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Philosophy Sandia Prep School is a coeducational school for students in grades 6 through 12 in which the growth of the total person is emphasized within a caring environment, providing for strong academic preparation and attention to individual needs. In order to foster growth toward human as well as academic excellence, Prep seeks to strike a balance among the four As of academics, arts, athletics and school activities, but most important is the school atmosphere in which these events occur. A strong academic program is, of course, a given for a college-preparatory school. Sandia Prep offers academic preparation in English, creative writing, journalism, mathematics, laboratory science, history, modern languages (Spanish and French) and computer technology. Along with a sound mind goes a sound body. Physical education and health awareness are included in the curriculum. Participation in athletic competition is encouraged to maximize individual potential. However, the emphasis is upon participation rather than competition as all students who are willing to make practice commitments will be placed on a school team. Experiential education is an important aspect of the Prep curriculum as students are encouraged to be involved with the environment and life beyond the classroom. And no education is complete that does not appeal to the heart and soul. Fine arts are an integral part of Prep, with students allowed to choose among music, art, drama and photography. While consideration is given to the historical background and development of the arts, participation and involvement are again the keys. Prep is a place where students are encouraged to begin a voyage of self-discovery in which involvement in a wide range of activities is the norm. To facilitate this process Prep provides an activities program in which each teacher offers an activity or program. Students are also encouraged to suggest programs. The activity period allows for an array of choices. In making choices, students require guidance, and Prep is blessed with dedicated teachers who work closely with individuals. With the low student-to-teacher ratio, students at Prep have the opportunity to become good friends with teachers who serve as positive role models. The advisory program insures that every Prep student has a teacher who is the student’s special friend and advocate, assisting the student with academic difficulties as well as the process of socialization. In the weekly advisory period, students are able to discuss adolescent issues with a trusting and caring adult. Clear and frequent communication between teachers and parents is essential for an excellent school. At Prep it is the advisor who takes the lead in fostering communication between the school and parents. Students as well as parents are encouraged to communicate directly with any faculty member or the administration. Prep believes in and practices an open-door policy. In addressing its mission of educating the total person in an atmosphere emphasizing the worth of the individual, Prep seeks to engage the community and world. Our students must be in and of the world. Prep fosters a sense of involvement in and responsibility to the school community as well as to the greater community outside of the school and classroom. A diverse student body is insured through the school’s financial aid program. Ethics and values are also an important part of the Prep ethos. Values are included in the academic curriculum and are addressed in the weekly advisory sessions. Top of Page   Graduation Requirements Students must have 23 high school credits to graduate. Of these, 17 are to be distributed as described below and taken during Upper School years; 6 are electives. The Upper School Curriculum Guide describes each course in detail. Subject Credits Courses English 4 The Hero and the Quest (1) The Self and Its Culture (1) Rhetoric, Composition, and Style (1/2) 3 full semester English courses (1/2 cr ea) History 3 World History I (1) World History II (1) American History (1) Mathematics 3 Algebra II (1) Geometry (1) 1 year-long math course (1) Science 2 Geology (1) Biology (1) Modern Languages 2 2 years of 1 language in the Upper School Fine Arts or    Communications 2 2 years Physical Education 1 1 year-long course in 9th grade (1/2) 1 year-long course in 10th - 12th grades (1/2)   Successful Completion of Senior Experience A 2.00 grade point average (GPA) is the cutoff grade for promotion. You must have a 2.00 GPA at the end of each marking period and a cumulative 2.00 at the end of each school year to be asked to continue. Top of Page   Curriculum Call Jere Newcomb at Sandia Prep for a copy of either our Middle School or Upper School Curriculum Guide. Top of Page   Athletics Interscholastic athletics are open to any student in grades 6 through 12, regardless of ability. Each student is encouraged to participate in at least one activity. While winning is important, it is just as important for students to participate and gain experience working with others toward a common goal. No student may be cut from a team. Within most sports there are different levels to accommodate as many students as possible. Each Varsity coach may limit the players on Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) teams. If there are enough players, a C team will be formed. Only the best players will be on Varsity; seniority will not be a determining factor. At the Varsity level, there is no guarantee of playing time, as the Varsity will be expected to "play to win." JV and C teams will guarantee playing time as long as the athlete has practiced, with the emphasis on development. Middle School athletics are designed for the student to learn basic and fundamental skills. They are opportunities for the athlete to learn and try different activities. Most Middle School practices will be run during the activity period with games after school. In some cases, intramurals may be substituted for an interscholastic program. Students in the 8th grade may be asked to play on any of the interscholastic teams or given the opportunity to play intramurals. Sixth- and 7th-graders are not eligible for Varsity, JV or C teams. Students are expected to maintain academic standing at all times. Participation During the 1998-99 school year, 375 students participated on 37 teams in 15 sports — that’s a 65% participation rate. Sports Baseball Basketball, Boys & Girls Cross Country, Boys & Girls Golf, Boys & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Softball Swimming, Boys & Girls Track, Boys & Girls Volleyball Top of Page   about prep | program | admission | faculty & staff | students alumni | summerprep | what's going on? | library | home | e-mail