United World College USA

Anchored by the historic Montezuma Castle, a luxury hotel built in the 19th century, UWC-USA’s campus is located on the edge of the Pecos WIlderness and the Santa Fe National Forest. The natural beauty of our campus is designed for reflection and, more importantly to learn more about the natural world. When the hotel was built originally it was a destination for wealthy patrons from the East Coast to casually experience the American West. UWC-USA students, on the other hand, head out on challenging orientation hikes almost as soon as they arrive on campus. Our Wilderness program actively uses the outdoors as a classroom.

The campus is situated on 200 acres and features academic buildings, resident houses, an auditorium, faculty housing, playing fields, tennis courts, and offices for staff.

A two-year experience at UWC-USA immerses students in an environment and community that tests their values and the power of their citizenship and leadership. We are a microcosm of the world, situated in an environment impacted by climate change, and part of a diverse, global population collaborating across national, cultural, religious, and socio-economic differences. At UWC-USA, we’re not only preparing our students for their future when we engage them in academics, experiential learning, and a residential community. We’re inviting them to fully contribute to the kind of classroom and community they can be proud of. We’re inviting them to begin their journey as global citizens.

Our students come to us with a sense of idealism and a desire to change the world. They leave with tools to do so. They come to us with a narrow view of the world and leave with friends from every populated continent. They come to us unsure how to build a great community.

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.