Preparatory School

Also known as: Prep School

A private secondary school designed to prepare students for college or university admission, often with rigorous academics.

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A preparatory school (prep school) is a private secondary school that prepares students for admission to competitive colleges and universities. Prep schools emphasize rigorous academics, college readiness, and often character development and leadership.

Academic Focus

Prep schools typically offer challenging curricula including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, small class sizes, individual attention, and extensive college counseling. Many have strong track records of placing graduates at selective universities.

Beyond Academics

Prep schools often emphasize extracurricular achievement, community service, and character development. Many have strong athletic programs, arts offerings, and traditions. They may be day schools or boarding schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prep schools are private schools specifically designed to prepare students for competitive college admission, often with more rigorous academics and extensive college counseling.

For families who can afford them, prep schools may offer advantages in college admissions, but success depends on the individual school and student fit.