Older Children
A Better Chance (ABC)
A Better Chance refers academically talented students entering grades 6 through 11 to some of the nation's finest independent and public schools to be considered for placement and financial aid. Students who are successfully placed in one of their 300+ member schools become a part of the signature College Preparatory Schools Program, and receive access to expanded educational and leadership opportunities.
The Albert G. Oliver Program
The Oliver program identifies New York City’s brightest seventh grade students of African and Latin American descent and prepares them and their families for the transition to independent schools in 9th grade. The program provides continuing academic and social support through high school and the transition to college.
The Boys’ Club of New York
The Boys’ Club of New York has been at the vanguard of youth development for over 130 years and serves nearly 5,000 children. Established in1957, the Independent School Placement Program is the nation’s oldest. To date, the program has successfully graduated over 1,500 boys with a retention rate well over 90%. The program monitors student progress; conducts school visits; and offers workshops throughout the academic year. The college placement rate stands at 100%. Other programming includes: Early ISP Prep for rising 5th graders; Academic All-Stars (basketball and baseball); Independent Boarding School Fair; and a Parent Advisory Board.
De La Salle Academy
De La Salle is the only private, independent school in New York City for academically talented, economically less advantaged boys and girls in grades six through eight with a need-blind admission policy. The school’s continued success for over 30 years is a testament to the sense of family upon which Brother Brian Carty, FSC founded the school.
George Jackson Academy
George Jackson Academy is the only independent, non-sectarian, needs-blind upper elementary and middle school for bright boys from low-income families in NYC. The school was created to engage underserved, academically capable boys from 4th to 8th grade, a time when young men are particularly vulnerable to disengaging from school. George Jackson Academy creates a life-changing experience by challenging its students to grow not only as scholars, but also as friends and brothers in community. No child is denied admission because of an inability to pay.
Prep for Prep
The Prep for Prep program identifies talented students of color and prepares them for placement in independent schools. Prep provides a sense of community, peer support, critical post-placement services, and a range of leadership development opportunities. The preparatory component of the program begins in 5th grade for 7th grade placement and in 7th grade for 9th grade placement.
Teak Fellowship
TEAK is a free, 6 1/2 year program that helps talented students from low-income families achieve their potential. Through intensive after school and summer classes, TEAK prepares middle school students to get into the nation’s most selective high schools and colleges. TEAK’s strong support system ensures that students thrive in their independent (day and boarding) high schools and graduate from college, ready to pursue their professional goals and positively impact the world.
The Wight Foundation
The Wight Foundation provides opportunities for young men and women of the Greater Newark area to achieve academic excellence and personal development within a boarding school environment. Established in 1985 by Russell B. Wight, Jr., The Wight Foundation seeks to make a difference in the lives and futures of young men and women. The Foundation plays an active role in supporting and encouraging scholars to excel in the academic area in preparation for their college years and beyond. Special emphasis is placed on helping scholars to grow as proactive individuals, to develop leadership skills, and to explore the world around them.
