In 2000, the Bronx Preparatory Charter School, or Bronx Prep, opened its doors in the South Bronx; an area where poor academic performance is common. Bronx Prep is a co-educational learning facility that currently educates 700 students in grades 5 through 12. At Bronx Prep, extensive college preparatory academics are taught to students throughout an extended-day and extended-year schedule. This schedule allows students to spend 50 percent more time in school compared to students attending conventional public schools, which benefits a student academically. Bronx Prep offers a diversity programs and extracurricular activities, such as the artistic program (offering classes in musical theater, art, speech and drama, piano, strings, digital photography); the extended-day program (in which students receive additional support through academic intervention services and can choose from extracurricular courses) and the field lessons program (which takes students on college visits and field trips throughout New York and other parts of the United States). At Bronx Prep, a student can only graduate if they have at least one college acceptance, which has not been a problem; since 2007, 100 percent of Bronx Prep students have been admitted to and are now attending the nation's top-rated colleges.
The Learning Tree Cultural Preparatory School, or TLT, was established over 30 years ago and is located in the East Bronx. TLT is a co-educational learning facility that teaches Universal Pre-K (UPK) through 8. Middle school, grades 6 through 8 course studies are intended to develop a student intellectually and socially through critical thinking, academics and cultural awareness. Two programs are available at TLT for middle school girls and boys: the Rites of Passage program, which teaches students leadership, values and cultural history, and the Global Exposure Program, which exposes eighth graders to culture, history and education. The school has creative programs available to all students such as creative arts and the Entrepreneurial Program.
South Bronx Preparatory School is a College Board institution that currently educates 577 young women and men in grades 6 through 12. The school aids students with college entrance through its college preparatory academic program that includes: Knowledge for College, SAT Readiness through Pathways, academic support services, college visits and Saturday workshops at Lehman College. South Bronx Preparatory School also has advanced placement (AP) courses. The school offers extracurricular activities in leadership and support, academics, arts, clubs and sports.
Fordham Preparatory School, or Fordham Prep, was founded in 1841 by the Archbishop Hughes and is located on the Rose Hill Campus of Fordham University in the Bronx. Fordham Prep is an all-male, four-year, Catholic, Jesuit school based on the beliefs of St. Ignatius Loyola. Fordham Prep provides young men with religious development through a religious studies course, campus ministry and the Christian Service Program. Emotional development is provided at Forham Prep through guidance and counseling services that are readily available. The school has a variety of sports and a wide array of extracurricular activities such as, clubs, teams and activities.