Sandia Preparatory School

532 Osuna Rd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87113

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

The school is an expensive way to get your kid into college and prepares your child to pass college entrance exams, but does not provide a good education or learning resource. Further more, the school overstepped it's boundaries in siding with my child's Father in a family domestic case, in which they had no right or basis for doing so. They prevented my access to my son's school records and prevented me from going on campus, without a basis. The administration is atrocious. I didn't like the school before they overstepped their rights, because the education is just focused on college entrance and not to provide education. You would be best looking at Bosque or Academy. Sandia poses as a good school.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 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 my own introductory and advanced courses for undergraduates in STEM that I teach. However, that was only part of our reasoning. The rest really 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. In fact, 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 kids 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 actually 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 really get him excited about learning. He didn't want to take summer school, so instead he worked as 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.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2022

As a parent of two very different children, Sandia Prep positively surprises us on a daily basis. 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 speaks 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! Apply! You won't regret it.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2022

My daughter chose to enter Sandia Prep in sixth grade because she liked the food in the cafeteria. However, she got much more from her seven years there than quality salads. The smaller class sizes allowed her teachers to give her the individual attention that helped her shine. Coupled with the small overall school size, she found a group of friends that remains mutually supportive to this day. During her time there, she was allowed to explore a wide variety of subjects (discovering that she actually liked Geometry) with expert guidance. She also discovered the fine arts department and dove in head first, playing around with everything from silk painting to photographic dark room techniques. Prep does offer a wide range of sports programs, from baseball to mountain biking and e-sports; my daughter experimented with tennis and bowling. However, from my parent’s perspective, the biggest growth for her was in Prep’s Outdoor Leadership Program which goes beyond typical camping/outdoor education. It asks the upper school students to lead the middle school students in the wilderness, from three-day car camping trips to longer backpacking adventures. All supervised by faculty schooled in wilderness survival. I cannot say enough about how this program helped my daughter become a responsible young adult. If you and your child are looking for a well-rounded education that not only meets rigorous collegiate standards, but also works towards reasoning, thoughtful adults, then Sandia Prep is the place for you both.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2022

Over the years this once great school has gone down. The amount nepotism from the leadership has lowered morale among the staff. It has been a poorly run school for several years. They will be getting a new head of school, but not before the old head has made sure to place people into positions that in my opinion are not qualified to be in, and don’t focus on the students but rather focus on what is the easiest thing to do. All of these and the new class schedule that is hated by many of the students and faculty has lowered morale to such a low level teachers have left, and more are looking. As a parent I see all this, I can only imagine how the staff feel. I hear bits and pieces from staff and nothing of what I’m hearing is positive.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2017

There is a strong support system of teachers, deans, advisors, and class sponsors for both the student and the student's family. This true community support and guidance really drives home the balance between Sandia Prep's 5A's (Academics, Athletics, Arts, Activities, and Atmosphere.).
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2017

We chose Sandia Prep for our daughter because of the small class sizes, which allows teachers to provide each student with individualized attention. The school offers opportunities for every student to challenge himself or herself academically, pursue an interest in the arts, or participate in a sport. My daughter has especially enjoyed the Camping Associates program, which is part of Sandia Prep's excellent outdoor program.
Submitted by other on February 21, 2017

Sandia Prep has been through many changes in the last five years. There has been many changes with teachers and quality of new teachers is low. Some of the teachers don't stay focus on the class subject matter, which prevents the students from learning the actual course work. The administration is weak with the leadership in the school. Deans and advisors don't have the skill set to hold those positions. Teachers discuss personal views with students and boundaries are not put in place. The education is not as strong as it used to be. The teacher and student radio is good but again, the course work is not as strong. The homework is just busywork with no substance. There is a low % of Hispanics and Blacks in the school. The school is over-priced for what you get. Plus the school is in financial crisis.
Submitted by principal on December 12, 2016

Sandia Preparatory School is an independent college preparatory school for grades six through twelve. The School has innovative advanced classes, balanced with dynamic arts and athletics. All of these large school opportunities are offered with a small school feel. The art of providing a college preparatory education has changed over the years, and Sandia Prep has stayed ahead of the curve to ensure itsstudents get the skills they need to succeed in the future. Sandia Prep’s seven-to-one student-to-teacher ratio is key to being able to offer individualized attention. In addition, college counselors begin working with students in the 9thgrade to help them outline and achieve their collegiate goals. All courses at Sandia Prep are considered honor-level, which prepare students for college and beyond.Schedule a campus visit to feel the Prep difference and discover why the future goes to Sandia Prep. sandiaprep.org
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2016

The development with our daughters academic potential is seem throughout the year with all of her subjects. The students are challenged often meet their challenges head on. Well worth the investment.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2016

This is a great school with a wonderful and diverse community of students, parents and alumni. The teachers really do care about their students and go above and beyond to make sure they are successful. Academics are challenging and can be rigorous but I don't feel that they are too much and that will make the students here ready for college and any future endeavors they will have--They will be ready for anything!! They also have a wonderful athletics program, with a "no cut" policy for middle schoolers which give them the opportunity to try everything out. The variety of different activities they have is wonderful as well, my kids can explore new things and can learn from those activities and have fun as well. My kids are getting the best education possible from Sandia Prep!
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2016

This has been a wonderful school in the middle of the nation's worst education system. We went to this school because of the inclusiveness and respectful culture it maintains. Now in our 'Senior' year, I can not underestimate the importance of the college counseling system. I had no idea when we started here how important this would be. What a load off my shoulders!! and a great encouragement to my student. Yea Prep!
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

Our school is Sandia Preparatory in Albuquerque, NM. We are an independent, private school with superb attributes which only increase over eack school year. Everyone on campus at Sandia Prep smiles. Many teachers have been there 20-30 years, always challenging themselves to improve their teaching and personal skills. My two children received an exemplary education at Prep and they took this solid foundation into college and life.
Submitted by other on October 15, 2013

I am a graduate of Sandia Prep and I cannot think of a better place to grow and learn not only academically but as a self-confident individual. I am so excited that my son will get to have some of the same experiences I was able to.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

The new attendance policy needs to be adjusted. School field trips are considered absences this year and now I find out that students who have to miss a day due to religious holidays will also be counted as absent (there is no difference between excused and unexcused absences). The teachers are high quality. They are willing to help students during lunches and after school.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

Sandia Prep has given my children an amazing education. They have excelled at college, having been given a tremendous academic foundation. In addition, they had fun, they learned to be particpating members of society, and they made connections with teachers and friends that they maintain to this day. I cannot say enough good things about this school.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2013

We love the family feel of this school and the sense that all the teachers and staff know each of the students and are committed to their success! The focus on the whole person: academic, physical, expressive/creative, etc. was particularly attractive to us and we believe helps develop the most successful, happy individuals.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

Our son is a Junior, our daughter is a Freshman, and both have been at Sandia Prep since 6th grade. While having dinner with them a couple of days ago, both told me how much they like the school, and were effusive in their praise of its teachers. Our daughter was even struggling with a decision whether to be out of school for an afternoon for a soccer game, because she hated to miss two of her classes which she loves. Our son was explaining Sandia Prep's superiority to other private schools in the area in a manner which showed his appreciation of the greatness of his teachers and coaches. As a parent, I appreciate the excitement about learning which both of them demonstrated, and I recognize the school's comprehensive focus on the full development of the student as a well rounded person. i appreciate the positive help teachers give each of them and the consistent feedback we get as parents from teachers.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

Sandia Prep is the BEST. Both of my sons go to school there and are extremely happy. They are academically challenged by teachers that truly care and are passionate about the kids, the subject that they teach and the school. Prep is truly like a family community. The school instituted a new online learning management system that has teacher assignments on it--it can be checked by both parents and students. The school truly cares about what the kids AND parents think and tries to institute reasonable changes when possible. My sons have been nurtured and challenged to be their best. They are encouraged to do the things that they like, but also encouraged to explore and learn new things. They have never been treated as a number. I would not send my sons to any other school.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

I have a 7th grader at Prep and now my 5th grader is applying there. The school is fantastic! The teachers are exceptional and really love to teach there. The school teaches the kids about collaboration and time management. Many great programs offered with a advance curriculum. My daughter is being challenged daily. The school provides a safe place where kids thrive and want to learn.