York Prep, as an elite college preparatory school, serves students in grades 6-12. With 65 faculty instructing 340 students, The school is indeed, an intimate place to learn. Plus, located at 40 West 68th Street, the students learn in the heart of a world class city.
But what we really do is prepare students for the next academic level.
A few of the dozens of colleges and universities York Prep graduates attend include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard College
- Penn State
- Indiana University
- University of CA, Irvine and San Diego
- University of Arizona
- Purdue University
- SUNY, Albany
- University of South Florida
- Cornell University
York Prep’s College Guidance Program
Mrs. Jayme Stewart, co-founder of the school, designed and directs the College Guidance program. She has many years of experience as the director of College Guidance. Mrs. Stewart also authored a well received book on the subject.
Her reputation, interaction with seniors and direct communication with colleges contribute to high placement rates. Not to mention student satisfaction.
The stated mission of the program is:
“…to assist students in finding and gaining acceptance to a college most suited to their needs, abilities, and preferences.”
The Student is the Client
Preparation for college starts in the 6th grade. It’s then that curriculum choices get carefully scrutinized. The idea is to insure that the educational growth of each student is optimized.
For example, take a student on a math track. If s/he demonstrates the required skills in 6th grade, honors math is taken in 7th grade. Subsequent placement in more rigorous math classes can culminate in 12th grade honors Calculus.
Formal college guidance starts during the junior year. That’s when students take the PSAT. After that, meetings with the college guidance counselor ensue. Consultation also takes place with members of the administration, faculty and guidance professionals.
The aspiring students receive recommendations for colleges and universities that appear to best meet their needs. A realistic list of nine colleges where the student can succeed is created from this process. At our school, the student is the client.
Students are also made aware that all further academic achievement will significantly improve their acceptance changes. They also learn that the initial college list may change based on their academic performance.
85% Plus Acceptance Rates
The student has the ultimate responsibility. S/he is obliged to follow the guidelines and complete the application process. This allows students to assimilate a real sense of accomplishment when they finish the program. It also helps prepare them for college where they must take on a healthy dose of self-responsibility. Graduating seniors have always enjoyed an above 85% acceptance rate for their top college choices.
Encourage Post-Graduate Communication
College guidance does not end with college acceptance. We encourage graduates to communicate with their alma mater once they arrive at their colleges. We nudge communication by sending cards to the new undergraduates in their second semester. The cards ask for feedback on their college life experiences.
Also, if a graduate needs advocacy, the guidance director is there for him or her. The college guidance will assist graduates who wish to transfer or even re-apply to any college.
York Prep is proud of its College Guidance program. It is well known by schools in Manhattan and beyond.
York Prep’s Award-Winning History
Have you ever wondered how private schools get their start? It always begins with a dream. In this case, the dream belonged to Ronald and Jayme Stewart. Ronald was an attorney, Jayme, a teacher. During the summer of 1969, this young couple with a huge dream, founded York Prep.
The Stewarts worked together at Tripp Lake Camp in Maine. Their shared dream was to educate students in the same personal manner they had experienced in camp. It morphed into a goal to establish a structured, compassionate private school. The school would stretch its students enabling them to achieve academic success and personal fulfillment.
West 68th Street
The Stewarts took advantage of an opportunity to take over a building on West 68th Street in 1997. The facility was in an advanced state of disrepair. However, the building’s intrinsic character stood out for the Stewarts.
In only 16 weeks, the building was totally restored and expanded. The floor of the auditorium was removed to create a modern gymnasium, among other renovations. During the summer of 1969, the Stewarts also met with parents of prospective students. York Prep opened its beautiful new doors in the fall of 1997 to 188 students.
The Stewarts were always blessed with extraordinary teachers. They included several personal friends of the couple. Several faculty and administration members hired in those first years remain with the school today.
The Teaching Model
The school modeled itself as a traditional private college preparatory institution. It adopted a dress code. The classes were structured. However, the school differentiated its approach by forming ability-level groupings. This optimized the academic achievements of each student. This strategy proved so successful that it became a permanent part of the school.
Another part of the model is to encourage regular communication between parents and the school. Parents always know about their child’s academic and social progress. Parent-teacher conferences and the annual Curriculum Day give parents a chance to meet faculty members. There is an active Parents Association.
Today, the school enjoys a stellar reputation among the New York City private school education choices. Mrs. Stewart directs the college guidance program. She also wrote “How to Get into the College of Your Choice.”
Mr. Stewart is the headmaster. He also teaches ethics to all seniors and oversees the performance of the school. The faculty is strong with many of them long-time veterans.
A young couple’s dream became a reality success story!
As a small private school, York Prep offers a wide range of courses for students with a variety of interests. York Prep seniors and advanced 11th graders have an opportunity to take courses at some New York City Colleges. York Prep especially excels at sending their students to the college or university of their choice.