York Prep School
Part of Cognita
Updated July 2026
York Preparatory School is a private, independent college preparatory school located in Manhattan, serving students in grades 6-12. As part of the Cognita family of schools, it provides a rigorous academic environment with a focus on social-emotional growth and individualized support.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school’s learning framework is built on two core areas—'Look Within' and 'Seek Out'—supported by four key competencies: thinking critically, being creative, working together, and building resilience. The educational approach is holistic and student-centered, aiming to foster self-awareness, integrity, and a growth mindset while encouraging students to become thoughtful leaders and global citizens.
Programmes
The academic offering is divided into Middle School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12), alongside the specialized Jump Start program. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and college-preparatory, supported by departments in STEAM and Humanities. The school also offers a Scholars Program and comprehensive college guidance.
Outcomes
The school reports a 100% college matriculation rate. Its college guidance program supports students through the high school to college transition and the admissions process.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs 25 learning specialists to support diverse learning profiles. It offers the Jump Start program, which requires a neuropsychological evaluation or IEP for eligibility. The school also provides specialized advocacy and support for families navigating the NYC Department of Education tuition reimbursement process, including Carter and Connors funding.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 6-12 | 11–18 | $67.8K |
| Jump Start - Level 1 | 11–18 | $83.4K |
| Jump Start - Level 2 | 11–18 | $89.8K |
| Jump Start - Level 3 | 11–18 | $97.1K |
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an online application via Ravenna. Prospective families are encouraged to attend an information session and participate in a required on-campus tour and interview. Applicants must submit current school transcripts and teacher recommendations, and international students may be issued a Form I-20 for an F-1 visa. Decisions for grades 6-8 and 9-12 are released in February.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic year with key dates and events managed through a grid calendar on the Parent Portal. The school observes major holidays, such as Memorial Day, and maintains specific application deadlines for financial aid and enrollment.
About the campus
Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side, the school is situated 728 feet from Central Park. The campus provides a dedicated environment for its 350 students, supported by a team of educators, learning specialists, and counselors.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of clubs and activities, with leadership team members often serving as club advisors. The school maintains a robust athletics program featuring 20 varsity teams. Additionally, students engage in global citizenship initiatives and arts programming.
- John BeichAssociate Head of School
Mr. Beich has worked with students with learning disabilities since 1999, previously serving as a teacher and administrator at the Stephen Gaynor School, including seven years as Director of Middle School. He joined York Prep in 2018 and holds an undergraduate degree in Comparative Religious Studies and a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities.
- Jeremy ClarkeAssociate Head of School
Mr. Clarke was born and raised in Australia, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and American literature and a Master’s degree in Journalism. He worked as a foreign correspondent before moving to England to teach while earning a Master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University.
- Dr. Johanna David-TramantanoDirector of Inclusive Learning
Dr. David-Tramantano has held various leadership roles, including literacy coach, assistant principal, and Director of English Language Arts and Social Studies for a large urban district. She holds a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from New York University and has served as a professor and Chair of Graduate Programs for Childhood and Special Education.
- Brittany HastingsDirector of Jump Start
Ms. Hastings has been teaching at York Prep for nine years and has over a decade of teaching experience across various school settings. She earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Special Education and an M.S.T. in Childhood Education and Special Education.
- Emily BordenDirector of Curriculum and Instruction for STEAM
Ms. Borden holds a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Colgate University and a Master's degree in General and Special Education from Hunter College. Prior to joining York Prep, she taught at the NYC Autism Charter School.
- Natasha ChadhaInterim Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Humanities
Ms. Chadha holds a bachelor's degree in English from Virginia Tech, a master’s in the Teaching of English, and an Ed.M. in Private School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has over a decade of experience teaching middle school English, including five years at Avenues: The World School.
- Alison KaslowDirector of Wellness and Counseling
Ms. Kaslow is a licensed psychotherapist in New York with a Master’s degree in clinical social work from Fordham University and a Bachelor’s degree in communications from UMASS Amherst. She completed a two-year post-graduate training program at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy to become a certified family and couples therapist.