Who We Are
Talent Prep Academy is a New York City learning center specializing in school admissions preparation, advanced academic enrichment, reading development, and standardized test preparation for children from age 3 through Grade 8.
Since 2013, we have helped more than 1,000 families navigate important stages of their children’s education—from learning to read independently and building strong academic foundations to preparing for Hunter College Elementary School, Hunter College High School, selective independent schools, the ISEE, FLI assessments, and New York State Tests.
Talent Prep Academy is operated by Talent Prep Child Development Center LLC and is located at 216 Front Street in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. In-person, private, small-group, virtual, and selected self-paced learning options are available.
What We Offer
Talent Prep Academy provides comprehensive preparation for children applying to Hunter College Elementary School Kindergarten.
Our Hunter K programs support the skills evaluated throughout the admissions process, including verbal comprehension, quantitative reasoning, fluid reasoning, working memory, visual-spatial processing, communication, social-emotional development, and group participation.
Families may choose from small-group classes, private instruction, playdate preparation, application-year guidance, and selected digital learning programs. Click to learn more...
Hunter College Elementary School Kindergarten Readiness:
Hunter College High School Preparation:
Talent Prep Academy prepares eligible sixth graders and promising fifth graders for the Hunter College High School admissions process.
Instruction addresses the core demands of the Hunter entrance examination, including advanced reading comprehension, analytical writing, mathematical reasoning, time management, and full-length practice. Fifth-grade preparation also helps students build the academic foundation and standardized-test performance needed to meet Hunter’s eligibility requirements.
Programs are offered through small-group and private instruction, both in person and virtually. Click to learn more...
NYC and NJ Private-School Admissions Preparation:
We support families with children ages 3–11 who are applying to selective independent schools in New York City and New Jersey.
Our services may include:
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School selection and application strategy
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Kindergarten playdate and student interview preparation
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Parent and family interview coaching
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FLI assessment preparation
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ISEE preparation
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Application essay guidance
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Recommendation planning
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Admissions timelines and decision support
Talent Prep Academy students have received offers from schools including Trinity, Brearley, Horace Mann, Dalton, Collegiate, Chapin, Spence, Browning, CGPS, Ethical Culture Fieldston, and Speyer. Click to learn more...
Academic Preparation and New York State Test Prep:
Our academic programs serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Instruction develops reading comprehension, writing, mathematics, and problem-solving skills while helping students prepare for classroom success, accelerated academic opportunities, and the New York State ELA and Mathematics Tests.
Programs range from foundational academic support to advanced preparation for students who need greater depth and challenge than they may consistently receive during the regular school day. Click to learn more...
Reading Fluency and Critical Thinking:
Our evidence-based reading instruction addresses phonics, word recognition, sight words, spelling, passage fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students also practice higher-order thinking, discussion, problem-solving, and written expression so that reading becomes a foundation for learning across subjects.
Families may choose from in-person classes or high-frequency virtual instruction with an experienced reading specialist. Our virtual program is designed to help children make efficient, measurable progress toward independent reading. Click to learn more...
The Fifth Percentile Club:
The Fifth Percentile Club is an advanced academic community for high-performing young students who learn quickly, think deeply, and benefit from intellectually matched peers.
Rather than simply accelerating children through higher-grade material, the program develops depth, complexity, reasoning, discussion, and original thought. Students engage in advanced reading comprehension, idea-based and creative writing, Singapore Math, AoPS, multistep problem-solving, logic, and strategic games. Click to learn more...
Summer School:
Talent Prep Academy Summer School help students maintain academic momentum while continuing to explore, create, and play.
Program options may include Hunter and private-school Kindergarten preparation, reading development, academic readiness, advanced literacy and mathematics, outdoor activities, sports, and educational field trips. Offerings vary by age and summer session. Click to learn more...
School Admissions Consultation:
School admissions can involve far more than test preparation. Families may also need help determining which schools fit their child, understanding admissions timelines, presenting an authentic family narrative, and making strategic decisions throughout the application process.
Talent Prep Academy provides individualized consultation for families considering Hunter College Campus Schools, selective private schools, and other competitive educational pathways. Click here to send us a message...
Honors
Each year, we receive tons of “thank you” emails/letters from Talent Prep families as well as from social media, sharing the joy of school admission offers from Hunter, top private schools, excellent FLI scores, and state test results, or the accomplishment of learning and growing at Talent Prep. Whenever we receive such words, we always feel gratitude. This is the best proof of our dedication to EDUCATION.
Frequent Questions
What ages and grades does Talent Prep Academy serve?
Talent Prep Academy serves children beginning around age three and continuing through Grade 8. The eligible age or grade range varies by program.
How does Talent Prep Academy prepare children for Hunter College Elementary School?
Talent Prep Academy offers Hunter Kindergarten preparation for both Round 1 and Round 2 stages of the admissions process, including cognitive development, language and reasoning skills, social-emotional readiness, group participation, and playdate preparation.
For Hunter K R1 readiness, we do NOT expose students to real Round 1 assessment questions or tasks. Instead, we help students improve their verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, arithmetic skills, expressive language, following directions, and working memory, which are the skills and abilities students will be assessed in Hunter R1.
Does Talent Prep Academy help with NYC private-school applications?
Yes. we support families applying to selective NYC independent schools. Services include school selection, application strategy, playdate and interview coaching, parent interview preparation, essay guidance, ISEE and FLI preparation, and recommendations.
Does Talent Prep Academy offer online classes?
Yes. We offer Hunter HS Prep, Reading Fluency, FLI test readiness, NY State Test preparation, School Admission consulting, and self-paced private tutoring services via Zoom.
Talent Prep Academy also offers Hunter & Private School K prep digital materials, which is available here.
Is Talent Prep Academy only for students applying to selective schools?
No. Although selective-school admissions preparation is one of our specialties, Talent Prep Academy also supports students who need stronger reading foundations, academic reinforcement, New York State Test preparation, or more advanced and challenging coursework.
How do I find the right program for my child?
Every family begins with different goals. Contact us here and tell us your child current school, age/grade, and initial goal. We will be happy to discuss your child’s current level, educational needs, admissions timeline, and the most appropriate next step.