Middle and High School Program

Academic Guidance

Making the Most of the Student Experience 

The PEP Program is designed to help students achieve academic success at the middle and high school levels while developing the knowledge, skills, and habits to prepare them for post-secondary education and beyond.

PEP students receive a solid academic foundation and assistance in areas requiring additional support. Through academic coaching, one-on-one tutoring, concentrated individual study, group instruction, and peer-to-peer learning, students are immersed in an educational environment that supports college admission and success and instills the confidence that comes with academic achievement.

The academic benefits PEP students receive include:

• Individualized academic coaching that supports each student’s strengths and goals
• Strengthened academic foundations in math, science, reading, and writing
• Assistance with assignment completion and long-term academic projects
• Test preparation
• Development of executive functioning skills, including time management and organization
• Access to laptops, printers, textbooks, and other school supplies

College Readiness

Imagining Possibilities, Planning for the Future

PEP aims to help every student visualize themselves after high school graduation, instill in them the desire to achieve a post-secondary education, and equip them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and frame of mind necessary to meet their personal and professional goals. 

Beginning in 8th grade, PEP students and families participate in college readiness workshops and individualized meetings to prepare for college admissions, learning how to: 

• Maximize academic and extracurricular opportunities during the school year
• Identify and apply for summer opportunities for employment, volunteer work, and programs to pursue academic, athletic, artistic, and other extracurricular interests
• Navigate standardized testing and the admissions process 
• Research and identify post-secondary programs that best suit their interests, skills, and career aspirations
• Navigate financial aid applications and apply for scholarships
• Overcome the unique challenges first-generation college students face and leverage resources to facilitate their transition and support their success

Throughout their time at PEP, students visit numerous college campuses. Each year, they focus on various elements of college preparation:

8th Grade – 10th Grade

• College readiness workshops

11th Grade

• College readiness workshops
• SAT preparation 

12th Grade

• College essay writing workshops
• College application assistance
• Scholarship application assistance
• Individualized FAFSA meetings
• Individualized review of financial aid packages and scholarships and guidance for college selection

“The college tours are so fun. I get to experience the feeling of a college campus and where I might be one day.”

Maily Mazariego, Class of 2028