Bronx Prep is a rigorous, college preparatory academic program that operates on an extended-day and extended- year schedule. Our students spend 50% more time in the classroom than students from traditional public schools. To graduate, Bronx Prep students must receive at least one college acceptance. While strong academics and college prep are central to our mission, the growth of a student’s character is also a crucial part of a Bronx Prep education. We equip our students to make informed choices at school, at home, and in the world beyond, providing them with a wide variety of opportunities to achieve lifelong success.
Bronx Prep Charter School strives to provide all scholars in grades 5-12 with a rigorous and complete academic program. Below is a glossary of terms and definitions of the components, programs and/or services that all of our scholars have the opportunity to experience as they make their transition to college.
We refer to our students as scholars, visionaries and luminaries. These terms serve to reinforce Bronx Prep’s academic and social expectations of its students on a daily basis.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT & LEARNING ENHANCEMENTS
ADVISORY
All scholars are assigned a faculty advisor. Advisors will work to build relationships with each advisee that will allow him/her to provide both academic and character guidance. Advisors will specifically work to:
- Facilitate character development through self-reflection and group activities
- Explore college and career opportunities
- Discuss social, political, and academic events in and out of school that are relevant to the advisory
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Once a week, students gather in various groups to help build and maintain a positive school culture and to share information. Examples of activities that occur during this time are student presentations, community celebrations, lessons/discussions based on the 7 Cs (curiosity, commitment, competence, character, confidence, caring and community) and announcements.
COUNSELING
Bronx Prep currently has two guidance counselors who provide services to Individualized Education Program (IEP) students who are mandated to receive services. Counseling services are offered to any students who may be at risk of failure or struggling in some way. Our counselors work in conjunction with the Assistant Principal of Learning Enhancement to write annual goals for students.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Our school implements an immersion ESL program with a sheltered instructional model as the core approach toward ensuring that all students with limited English proficiency are prepared to meet the standards at the same levels expected of their English proficient peers. Bronx Prep also provides our current and former English Language Learners with mandated small group pull-out and push-in ESL services. We extend instruction through two evolving programs: an after-school ESL program and an arts-based enrichment program. These programs are designed to service English Language Learners and those who have recently tested out of ESL programs but whose performance in core subjects falls short of meeting standards across grades 5-12.
FIELD LESSONS
In order to enhance our scholars’ academic, artistic, cultural, and social development, Bronx Prep requires that all scholars participate in extracurricular activities and events. Students in grades 5-12 will have the opportunity to participate in at least eight field lessons in a school year. These educational field lessons connect to the standards taught in math, science, history, English, foreign languages and art. Although most field lessons will take place during the school day, some will take place on Saturdays, while others will be overnight experiences. Field lessons are critical elements of our curriculum that enable students to connect their classroom learning to the greater world.
IMPACT
IMPACT (Improving Minds by Providing Access to College Today) is a period in the day when all students receive individually tailored instruction in literacy, math, science, history, and/or Spanish. Based on student need, students have the option of taking a supplemental course that will help them get closer to their graduation requirements. Impact classes include subjects such as Geometry, Regents Test Prep and Academic Intervention in math/literacy. Class provides specially designed instruction to benefit students in many academic and social areas.
SETSS
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) guides each student’s program. Each student will be working at his/her academic level to improve skills in math, reading and/or written language. Students monitor their progress toward their IEP objectives throughout the year and participate in the development of their IEP. We also work toward preparing students to take the PSATs and SATs and succeed academically at Bronx Prep.
ARTISTIC
Bronx Prep believes deeply in the importance of arts education. Every child participates in artistic program classes at least four times a week, and takes part in performances during the school year. Performances are held at Bronx Prep and other venues around the city.
THE BRONX PREP PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY(BPPAA)
During the 2010-2011 school year, the Bronx Prep artistic department created the Bronx Prep Performing Arts Academy (BPPAA). Expanding on the past successes of the Speech Team and Musical Theater at Bronx Prep, the Academy offers a rigorous, integrated performing arts program after school for grades 5-12. Our goals are to promote strong peer leadership, create opportunities for meaningful integration of the arts and academics, and prepare students for successful performance careers at Bronx Prep, college and beyond.
COLLEGE VISITS
Each year, students in grades 5-12 have the opportunity to go on two college trips. Students in grades 5-12 have the opportunity to take campus tours, attend information sessions, dine and have discussions with current students, and possibly attend classes at local colleges and universities.. High-school students have the opportunity to visit colleges and universities in different regions of the country.
MIDDLE SCHOOL END-OF-THE-YEAR TRIPS
Scholars who have an outstanding record of academic achievement and conduct reflecting the 7 C’s throughout the year earn invitations to join various out-of-state overnight trips at the end of the year. These trips have included visits to Clearpool Educational Center in Carmel, NY, Washington, DC, Boston, and Atlanta.
