The United World College-USA was founded in 1982 in Montezuma, NM through the philanthropy of the late Dr. Armand Hammer and is part of an international movement that now includes eighteen two-year pre-university residential schools worldwide offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma curriculum. UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
We aspire to be a model international educational organization with significant impact on each of our learners to assume responsibility and demonstrate leadership for positive changes in the world.
We continually seek imaginative, meaningful innovations in our programs, in how students develop academically, socially, and in their orientation to serve others.
We share in the need to operate in a financially responsible manner, with all of us seeking ways to build a stronger institution so that the quality of our services is constantly improved and so that we continuously invest in better ways to deliver our mission.
We realize our ideals by interacting with one another with mutual respect and a constant awareness of the many cultures which make up our educational community.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NM School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 11-12
- Enrollment: 224 students
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Nov. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Armand Hammer United World College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
Year Founded
1982
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Campus Size
200
School Motto
Education is a force for peace and a sustainable future.
Student Body
Total Students
224 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 49%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Nov. 1
% on Financial Aid
85%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL
Endowment Size
$120 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
School Notes
Students at UWC-USA start working to become agents for change the
minute they set foot on campus. Building bridges to understanding
with students of radically diverse nationalities, races, beliefs
and economic backgrounds. Partnering with a local homeless shelter,
tutoring children, and renovating a community center. Learning to
respect nature as they test their endurance in the wilderness. And
completing a rigorous IB diploma program at the same time. Our
students learn lessons in practical idealism that equip them to
become changemakers for life.
- Students and faculty conduct over 17,000 hours of community service every year - putting into practice the values fundamental to the UWC mission.
- 85% of students attend UWC-USA on full or significant scholarships.
- We build a strong community on campus so our students learn how to build strong, just, and positive communities wherever they end up. We believe our diversity is our strength.
- Many UWC-USA alumni attend prestigious universities after graduation and go on to careers serving others.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of The Armand Hammer United World College?
The acceptance rate of The Armand Hammer United World College is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What sports does The Armand Hammer United World College offer?
The Armand Hammer United World College offers 3 interscholastic sports: Intramural Sports Only, Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing.
What is The Armand Hammer United World College's ranking?
The Armand Hammer United World College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Largest student body and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for The Armand Hammer United World College?
The application deadline for The Armand Hammer United World College is Nov. 1.
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to The Armand Hammer United World College is Santa Fe Prep School (35.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Rio Grande School (35.8 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Childrens Garden Montessori (34.3 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-K | 50 students 34.3 miles 710 Old Las Vegas Hwy
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 466-1251
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 466-1251
34.3
PK-K
50
The Gentle Nudge
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: NS-PK | 33 students 35.6 miles 1341 Canyon Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-0879
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-0879
35.6
NS-PK
33
Grades: PK-6 | 165 students 35.8 miles 715 Camino Cabra
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-1621
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-1621
35.8
PK-6
165
Grades: 7-12 | 318 students 35.8 miles 1101 Camino De Cruz Blanca
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-1829
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-1829
35.8
7-12
318
Grades: PK-6 | 66 students 36.1 miles 316 Camino Delora
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-8212
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-8212
36.1
PK-6
66
School Reviews
Endorse The Armand Hammer United World College. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.
For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.
2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.
