Peak Launches College Pathways Program in the bronx

​        Peak Performance Prep is excited to announce the launch of our College Pathways Program. Earlier this week, Peak co-founder Jared Small met with Mr. Luis Paez (far left in photo) of St. Ignatius School and seven high school sophomores, each a graduate of St. Ignatius who now attends high school in the New York City area. The purpose of this meeting was for Jared and the students to get to know each other before diving into the SAT prep course that will start after Thanksgiving. Gathered in a St. Ignatius classroom after school, the group projected a mixture of excitement and first-day butterflies as students embark on a multi-year program designed to prepare them for all facets of the college admissions process. While Peak has done a considerable amount of outreach with local communities in the past, this newest pro bono venture introduces at least two new concepts to the Peak approach: 1) a holistic program that will unfold across multiple years; and 2) a partnership with an already-proven team of committed educators and administrators from the St. Ignatius School.
      During the course of this preliminary meeting, Jared and the students introduced themselves and asked each other questions.  Some were playful--"what’s your favorite comic book?"--and others more serious--"why did we each opt into this extensive and demanding program?"  Members of the group discussed their impressions of higher education and the motivations underlying their desire to eventually attend college, which for some students in the room would mark the first time someone in their families would have the opportunity to do so.
           As sophomores, these students realize that college is still a bit far off.  But nearly all acknowledged that starting the college prep process early will help them feel more confident and prepared. Additionally, the early start to this process allows Peak to extend the program over a three-year period and dissect the steps into discrete, manageable parts. During Year One, the students will focus on mastering the SAT and will get ready to take their first actual SAT in Summer 2019. Year Two will maintain the focus on test prep, while also incorporating resume building, application tips, and college visits. Year Three will mark the culmination of the program, and will hopefully see Peak--in partnership with Mr. Paez in his role as director of the St. Ignatius alumni education program--guide each of the seven students through the remaining portions of the college application process.
       Over the course of the next several months, Jared and the students will meet on Wednesday evenings in Hunts Point to dissect the 'ins' and 'outs' of the SAT.  Throughout the winter and spring, the group will also gather in Westchester on Saturday mornings for timed practice exams that will help monitor progress.  For all involved, the road ahead is an exciting one. It will certainly produce countless learning moments and memories for both teacher and students alike!
        Be sure to check back with this blog frequently for updates and student profiles from our College Pathways Program!

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