Desert Academy

7300 Old Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87505

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 02, 2019

Desert Academy was a complete disappointment for our family.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2019

Amazing place with amazing opportunities, including graduating with an IB diploma. No better option in NM, in my opinion.
Submitted by student on April 23, 2019

Best decision of my life and the source of all of my success.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2018

Excellent school. Many opportunities for student achievement.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2017

Desert has a caring, yet challenging environment. The faculty is engaged and qualified, and the success of the students reflects this. There is a unique balance between academic focus, community service and respect for the individual child. Desert offers a positive, fulfilling high school experience for the motivated student.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2017

My son has had a wonderful experience at Desert and we are deeply grateful to Desert for nurturing and educating him. The IB program is amazing.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2016

Desert Academy is an excellent school and continually strives to be better. There are many excellent teachers and a calm atmosphere of respect and tolerance. We have one child who started at Desert in seventh grade and went all the way through, graduating last year, so we feel very familiar with this school. The first thing you notice as a parent on this campus is that students are respectful of YOU, even though you are an adult. They look you in the eye, open the door for you, ask if they can help you find something, etc. That doesn't happen at other high schools. There is no trash left around, and you will never see bullying. Our child made great friends at Desert and was accepted into all the colleges to which she applied (Vassar, Middlebury, Carleton, U Chicago) along with her IB credits which went right onto her first semester college transcript. We expected her to get a good IB education (which she did) so the stellar education in tech and filmmaking was an unexpected bonus.
Submitted by principal on June 20, 2016

Desert Academy is an International IB World School, founded in 1994. We are dedicated to academic and personal excellence. We provide a high quality, college preparatory education with a diverse school community that values individuality, builds character, promotes self-confidence and fosters global awareness and understanding.
Submitted by principal on January 21, 2014

We take seriously any postings that show Desert in a negative light, as any school would. We always invite parents to meet with our Head of High School or Head of Middle School if there are concerns about a particular class or teacher's style, and we seek resolution for all parties. To say that we have an "open door" policy is an understatement! Come visit and you'll see.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2013

Desert Academy was a great school a few years ago. Many faculty members left the school at the same time and with them went Desert's heart and soul. The facilities are horrible. There is no gym, no field, and no library. They do not have adequate funds to seek excellent well trained teachers. They are very disorganized on many levels. The middle schoolers have no recess or break time, excluding a vey quick lunch. My son has learned next to nothing so far this year in the middle school.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2013

Desert Academy could be a great school, but it isn't. Two of our kids went there. Some faculty members are wonderful. Some are terrible. Far too many are terrible given the tuition which is quite pricey. The biggest problem is the administration which is clueless and inept, from the Headmaster on down. Problems are never solved. They are ignored. Plus, if you complain, they take it out on your kids sooner or later. The IB program would be great if the school could ever figure out what it is all about. But they can't. The IB administrators are just as inept as the Headmaster. It's better than some of the other choices in Santa Fe, but that's not saying much.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013

Desert Academy is an excellent school. They honor all children for who they are and allow them to be themselves. They provide an excellent education, guiding children to be independent thinkers capable of learning anything they put their minds to. I appreciate the recognition that Desert has for the importance of a balance of school, homework, extra curriculars/sports and also family life and social life. I want my children to understand the value of this kind of balance in life as we move through all stages. Desert accepts all children with all abilities into the various sports the school offers, with a no cut policy- sports for the fun of sports. The Head of School is great and I recognize him as a person who strongly respects children for who they are at all stages of their lives and treats them as human beings. My daughter is going into her 3rd year at Desert Academy and I plan to send my son to Desert as well!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

The weak leadership (administration) at this school is what hurts it. The Headmaster is not strong as an educator or a businessman. The admissions person is rude and not on top of many educational issues. Teachers, for the most part, are strong and have an excellent connection with the students. This school has always had a reputation for behavioral issues and this past year (2012-13) was particularly bad with virtually no disciplinary actions at all. The International Baccalaureate Program is top-notch and the Middle Years Program (affiliated with IB) will be as well if they ever understand it. The grading system is a mess. I could never really understand how my child was doing. The English Department is weak with almost no writing required.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2013

I have two daughters who have attended Desert Academy. My eldest daughter has graduated, and is an honors student in college. My second daughter will graduate from Desert Academy this year. During her time at Desert, she has matured and flourished intellectually with the support of challenging, engaging and compassionate teachers. The administration, teachers and students at Desert Academy respect and support each student's unique talents and interests. Overall, the students are kind to each other.