Admissions

Prep (5th and 6th Grades)

Prep for Prep: The Independent Day School Experience

Prep for Prep helps bright, motivated students from New York City and surrounding areas prepare for success at the city’s top independent day schools (private schools). The program is open to current 5th and 6th grade students. Admission is highly selective, with just 125 students accepted into Prep for Prep each year. Spaces reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and significant financial need. As part of the application process, Prep for Prep considers family income and financial assets to ensure opportunities are available to students who need them most.

Students begin their journey with the 14-month Preparatory Component, which builds a strong academic foundation while also providing social-emotional support and wellness resources to help them thrive. Upon successful completion, students earn a place at a leading New York City independent day school. Prep for Prep supports families through this transition, ensuring students can adapt to a new academic environment, build confidence, and uncover opportunities to excel both academically and socially.

At our partner day schools, students have access to an array of opportunities—from rigorous academics and leadership programs to arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. This well-rounded experience prepares them to grow, achieve, and make a lasting impact as future leaders.

Our Independent School Partners

Allen-Stevenson (Manhattan) Chapin (Manhattan) Kew-Forest (Queens) Saint David's (Manhattan)
Avenues (Manhattan) Collegiate (Manhattan) Léman (Manhattan) St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's (Manhattan)
Bank Street (Manhattan) Columbia Prep (Manhattan) Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School (Manhattan) St. Luke's (Manhattan)
Berkeley Carroll (Brooklyn) Dalton (Manhattan) Nightingale (Manhattan) Spence (Manhattan)
Brearley (Manhattan) Fieldston (The Bronx) Packer (Brooklyn) Speyer (Manhattan)
Brooklyn Friends (Brooklyn) Friends (Manhattan) Poly Prep (Brooklyn) Town (Manhattan)
Brooklyn Heights Montessori (Brooklyn) Grace Church (Manhattan) Rye Country Day School  (Westchester) Trevor Day (Manhattan)
Browning (Manhattan) Hackley (Westchester) Riverdale Country School (The Bronx) Trinity (Manhattan)
Buckley (Manhattan) Hewitt (Manhattan) Sacred Heart (Manhattan) United Nations International School (Manhattan)
Calhoun (Manhattan) Horace Mann (The Bronx) Saint Ann's (Manhattan) Village Community School (Manhattan)
Cathedral (Manhattan) International School of Brooklyn (Brooklyn) St. Bernard's (Manhattan) York Prep (Manhattan)
ADMISSIONS & 
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 
163 West 91st Street
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.579.1470
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS & 
ADMINISTRATION 
328 West 71st Street
New York, NY 10023
P: 212.579.1390
We envision a nation guided by ethical and effective leaders that reflect our diverse society.