UWC-USA (United World College in the USA) is a two-year IB boarding school in Montezuma, New Mexico, that brings together students from around the world to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma and work towards a more peaceful and sustainable future. The school is part of the global UWC movement. Key facilities include The Farm, Dwan Light Sanctuary, Davis International Center, and Edith Lansing Field House. Co-curricular programmes include the Wilderness Program, Learning Expeditions, Community Engagement, and Arts and Culture. The school is committed to Constructive Engagement of Conflict, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility, Campus Service, and Environmental Stewardship. Students are selected through National Committees worldwide, and scholarships are available.
Location
UWC-USA is in Montezuma, New Mexico, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campus occupies a historic property in a remote and beautiful natural setting.
Stages
The school offers a two-year programme for students in their final two years of secondary education, typically ages 16-19.
Type
UWC-USA is a fully residential boarding school. All students live on campus. It is part of the global United World College movement.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students are selected from countries around the world through UWC National Committees, creating an exceptionally diverse student body.
Country affiliation
UWC-USA is part of the United World Colleges movement, a global network of 18 schools across four continents, united by a mission of international understanding and peace.
Scholarships are available. Students are selected through National Committees, many of which provide financial support. Contact the school for tuition details.
Boarding Arrangements
All students live on campus in a fully residential community. The Get-Away Families programme connects students with local host families for weekends and holidays.
Food Options
The Farm on campus contributes to food production, connecting students with sustainable agriculture.
Governance and Ownership
UWC-USA is part of the global United World Colleges movement, founded on principles of international understanding, peace, and sustainability.
Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme over two years. The curriculum is complemented by experiential learning through the Wilderness Program, Learning Expeditions, Community Engagement, and Arts and Culture programmes. The school also offers IB Teacher Education workshops.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Constructive Engagement of Conflict is a distinctive practice at UWC-USA, teaching students to navigate disagreement productively. The IDEA framework supports inclusivity.
Mental Wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing services are available on campus.
History
UWC-USA opened in 1982 as part of the United World Colleges movement, founded by Kurt Hahn. The campus in Montezuma, New Mexico, occupies a historic property with roots dating back to the 19th century.
Community
Students from countries around the world live, study, and serve together in one of the most internationally diverse school communities. The UWC values of peace, sustainability, and mutual understanding shape daily life.
Facilities Overview
Key facilities include The Farm, the Dwan Light Sanctuary, Davis International Center, and Edith Lansing Field House. The campus is set in the mountains of New Mexico.
Sports Facilities
The Edith Lansing Field House provides sports and fitness facilities. The Wilderness Program uses the surrounding mountains for outdoor activities.
Academic Facilities
The Davis International Center supports academic and community life. The Dwan Light Sanctuary is a unique space for reflection and creativity.
Extra Curricular Facilities
The Wilderness Program, Learning Expeditions, Community Engagement, and Arts and Culture programmes extend learning beyond the classroom. Environmental Stewardship and Campus Service are community commitments.
Academic & Intellectual
The IB Diploma provides academic rigour. Learning Expeditions take students beyond the campus for experiential education.
Arts & Creative
Arts and Culture programmes are part of the co-curricular offering. The Dwan Light Sanctuary provides a unique creative space.
Cultural & Language
With students from countries worldwide, UWC-USA is one of the most internationally diverse schools. Constructive Engagement of Conflict is a core practice.
Community & Service
Community Engagement and Campus Service are central commitments. Environmental Stewardship connects students to the natural world. The IDEA framework guides diversity and inclusion efforts.
Leadership & Professional
The UWC mission develops global citizens committed to peace, sustainability, and service. Leadership through community engagement is fundamental.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Wilderness Program takes advantage of the New Mexico mountain setting for outdoor adventure, hiking, and environmental education.
Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. The international student body brings dozens of languages to campus. Language study is part of the IB requirements.
Accreditations
United World Colleges — Part of the global UWC movement of 18 schools across four continents. IB World School — Authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Admissions
1. Students apply through UWC National Committees in their home countries. 2. Selection is based on merit and potential, not financial ability. 3. Scholarships are available through National Committees. 4. The school seeks students committed to international understanding and service.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through UWC National Committees. Many students attend with financial support. Selection is merit-based.
