Albuquerque Academy vs. Sandia Preparatory School
Should you attend Albuquerque Academy or Sandia Preparatory School? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
School


Top Rankings
Albuquerque Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
Sandia Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
Overview
Albuquerque Academy is a school that honors its past while embracing the future of education.
We give our students access to opportunities and experiences that both challenge and inspire them, helping them prepare for a world we can't fully imagine. In addition to distinguishing themselves in athletics and extracurriculars at the state and national levels, Chargers have successfully lobbied for legislation at the New Mexico Roundhouse, won awards for climate research, performed on Broadway, had artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol, and so much more.
More than just a campus, Sandia Prep is a community, bringing together innovative, advanced classes, dynamic arts and athletics, and leadership opportunities for every type of student. At Sandia Preparatory School we provide remarkable opportunities for intellectual and personal growth within a challenging and balanced program for students in grades 6 - 12.
Our innovative college prep curriculum prepares students for success in college and beyond, and inspires each to find and achieve their purpose in the world.
Named Best Private School in Albuquerque by Albuquerque the Magazine voters and rated a top private school for arts and athletics in New Mexico, earning an A+.
Grades Offered
6-12
6-12
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Offers Post-Graduate Year
No
n/a
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or other diagnosed learning differences
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia / Individualized Education Plan
Year Founded
1955
1966
Students Body
Total Students
1180 students
509 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
23%
Students by Grade


Students by Grade
Grade 6 Students
148
66
Grade 7 Students
158
69
Grade 8 Students
176
74
Grade 9 Students
172
73
Grade 10 Students
173
78
Grade 11 Students
177
76
Grade 12 Students
176
73
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
126 teachers
71 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
72%
68%
Average Class Size
14
15
Number of AP Classes
26
n/a
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
7:1
Average SAT score
1305
n/a
Average ACT score
28
n/a
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual
( )
( )
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
Nov. 14 / Feb. 5
Dec. 5 / rolling
Tuition Cost
$29,163
$27,400
Tuition Notes
Tuition includes lunch
For 2025 - 2026Tuition covers campus organizations, retreats, PE clothing, athletic and field trip buses, etc. ($1,000 non-refundable registration fee included)
% on Financial Aid
26%
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,134
n/a
Acceptance Rate
25%
n/a
Admissions Director
Juaquin Moya
Ray Nelson
Admissions Associate
Becky Richards
Alex Darling
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
67
36
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Advocate (student newspaper)Best Buddies
Bible ClubBirding Club
Black Student AssociationChess Club
Class OfficersClassics Club
Club ShredCoding Club
Connect (community service club)CyberChargers
Dean’s CouncilDECA - Business Club
Engineering ClubEnvironmental Club
Esports TeamHispanic Student Association
HOSA Future Health ProfessionalsJewish Student Association
Magic: The Gathering ClubMath Club
MathCountsMock Trial
Model United NationsNo Place for Hate
Other Voices (literary magazine)Philosophy Club
Politics ClubPuberty Club
Quiz Bowl TeamRead to Excel Tutoring Program
SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance)Science Bowl
Science Fair ClubScience Olympiad
SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Club)Speech and Debate
Starwatching ClubStrategy Games Club
Student Diversity Leadership ClubStudent Senate
Student-Directed One Act PlaysTedX Youth Day
UNM-PNM Statewide Mathematics ContestYearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Bel Canto (classical singing)Ceramics Club
Dance TroupeEn Pointe Dance
Honor Guitar QuartetLatin American Guitar Ensemble
Mariachi BandMusical
Open Studio - Visual ArtOpera Project
Pep BandRoots Music Club
Shakespeare FestivalSteel Drum Band
Technical TheaterThespians
Unaccompanied Minors (modern a capella)
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bike ParkFrisbee Golf
Mountain Biking ClubUltimate Frisbee
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Black Student UnionChess
DirtDevils GardeningGay-Straight Alliance
Greendevils Environmental ClubHelping Hands Community Service
Japanese ClubLa Chispa Literary Magazine
Middle School Helping Hands Community Service ClubMock Trial
Model U.N.Modelo Naciones Unidas en Espanol
Mountain Biking ClubNational Honor Society
Native American Sandia Prep AllianceOutdoor Leadership Program
RoboticsSandglass Yearbook
Sandia Prep Refugee AllianceSenior Senate
SPACE MakerspaceSpanish Model UN
Speech and DebateStudent Government Association
Supercomputing Challenge
Arts and Music Programs:
ChorusClay
Instrumental EnsembleInternational Thespian Club
Jazz BandMusical Tech
Tech TheaterTheater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Camping AssociatesSoccer
Tennis