FAQs — THE PREP

FAQ

About The Prep Year

The Prep Year takes a comprehensive approach to developing the whole student by combining rigorous academics taught by New Jersey state-certified teachers, professional strength and conditioning, personal development, and experiential learning into one unique educational experience.
Through this integrated approach, students build the academic foundation, confidence, independence, and life skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
The Prep Year is designed for students who would benefit from an additional year of academic, athletic, and personal development before entering high school.
Our program welcomes students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and goals. Some students are looking to strengthen their academic foundation, while others want to develop greater confidence, independence, maturity, or physical readiness.
The common thread is a willingness to learn, grow, and take advantage of an additional year of purposeful development.
The Prep Year is not simply about getting older or repeating a grade. It's about helping students become better prepared for the academic challenges, personal responsibilities, and opportunities that await them in high school.
Reclass means taking an additional year before entering high school, typically changing a student's anticipated graduation year.
Students may attend The Prep as their true eighth-grade year or as an additional year after eighth grade. Both paths emphasize academic, athletic, and personal growth.
An additional year before high school can provide students with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their academic foundation, develop greater independence and maturity, build confidence, and enhance their physical development.
At The Prep Year, this additional time is intentionally structured around academic advancement, athletic development, and meaningful personal growth. Rather than simply repeating a grade, students gain the skills, experiences, and confidence to enter high school better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Academics & Curriculum

Academics are a central component of The Prep Year, with a curriculum designed to challenge students and prepare them for the expectations of high school.
Students study mathematics, Language Arts, STEM, Social Studies, foreign language, Healthy Living, and Mindset, Meditation & Focal Attention (MMFA).
Our academic approach emphasizes mastery of essential concepts, critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning. Through engaging instruction, classroom discussions, and hands-on projects, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education while developing the knowledge, study habits, and confidence needed to succeed in challenging high school environments.
The Prep Year's academic courses are taught by New Jersey state-certified teachers who bring professional teaching experience and subject-area expertise to the classroom.
The program is led by Director Jeff Morris, who holds master's degrees in Teaching and Educational Leadership and is also certified as a school principal.
The Prep Year's academic program is designed to build upon each student's existing knowledge rather than simply repeat previously covered material.
While students reinforce essential foundational skills, they are also challenged through advanced concepts, engaging projects, classroom discussions, and hands-on learning experiences. Instruction emphasizes deeper understanding, critical thinking, and the development of skills that prepare students for the academic demands of high school.
Our goal is purposeful academic progress, not repetition.
The Prep's mathematics program is designed to meet students at their individual levels while challenging them to develop the skills, confidence, and mathematical reasoning necessary for success in high school.
Our college-preparatory curriculum, aligned with New Jersey state standards, emphasizes mastery of Algebra I, a critical foundation for advanced mathematics. Students develop a deeper understanding of equations, inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, polynomials, and real-world problem-solving applications.
Individualized instruction is a cornerstone of our approach. Students who need additional reinforcement can strengthen foundational Pre-Algebra concepts, while more advanced students explore selected topics from Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus. This flexibility allows students to progress according to their abilities rather than being limited by a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Beyond mastering mathematical concepts, students develop analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving strategies that prepare them for high school coursework, standardized assessments, and entrance examinations.
For students planning to pursue advanced mathematics in high school, The Prep also offers an optional Honors Geometry Preparation course. This supplemental course introduces geometric reasoning, formal proofs, and other foundational concepts designed to prepare students for the demands of an honors-level geometry curriculum.
Language Arts at The Prep focuses on developing active readers, critical thinkers, and confident, persuasive writers. Students explore classic and contemporary literature through close reading, analysis, and Socratic discussions that encourage them to question ideas, debate different viewpoints, and support their opinions with evidence.
A strong emphasis is placed on active reading strategies, vocabulary development, and effective note-taking techniques that help students comprehend, organize, and retain information across academic subjects.
Students also explore a variety of writing genres, including personal narratives, historical fiction, dystopian science fiction, and short stories. Through essays, persuasive writing, and classroom discussions, they learn to develop well-supported arguments and communicate their ideas clearly and confidently, both in writing and in conversation.
The Prep's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning that helps students understand the connections between scientific concepts and real-world applications. Students work both independently and collaboratively to investigate problems, develop solutions, and apply their knowledge through engaging projects and experiments.
Because Biology is typically the first science course in many high schools, the curriculum places significant emphasis on topics such as ecology, cells, genetics, biodiversity, and human body systems. Students also explore selected Physics concepts, including the laws of motion, electricity, and electronics, helping prepare them for different high school science sequences.
Projects have included scientific investigations, engineering design challenges, and the construction and launching of model rockets. These experiences encourage curiosity, collaboration, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving while helping students develop the skills needed for success in high school science.

Personal Development & Life Skills

At The Prep Year, confidence and maturity are developed through meaningful experiences that encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, take on new responsibilities, and become more independent.
Throughout the year, students give presentations, interact with professionals, take on leadership roles, participate in community service, and engage in activities that challenge them in new ways. These experiences help students develop communication skills, personal accountability, resilience, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations.
Our philosophy is that confidence grows through practice and accomplishment. By providing opportunities for students to challenge themselves and experience success, we help them develop the independence, maturity, and self-assurance needed for high school and beyond.
The Prep Year's Personal Development program is designed to help students become more independent, responsible, and confident young adults through practical experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Throughout the year, students complete specific requirements focused on leadership, community service, personal growth, and essential life skills. Activities include cooking, laundry, household responsibilities, basic car care, navigating public transportation, community service, and making informed financial decisions.
Students are expected to document their experiences and reflect on what they've learned, encouraging personal accountability and a greater understanding of their responsibilities.
By combining hands-on experiences with reflection, the program helps students develop the confidence, independence, and practical skills needed to navigate high school and everyday life.
Mindset, Mindfulness and Focal Attention (MMFA) is a course designed to help students develop the mental skills, self-awareness, and positive habits needed to navigate academic, athletic, and personal challenges.
The course explores topics such as focus, emotional awareness, resilience, sports psychology, and personal accountability. Students are encouraged to better understand how their thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors influence their performance, decision-making, and relationships.
By developing greater self-awareness and learning strategies to manage challenges, students build a foundation for improved concentration, confidence, and personal growth—skills that extend well beyond the classroom and athletic field.
Financial literacy is an important part of The Prep Year's commitment to developing independent, responsible young adults. Students explore essential financial concepts, including budgeting, banking, credit, investing, and homeownership, with an emphasis on understanding how financial decisions affect their everyday lives and future opportunities.
Through practical activities and real-world examples, students develop a foundation for making informed financial choices. One highlight is a year-long stock investment challenge, which introduces students to the stock market and encourages them to think critically about investing, financial markets, and long-term financial planning.
Our goal is to help students develop the knowledge, confidence, and financial awareness needed to make responsible decisions as they become more independent.
Led by a registered dietitian, The Prep's Healthy Living course helps students understand how nutrition, hydration, sleep, and recovery contribute to their overall health, athletic performance, and daily well-being.
Students explore essential topics such as balanced nutrition, healthy eating habits, proper hydration, the importance of sleep, recovery strategies, and supplement safety. The course emphasizes making informed choices and developing healthy habits that can benefit students throughout their lives.
Beyond classroom instruction, students participate in practical experiences involving food preparation, cooking, and grocery shopping. These activities help students apply what they've learned while developing greater independence and confidence in making healthy decisions.
The goal is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to take greater responsibility for their health and well-being, both now and in the future.

Athletic Training & Development

The Prep's athletic development program, led by Freak Strength, focuses on building a strong foundation for long-term athletic performance through professional strength and conditioning.
Training emphasizes proper movement mechanics, strength, speed, power, coordination, and overall athletic development. Students learn correct techniques and progressively advance through exercises and training loads appropriate for their individual abilities and experience.
Rather than focusing solely on immediate performance gains, our philosophy emphasizes developing well-rounded athletes, establishing sound movement patterns, and reducing the risk of injury through proper training techniques and progressive development.
The goal is to help students become stronger, more confident, and more physically prepared for the demands of high school athletics while establishing healthy training habits that can benefit them for years to come.
Yes. Weightlifting and strength training are integral components of The Prep's athletic development program.
Students are taught proper lifting techniques and movement mechanics before progressing to more challenging exercises and heavier loads. Training is structured to emphasize proper form, gradual progression, and individual development, taking into account each student's experience, abilities, and physical readiness.
The goal is to help students build strength safely and confidently while establishing sound training habits that support long-term athletic development.
No. The Prep Year welcomes students with a wide range of athletic abilities, experience, and personal fitness goals. Students do not need to be advanced or competitive athletes to benefit from our training program.
Our strength and conditioning program meets students at their individual starting points, emphasizing proper technique, consistent effort, coachability, and steady progress.
Some students are focused on improving their strength, speed, and athletic performance for a particular sport, while others are interested in developing overall fitness, building confidence, and establishing healthy exercise habits.
Regardless of their athletic background or goals, every student has the opportunity to improve their physical abilities and develop a strong foundation for lifelong health and fitness.

High School Preparation & Placement

Yes. The Prep Year supports students and families throughout the high school selection and admissions process, helping them explore schools that align with each student's academic interests, athletic goals, and personal needs.
Our high school preparation and placement support includes guidance on school fit, introductions to prospective schools, high school entrance exam preparation, and assistance navigating the admissions process.
Throughout the year, students have opportunities to visit high school campuses, including designated days to shadow at prospective schools and experience their academic environments firsthand. In the fall, we also welcome representatives from area high schools who visit The Prep to introduce their schools, programs, and opportunities to our students.
Our goal is to help families make informed decisions and ensure students feel confident and prepared as they transition to high school.
Yes. HSPT (High School Placement Test) preparation is incorporated into The Prep's regular academic program, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and test-taking strategies needed for high school entrance examinations.
During the regular school day, students strengthen the verbal, reading, mathematical, and problem-solving skills assessed on the HSPT. Instruction emphasizes reinforcing essential concepts, developing effective test-taking strategies, and building confidence.
For students seeking additional preparation, The Prep also offers an optional after-school HSPT Preparation Course every fall. This supplemental program provides more focused instruction and practice to help students approach the exam feeling prepared and confident.
Families can learn more about scheduling and registration on our HSPT Preparation page.
Reclassifying does not automatically affect a student's athletic eligibility, but eligibility requirements vary depending on the student's age, academic history, and the rules governing their future high school.
Families considering an additional year before high school should confirm their child's eligibility directly with their prospective high school and the applicable athletic association before making a final decision.

Program Logistics & Enrollment

The Prep Year offers two classroom locations in northern New Jersey:
Ramsey: 50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ
Oakland: 12 Wright Way, Oakland, NJ
Both locations offer the same comprehensive educational experience. Our teachers rotate between the two classrooms throughout the day to teach their respective subjects, ensuring students at both locations benefit from the same academic instruction and program offerings.
The Prep Year operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, students participate in their core academic classes, followed by athletic training at the end of each day.
Fridays are dedicated to Enrichment Fridays, when students typically spend the day outside the classroom participating in experiential learning opportunities. These experiences include workplace visits, career exploration, meetings with professionals, community service, and visits to historical and cultural sites.
Through these experiences, students explore different careers, interact with professionals, and reflect on what they've learned, connecting their classroom education to the wider world.
There is no formal dress code during the regular academic day. However, students are required to wear a Prep training shirt during athletic training sessions.
For Enrichment Fridays and occasions when guest speakers visit the classroom, students are expected to wear their Prep polo or pullover.
Required Prep apparel costs approximately $150 for the year.
The Prep Year publishes an annual academic calendar outlining important dates, holidays, and scheduled breaks.
Families can view the current academic calendar on our website.
Yes! We encourage prospective students to experience The Prep Year firsthand through a Shadow Day.
During their visit, students have the opportunity to participate in classes, meet teachers and current students, and get a feel for our learning environment and daily routine.
Families interested in scheduling a Shadow Day can contact us to arrange a visit.
If you believe The Prep Year is the right fit for your child, you can complete an enrollment application directly through our website.