Prep for Prep develops future leaders by preparing middle-schoolers at New York City public, charter, and parochial schools to attend top independent day and boarding schools. Our 14-month Prep and PREP 9 enrichment programs ensure that students are academically, socially, and emotionally prepared for the private school experience and develop the skills necessary to become leaders and thrive in their future educational and professional endeavors.
Prep
Designed for current 5th and 6th graders in New York City public or charter schools, Prep for Prep prepares academically gifted African American, Latino, and Asian American students for success at leading independent schools (commonly known as private schools.) Learn more about Prep for Prep.
PREP 9
Focusing on current 7th graders in New York City and the metropolitan areas of Westchester County, Long Island, and New Jersey, PREP 9 prepares bright and hardworking African American and Latino students for entry into boarding school in 9th grade. Learn more about PREP 9.
Prep and PREP 9 Students
Spend two summers and the intervening school year taking classes that will prepare them to begin study at their day or boarding school
Become part of a like-minded community of young leaders, forming life-long friendships with their peers
Enjoy art, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs; summer camp; and travel abroad opportunities
Learn job skills through paid internships at companies such as Google, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Mount Sinai
Have access to social-emotional and wellness support throughout their academic journey
Prep for Prep by the Numbers
List of 4 items.
13
average class size in independent schools, compared to 25 in NYC public schools
$555,000
average financial aid awarded by independent schools and colleges for each student’s educational journey
100%
of Prep's high school seniors are accepted into college
83%
of over 4,000 graduates earned degrees from the most competitive colleges in the country including Columbia, Harvard, and Yale
Prep for Prep's Reach
Students in the Prep and PREP 9 programs come from all five boroughs of New York City and surrounding areas, including Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester County. See below for a map of where our 2023 and 2024 Prep for Prep graduates reside.
Bronx: 86
Long Island: 2
Queens: 79
Brooklyn: 54
Manhattan: 44
Staten Island: 3
Connecticut: 1
New Jersey: 2
Westchester: 6
Who's Eligible for Prep and PREP 9?
Prep and PREP 9 applicants must:
Currently be in 5th or 6th grade for the day school program (Prep for Prep) or 7th grade for the boarding school program (PREP 9)
Score at or above the 90th percentile on statewide English Language Arts and Math exams
Average at least 90% or mostly 4s on last year’s final report card
Identify as Black, Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern, or multiracial for the day school program (Prep for Prep), or Black or Latino for the boarding school program (PREP 9)
Demonstrate very strong academic performance and high financial need
How Much Do Prep and PREP 9 Cost?
Prep for Prep does not charge tuition for its 14-month academic program. Independent schools provide financial aid to cover the gap between their tuition and what families can afford to pay.
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.
Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.