Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a College Board School?
- How is a College Board School different from any other public school?
- What are the grade levels in College Board Schools?
- How many students are in College Board Schools?
- What are the programs, curriculum and courses like?
- Will my child receive supplemental services, like speech, in a College Board school?
- Do College Board Schools charge tuition?
- How are students admitted to College Board Schools?
- Where are College Board Schools located?
What is a College Board School?
College Board Schools are public middle and high schools developed with the goal of connecting all students to college success.The first College Board Schools were opened in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and the schools’ respective school districts.
How is a College Board School different from any other public school?
The mission of every College Board school is to prepare students for access to and success in college. Students in College Board Schools will use College Board programs and services including SpringBoard™ (in reading and mathematics), CollegeEd®, and MyRoad™; take the ReadiStep™, PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT® assessments; and take Advanced Placement Program® courses. Students participate in Advisory and receive academic advising. College Board Schools are small schools to create a personalized learning environment for each student.
What are the grade levels in College Board Schools?
While the grade configurations across College Board Schools varies, our schools serve students in grades 6–12. When a new College Board School opens, sixth and ninth grade students will be admitted for the first three years. Beginning in year four, only sixth grade students will be admitted.
How many students are in College Board Schools?
College Board Schools are small, personalized environments with a total of 560-775 students in grades 6–12.
What are the programs, curriculum, and courses like?
College Board Schools are created in collaboration with their respective public school districts, and use their state and city curriculum and programs. In addition, College Board Schools utilize all of the programs and services of the College Board, including:
Advisory Program (Grades 6-12)
Advisory programs play a critical role in creating small, personalized learning environments for students that is foundational to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can achieve by addressing the academic, social and emotional growth and development of our students.
SpringBoard English & Mathematics (Grades 6–12)
SpringBoard is a comprehensive and integrated curriculum program designed to increase the number and broaden the diversity of students prepared to succeed in college and Advanced Placement Program (AP®) courses.
CollegeEd (Grades 7–12)
CollegeEd is a program designed to inspire middle school students and their families to prepare for college success and to believe that college is possible.
ReadiStep (Grades 8-9)
ReadiStep is a diagnostic assessment that provides early feedback — and helps put students on an early path to college success. It helps identify the skills students need to develop, and identifies students who are ready for more challenging course work.
PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10–11)
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is an assessment to help build college readiness in high school students. It measures the critical reading, math reasoning, and writing skills that students have developed over the course of their education.
MyRoad (Grades 9–12)
MyRoad (www.myroad.com) is the Web-based tool that enables students to explore majors, careers, and colleges. It includes an online test that identifies students' strengths, learning preferences, motivators, and development opportunities, and helps counselors connect with students.
Advanced Placement Program (Grades 9–12)
The AP Program is a voluntary program that offers high school students the opportunity to take one or more college-level courses while they are still in high school.
ACCUPLACER® Diagnostic Tests (Grades 10-11)
ACCUPLACER Diagnostic Tests provide a detailed analysis of a student's strengths and weaknesses to enhance college preparedness and academic performance. These assessments help College Board Schools apply academic interventions with greater precision, empowering them to speak to student remediation issues and develop tutoring and mentoring strategies early.
SAT Readiness Program™ (Grades 11-12)
The SAT Readiness Program is the College Board's collection of online, print, and professional development resources to help students prepare for the SAT.
Other Programs (Grades 6–12)
In addition, the College Board will assist all students needing extra support in literacy and mathematics through supplementary programs.
Will my child receive supplemental services, like speech, in a College Board school?
Yes. Students receive all mandated services as described in his/her Individual Education Plan.
Do College Board Schools charge tuition?
No. College Board Schools are public schools, and are free for eligible residents.
How are students admitted to College Board Schools?
College Board Schools are unscreened (non-selective). All College Board Schools require submission of an application and attendance at School Orientation Night. Applications are provided through your public school district’s school choice processes.
Students will be eligible for acceptance as long as they have met the promotional standards for their grade (as determined by your state), and are residents of the respective school district within which the school is located.
Where are College Board Schools located?
College Board Schools can be found in New York State in Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, and Yonkers. We have also partnered to provide support to specific public schools in Baltimore City, Maryland and Denver, Colorado.