academic record, attitude toward
learning, and how they contribute to their school and surrounding community
are more important to us than just test scores.
How do you support students with learning challenges, such as dyslexia?
The Center for Learning Excellence (CFLE) at Sandia Prep offers academic
services to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students. It is
our philosophy that all attending students should be afforded opportunities
to succeed academically. Students with a diagnosed learning disability, or a
medical condition significantly impacting academic performance, are entitled
to an accommodation plan. Accommodation plans outline modifications to the
environment, assignments, or expectations to create more equitable learning
experiences for students. Specific accommodations could include but are
not limited to: extended time on tests, quizzes, or assignments; preferential
seating; allowance of technology for note-taking; or more frequent contact with
a teacher. Parents are involved in the creation and update of the plans, and the
plans are distributed at the beginning of each academic year to teachers with a
briefing from our CFLE Director and Psychologist & Director of Wellness.

You offer so many opportunities. How can my child possibly squeeze them
all in?
We want our students to be adventurous and to explore a wide variety of
activities and interests. We encourage them to take the process a step at a
time! They won’t be able to do everything at once, but as they become more
accustomed to Sandia Prep, they’ll figure out how to try out for a musical, join
an Outdoor Leadership Program outing, or run track, if that’s what they want to
do. The possibilities are endless.
Sandia Prep is our first choice! How can I best prepare and position my child
to attend next year?
We love having families who know that Sandia Prep is where they want to be.
Here’s what we suggest:
• Select the First Choice option on your application portal.
• Sign up for a campus tour as well as a student interview.
• Sign your child up to take the admission test in November with the
First Choice pool.
• Send your Release of Records form to the registrar at your child’s current
school. Keep an eye out for emails from us that it’s time to send your child’s
Math and English teachers our recommendation forms. That’s it!

We can’t wait
to meet you.
Admission Office
phone: 505.338.3007 • fax: 505.212.0109
admission@sandiaprep.org
sandiaprep.org/admission
Laura Fitzpatrick
Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management
Ray Nelson
Assistant Director of Admission: Events & Outreach
Sara Mannal
Assistant Director of Admission: Records & Enrollment
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Follow us to see life at Sandia Prep
@SandiaPrep

532 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505.338.3007
sandiaprep.org