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Public Prep

“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.”
– Mae Jemison

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Public Prep is a network of college-preparatory charter schools committed to high academic standards, merit, citizenship and responsibility. We empower our students with critical-thinking skills and a strong character, preparing them to pursue their passions and achieve academic excellence with enthusiasm and dedication.

Our Values

Public Prep has six organizational values that guide our actions:

  • Preparing students to graduate from college and succeed in life
  • Building great schools
  • Delivering service with enthusiasm
  • Promoting a network of shared culture and goals
  • Growing leaders from within
  • Pursuing innovation and excellence

Building Great Schools

The Public Prep model focuses on the whole child, emphasizing creativity and health alongside academic excellence. Public Prep also engages families in their child’s education and develops talent among educators. Read more about the Public Prep Model here.

Delivering Service With Enthusiasm

Public Prep exists to support our network of schools. This support takes many forms — from recruiting great teachers to researching great curricula. Learn about the ways we support our schools here.

Promoting a Network of Shared Culture and Goals

The more we help each other the farther we will go. Through Public Prep, each school in the network is connected and supported. Our teachers and principals share ideas so our students can benefit from a growing network of resources and expertise. The entire Public Prep network contributes to the same mission — ensuring that all of New York City’s children have an excellent education.

Growing Leaders from Within

Commitment to developing quality teachers and school leaders is key to the success of our schools. This commitment begins with our unique Public Prep Fellows program — a two year training program in which new teachers assist in a classroom while obtaining subsidized masters degrees and certification. All teachers are encouraged to follow our leadership pathway. We grow our leaders from within — from fellow, to associate, to lead teacher to grade level leader, to instructional coach, to specialist, to a Public Prep Principal! Extensive professional development and mentoring ensures that all staff members receive the support they need. Learn more about leadership opportunities at Girls Prep here.

Pursuing Excellence, Growth and Learning

As a young organization, we focus on constant improvement. Members of the Public Prep Network are always learning and growing — just like our students!

Finding Innovative Solutions

We believe in creativity and originality. Teachers and leaders have the freedom to think outside the box and problem-solve to make their classrooms and schools as effective as possible.