The College Preparatory School
General Information
About
The College Preparatory School (often referred to simply as “College Prep”) is a distinguished, private, non-residential high school located in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, California. Founded in 1960, the school has developed a reputation for academic rigor, thoughtful dialogue, and a close-knit community. At College Prep, intellectual curiosity is not just encouraged — it’s foundational: students engage deeply with challenging ideas, explore complex texts, and collaborate in an environment where both achievement and character matter.
The school’s motto, Mens Conscia Recti (“a mind aware of what is right”), reflects its long-standing commitment to moral as well as intellectual development. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of about 8:1, students experience rich teacher mentorship and meaningful relationships. The campus spans roughly five acres, with green outdoor spaces integrated into its fifteen buildings, creating a learning environment that feels both intimate and expansive. Over the decades, College Prep has become known for graduates who are critically minded, ethically grounded, and prepared to contribute thoughtfully to their next institutions and society.
Contact Information
Address: 6100 Broadway, Oakland, California, 94618
Phone Number: (510) 652-0111
Email Address: The registrar or admission contact listed is in the CA Department of Education directory as linh@college-prep.org.
School Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1960 |
| Motto | Mens Conscia Recti (“a mind aware of what is right”) |
| Type | Private, Co-educational, College Preparatory High School |
| Grades Served | 9–12 |
| Campus Size | ~ 5 acres, 15 buildings |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~ 8:1 |
| Enrollment | ~ 373 students (as of 2020–2021) |
| Accreditation / Affiliations | Member of CAIS, NAIS |
| Mascot / Team Name | Cougar; school colors include blue, maroon, white |
The College Preparatory School Rankings
| Scope | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Frequently ranked among top private high schools in the U.S.; historically placed high by Forbes and other publications. |
| State (California) | Regarded as one of the leading independent secondary schools in the Bay Area, especially in academics and college preparation. |
The College Preparatory School Academics
Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies / History
- World Languages (e.g., Spanish, Latin)
- Arts (Visual Arts, Music)
- Physical Education & Athletics
- Ethics / Character Education
- College Counseling
Courses and Programs / Majors
As a high school rather than a university, College Prep does not have “majors,” but it offers a strong, college-preparatory curriculum:
- English: Literature, Writing, Rhetoric
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, possibly electives like Environmental Science
- Social Studies: U.S. History, World History, Government / Civics
- Languages: Latin, Spanish (or other offerings)
- Fine Arts: Visual art, music, perhaps theater
- Physical Education: Athletics, team sports, fitness courses
- Ethics / Character: Leadership, moral reasoning, community service
- Advanced / Enrichment: College counseling, independent study, possibly SAT/ACT prep
Online Learning
College Prep primarily offers in-person instruction on its campus in Oakland. There is no indication in publicly available materials that it has a fully developed, permanent online high school program; rather, its strength lies in face-to-face, discussion-based, rigorous academic teaching.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| SAT (Class of 2024) | ~ 1493 (sum of EBRW ~746 + Math ~747) |
| ACT (Class of 2024) | ~ 34 (average) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because College Prep is a four-year high school (grades 9–12), traditional “graduation rate” applies — most students complete all four years. While exact retention statistics aren’t typically published, the school’s reputation, small size, and strong culture suggest that attrition is low and most students graduate. Alumni frequently remain connected, reflecting a tight-knit community and strong bonds with faculty.
The College Preparatory School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
College Prep does not publicly publish a rigid “GPA cutoff,” but being a highly selective private school, successful applicants typically present strong academic records. Given the average SAT and ACT scores of current students, admitted students likely perform at very high academic levels in middle school and on standardized tests.
The College Preparatory School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Estimated to be low to moderate; because the school enrolls around 90+ zip codes and maintains a cohort of about 370–400 students, it is selective. |
The College Preparatory School Application Requirements
Applying to College Prep involves more than just grades: the school seeks students who are intellectually curious, ethically minded, and committed to community. Applicants typically must submit an application with academic transcripts, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and responses to essay prompts. The school values the holistic view of a student — their ideas, passions, and what they will contribute to the College Prep community. Families are encouraged to tour the campus, meet faculty, and reflect on how their values align with the school’s mission.
Application Process
- Submit the online application via the admissions office.
- Provide academic transcripts from current and prior schooling.
- Submit letters of recommendation (usually from teachers or school counselors).
- Complete one or more essays or personal statements (reflecting interests, character, and fit).
- Attend an interview or campus visit (often encouraged) to meet faculty and students.
- Apply for financial aid if needed via the school’s need-based aid program.
- Receive an admissions decision.
The College Preparatory School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Date / Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September for entry in the following school year |
| Application Deadline | January 8 for entry in the fall |
| Financial Aid / Need-based Grant Application | Generally aligns with the admissions cycle; families are encouraged to apply early. |
Essay Prompt
While the school does not publicly specify a fixed essay prompt, it emphasizes reflective, meaningful essays: applicants are likely asked to write about their intellectual interests, what motivates them, how they think about ethics or community, and why they feel College Prep would be a good fit. The essays serve to show character, passion for learning, and alignment with the school’s mission.
The College Preparatory School Scholarships
College Prep offers need-based financial aid to help make its program more accessible. According to past reports, a meaningful portion of students receive financial assistance, and the admissions office encourages families to apply for aid through their financial aid process.
The College Preparatory School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | US$ 60,050 for the 2025–2026 school year |
| Financial Aid | Need-based grants available; in 2025–2026 about 25% of students received support |
Student Profile and Demographics – The College Preparatory School
Student Demographics
College Prep enrolls co-educational students in grades 9–12. Its student body is relatively small, with about 373 students reported for the 2020–21 school year. Students come from a wide geographic area — more than 90 zip codes are represented, indicating diverse local reach. While the school does not publicly break down its student population by race/ethnicity in detail on its main site, independent school directories note that it strives for a community that is intellectually curious and morally grounded, drawing students from different backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
College Prep’s financial aid program shows a commitment to socioeconomic diversity: a significant portion of the student body receives need-based grants (about 25% in the most recent reported year). While the school does have support for diverse learners, publicly available data does not deeply detail the percentage of students with disabilities; however, being a CAIS- and NAIS-affiliated institution, it likely has some support structures in place for students with learning differences.
Student Body Size
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~ 373 (2020–21) |
| International Students | Not prominently reported; primarily draws from the Bay Area, though students may come from varied economic and geographic backgrounds |
School Diversity
The College Preparatory School fosters a deeply intellectual and morally thoughtful community. While the student body is relatively small, the school draws from over 90 different zip codes, underscoring its appeal across the Bay Area. The school actively promotes an inclusive worldview, encouraging dialogue, moral reflection, and engagement with difficult ethical questions. Students learn not just to think critically but to question: “What does it mean to be right?” The school’s emphasis on character education, ethical leadership, and civic participation helps cultivate a diverse student body in terms of ideas, values, and socioeconomic status. Through its financial aid offerings, College Prep makes strides toward accessibility, ensuring that talented students who may not be able to afford full tuition can still join its rigorous academic community.
Average Earnings
As a high school rather than a university, College Prep does not report “average earnings” of its students (i.e., post-graduation income). Its mission centers on preparing students for college and for thoughtful, principled lives, rather than directly influencing immediate earnings. The success of alumni is often measured in terms of their college matriculation, civic engagement, and contributions to their communities, rather than income metrics.
The College Preparatory School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
College Prep employs a robust faculty, with around 100 teachers, giving it a strong base of experienced educators. With its student-teacher ratio around 8:1, the school ensures that teachers can deeply mentor students, foster discussion, and provide individualized feedback. In addition to academic faculty, College Prep has administrative staff, college counselors, athletics coaches, and advisors who support the student experience.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at College Prep are distinguished not only by their academic credentials, but by their commitment to ethical discourse and mentorship. Teachers lead seminars, guide independent student projects, and challenge students to think across disciplines. Many faculty members have advanced degrees and a passion for both their subject matter and teaching. Over the years, College Prep has developed a culture where educators live the school’s mission: cultivating in students not just knowledge, but integrity, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility. Alumni often cite their relationships with teachers as transformative, pointing to the way faculty shape not only academic growth but moral and personal development.
The College Preparatory School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
College Prep’s campus, nestled in the verdant Oakland Hills, consists of about five acres and fifteen buildings. The campus layout is designed to foster community, with a large central courtyard that acts as a gathering space for students and faculty. As a day school, there is no boarding or housing; students commute to campus daily. Student life is enriched by extracurriculars — clubs, athletics, arts, and discussion groups — and by traditions that reinforce College Prep’s moral and intellectual ethos. Students often convene in small seminars, engage in community dialogue, and support each other in a collegial, ambitious setting.
Transportation
College Prep is well connected to transit: it is located approximately half a mile from the Rockridge BART station, making public transportation a viable option for many students. For those driving, the campus has designated visitor parking, and nearby street parking is managed carefully due to the residential nature of the neighborhood. On campus, mobility is easy: students move between classrooms, seminar rooms, and outdoor spaces in a walkable and thoughtfully designed environment, fostering both community cohesion and intellectual engagement.