THE PREP YEAR is an 8th grade enrichment program. We build a strong academic, physical and emotional foundation that prepares students for high school and beyond.

Interested in our program?

Attend an Open House

Schedule a call

Speak with our Director

Schedule an informational call with Prep Director Jeff Morris

Schedule a time that is convenient for you via the link below

THE PREP YEAR IS LOCATED AT

THE NJ SPORTS HOUSE

12 Wright Way, Oakland, NJ 07436

and

NJ SPORTS ACADEMY

50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446

We took the morning to visit the Camp Merritt memorial monument after our discussions this week about its role in WWI as an embarkation camp. It was amazing to see how massive the camp was, and how many soldiers passed through. After lunch, we took time to explore some of the basics of car care, as we will be behind the wheel before we know it! #experientiallearning #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife #prepwithus #ramandoak
Happy Halloween !!! Not just in a program … we are INTO our Prep Year #growth #personaldevelopment #wherescholarathletesaremade #pathlesstraveled #prepforlife #itsnotwhatyourcapableofitswhatyourwillingtodo
Happy Halloween !!! Not just in a program … we are INTO our Prep Year #growth #personaldevelopment #wherescholarathletesaremade #pathlesstraveled #prepforlife #itsnotwhatyourcapableofitswhatyourwillingtodo
Beautiful Friday at Dr Davies Farm learning about one of few remaining family owned farms in the area. Founded by one of Rockland’s first female physicians, and carried on by the 5th generation, the farm is a wonderful destination. Thank you to Jeff and Chris for sharing the story and giving a glimpse into life on a working farm - what a treat to sample the donuts, pick some apples, and finish with hike to a gorgeous lookout over the Hudson River !! #experientiallearning #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife #prepwithus #ramandoak #yourenotinmiddleschoolanymore
Today’s visit to the Bergen County Jail was eye opening as Officer Thomas gave a thorough presentation on both careers in law enforcement and life in the county jail. He gave us a tour we will never forget and some memorable advice — it’s not how strong you are, but how long you can be strong for - perservere !! #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife #prepwithus
Started a beautiful morning at a job site with luxury home builder Christian Tirone - Mr Tirone shared how his 8th grade reclass year and experience as a student athlete through college helped shaped his success in the business world - meaningful takeaways - after taking in some interesting exhibits at the Morris Museum, we capped the week with lunch downtown ! #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife #prepwithus #ramandoak
It was a beautiful morning for a nature bath following math class - then, after lunch in downtown Ramsey, we had the privilege to meet with Assemblywoman Lisa Swain. We have discussed state and local governments in class, and this conversation was the perfect bookend to a tremendous week. Ms Swain shared not only her experience in public service and how to get involved, but what it takes to become an elite, nationally ranked endurance athlete still competing at the highest level — impressive, and so many valuable takeaways !! #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife #prepwithus #ramandoak #yournotinmiddleschoolanymore
Lunch And Learn - after spending our morning visiting the Van Allen House where George Washington stayed, we were hosted by restaurateur Craig Kunisch at the @mahwahbarandgrill . Craig shared insights into the business of owning and working in the food industry, including why it is such a great first job for young people - to top it off we had an incredible meal to add to all the valuable takeaways ! Thank you Craig ! #wherescholarathletesaremade #personaldevelopment #pathlesstraveled #prepforlife #growth
Gorgeous day for a visit to Great Falls National park after exploring their role in the Industrial Revolution in class this week - after lunch, we had our first workshop with award winning sports journalist Darren Cooper, who gave some valuable insights into careers in the sports field while discussing the latest in area high school sports - he also assigned our ‘Hot Take’ ! Stay tuned - lots of takeaways! #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #prepforlife
Out in the field at Ameriprise with TJ Spizzo to learn about the world of financial planning and how to build your own brand, starting with a strong first impression. TJ spoke about his journey discovering a love of finance in high school, on to balancing being a collegiate student athlete and young father while pursuing his dream. An inspiring story of resilience, effort, and positive mindset! Thank you to TJ and his team and for your time and willingness to help as we research companies in advance of our year long stock portfolio competition! So many valuable takeaways, and a stop for lunch and some ice cream on a beautiful Friday is the perfect finish ! #pathlesstraveled #prepforlife #wherescholarathletesaremade #growth #personaldevelopment
A beautiful day for our first enrichment - after 2 days meeting instructors and training hard, we started with a nature bath; lunch at the top of Almost Perpendicular - then @michaelmalandra was kind enough to give us a lesson in self defense and confrontation, then share his journey to becoming a bodyguard, professional photographer, and owner of a martial arts school - so many valuable takeaways - great start!! #prepforlife #pathlesstraveled #personaldevelopment #growth #wherescholarathletesaremade
We took the morning to visit the Camp Merritt memorial monument after our discussions this week about its role in WWI as an embarkation camp. It was amazing to see how massive the camp was, and how many soldiers passed through. After lunch, we took t
Happy Halloween !!! Not just in a program … we are INTO our Prep Year #growth #personaldevelopment #wherescholarathletesaremade #pathlesstraveled #prepforlife #itsnotwhatyourcapableofitswhatyourwillingtodo
Beautiful Friday at Dr Davies Farm learning about one of few remaining family owned farms in the area. Founded by one of Rockland’s first female physicians, and carried on by the 5th generation, the farm is a wonderful destination. Thank you t
Today’s visit to the Bergen County Jail was eye opening as Officer Thomas gave a thorough presentation on both careers in law enforcement and life in the county jail. He gave us a tour we will never forget and some memorable advice — it&r
Started a beautiful morning at a job site with luxury home builder Christian Tirone - Mr Tirone shared how his 8th grade reclass year and experience as a student athlete through college helped shaped his success in the business world - meaningful tak
It was a beautiful morning for a nature bath following math class - then, after lunch in downtown Ramsey, we had the privilege to meet with Assemblywoman Lisa Swain. We have discussed state and local governments in class, and this conversation was th
Lunch And Learn - after spending our morning visiting the Van Allen House where George Washington stayed, we were hosted by restaurateur Craig Kunisch at the @mahwahbarandgrill . Craig shared insights into the business of owning and working in the fo
Gorgeous day for a visit to Great Falls National park after exploring their role in the Industrial Revolution in class this week - after lunch, we had our first workshop with award winning sports journalist Darren Cooper, who gave some valuable insi
Out in the field at Ameriprise with TJ Spizzo to learn about the world of financial planning and how to build your own brand, starting with a strong first impression. TJ spoke about his journey discovering a love of finance in high school, on to bala
A beautiful day for our first enrichment - after 2 days meeting instructors and training hard, we started with a nature bath; lunch at the top of Almost Perpendicular - then @michaelmalandra was kind enough to give us a lesson in self defense and con

WHAT DOES A PREP YEAR LOOK LIKE?

Watch a video of highlights from the Class of 2024’s enrichment year.

THE PREP’s academic curriculum is taught by NJ-state certified teachers in small group settings. Beyond the classroom, our highly personalized athletic training programs prepare young student athletes for the rigors and expectations of high school and collegiate athletics while our field-based learning experiences immerse students in real-world, practical learning. Each location is staffed to meet the unique needs of our students. Learn more about our story.

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THE PREP

THE PREP featured on Varsity Aces 

Watch Darren Cooper’s conversation with Prep Director, Jeff Morris.