Sandia Preparatory School vs. Albuquerque Academy
Should you attend Sandia Preparatory School or Albuquerque Academy? 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
Sandia Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
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
Overview
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+.
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.
Grades Offered
6-12
6-12
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Offers Post-Graduate Year
n/a
No
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia / Individualized Education Plan
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or other diagnosed learning differences
Year Founded
1966
1955
Students Body
Total Students
509 students
1180 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
30%
Students by Grade


Students by Grade
Grade 6 Students
66
148
Grade 7 Students
69
158
Grade 8 Students
74
176
Grade 9 Students
73
172
Grade 10 Students
78
173
Grade 11 Students
76
177
Grade 12 Students
73
176
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
126 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
68%
72%
Average Class Size
15
14
Number of AP Classes
n/a
26
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
9:1
Average SAT score
n/a
1305
Average ACT score
n/a
28
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
( )
( )
Casual
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
Dec. 5 / rolling
Nov. 14 / Feb. 5
Tuition Cost
$27,400
$29,163
Tuition Notes
For 2025 - 2026Tuition covers campus organizations, retreats, PE clothing, athletic and field trip buses, etc. ($1,000 non-refundable registration fee included)
Tuition includes lunch
% on Financial Aid
40%
26%
Average Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$18,134
Acceptance Rate
n/a
25%
Admissions Director
Ray Nelson
Juaquin Moya
Admissions Associate
Alex Darling
Becky Richards
Sports
Total Sports Offered
16
18
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
36
67
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
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
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