=== Mission Statement === Desert Academy is dedicated to academic and personal excellence. We provide a quality college-preparatory education in a diverse school community, which values individuality, builds character, promotes self-confidence, and fosters global understanding. === Educational Philosophy Statement === Desert Academy’s emphasis on concurrent study of language, literature, humanities, science, mathematics, physical education, and the arts provides continuity of scholarship and cultivates critical thinking skills. Through experiential learning, discussion, investigation, independent research, and writing across the curriculum, students gain competence that will sustain a lifetime of learning. Students are encouraged to acknowledge their responsibility to themselves, their classmates, and the global community. Learning at Desert is not a means to an end, but rather, a bridge to further engagement with the world at large, and as a result, a more meaningful, thoughtful life. === Diversity Statement === Desert Academy at Santa Fe is a diverse community that believes successful education develops basic human values such as respect and integrity. Our curriculum, advisory programs, and school activities embrace differences in gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic group, sexual identity and orientation, and religious affiliation. We affirm that varying perspectives enrich the life of our school community and the world around us. === Accreditation and Professional Memberships === Desert Academy is accredited by AdvancEd and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Desert Academy is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to provide both the Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP).