If you’re a parent in New York City searching for top-tier educational opportunities for your child, you may have come across the Prep for Prep program. But what exactly is it—and how can your child qualify?
A Pathway to Elite Education for High-Achieving Minority Students
Founded in 1978 by Bronx public school teacher Gary Simons, the Prep for Prep program in NYC was created to give academically gifted students of color access to the best private and boarding schools in the country. According to its mission, Prep for Prep “develops leaders through access to superior education and life-changing opportunities.”
The program is highly competitive and focused on identifying future leaders from underrepresented communities across New York City.
How Selective Is Prep for Prep?
Each year, Prep for Prep conducts a citywide talent search, beginning with approximately 6,000 students who score in the 90th percentile or above on standardized state tests. These students are nominated by their schools and invited to begin the application process.
From there:
Around 1,000 students advance to the second level, which includes:
Individual academic testing
Teacher recommendations
Interviews with the student, parents, and teachers
Ultimately, about 120–150 students are accepted into the Prep for Prep program (for 5th and 6th graders), while 75 students are selected for PREP 9 (for 7th graders interested in boarding school).
Those accepted are awarded full scholarships to attend prestigious independent day or boarding schools.
What to Expect: The Prep for Prep Bootcamp
Students accepted into the Prep for Prep program NYC must complete a rigorous 14-month academic preparation course. This includes:
Two intensive 7-week summer sessions
Weekly after-school classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the school year
The goal is to ensure that students can enter elite schools with the confidence and preparation needed to thrive among their high-achieving peers. About 75% of students who start the Prep for Prep coursework successfully complete the program.
Why Prep for Prep Matters
The Prep for Prep program is more than just a scholarship opportunity—it’s a life-changing top-tier educational opportunity and pipeline designed to empower high-potential students with access to the academic, social, and leadership skills needed for long-term success.
Tell us about your experiences
9 Responses
Hello, my name is Isabella and I am a prep for prep student( I’m a second summer). Since my time at prep is almost over, my advice to the students who are new to the program is don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. In the end, it will pay off, trust me.
Also, don’t stress out during the school year. Even though it’s the hardest point of prep for prep, do your best to manage your school work and prep work.
If the child missed the opportunity to take the test in the fall of 4th grade (we only found out about the program at the end of the 4th grade), would there be another opportunity to enter the exam?Thank you!
What IQ test students have to prepare for Prep for prep IQ test?
Hello! Does the prep for prep take place at only on location or they have locations throughout the city? Also, is a every day prep course and if so how many hours a day?
Thanks you
Do you provide testing support services for the Prep test? Are there sample tests available? Thanks!
how much does a families annual income play into the selection process…
my son was selected, & our income is over $150k a year
i was wondering if that would disqualify us
if not, will we be given admission into prep academies @ a discounted rate?
or is every child selected, given free tuition into these prep academies?