St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Preparatory School – Overview
Location: 21-21 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY 11105
Founded: 1870
School Type: Private, Catholic, Coeducational
Grades: 9-12
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Introduction
St. John’s Preparatory School, often abbreviated as St. John’s Prep, is a distinguished private Catholic high school located in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, New York. Established in 1870 by the Vincentian Fathers, the school has evolved over more than 150 years into a thriving educational institution rooted in Catholic values, academic excellence, and a commitment to the formation of the whole person. With a mission that emphasizes faith, scholarship, and service, St. John’s Prep remains a key educational and cultural anchor in the community.
History and Mission: St. John’s Preparatory School
Founded originally as the Vincentian minor seminary, St. John's Preparatory School has a long tradition of service to the Catholic community in New York. In its early days, the school served as a feeder institution for St. John's University and focused primarily on preparing young men for the priesthood. Over the decades, the mission of the school broadened, welcoming a diverse student body of both male and female students in pursuit of academic, moral, and personal development.
Today, the school’s mission continues to be guided by the Vincentian spirit of compassion, service to the marginalized, and the promotion of justice. The school's motto, “Faith, Scholarship, Service,” reflects its core values and holistic approach to education. The administration and faculty aim to develop students who are not only academically capable but also morally grounded and socially conscious.
Campus and Facilities
Located in the heart of Astoria, St. John’s Prep boasts a spacious urban campus that combines modern educational facilities with historic charm. Key features of the campus include:
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State-of-the-art science labs for biology, chemistry, and physics
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A modern media center and library with internet access, research databases, and quiet study areas
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Advanced technology in classrooms, including smartboards and laptop carts
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A gymnasium and fitness center for physical education and sports teams
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Performing arts spaces, including a theater for drama and music productions
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Campus ministry facilities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual programming
The school’s location in Astoria provides students with easy access to public transportation, allowing them to participate in internships, cultural outings, and community service projects throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
Academic Programs: St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Preparatory School offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that is aligned with New York State and national standards. The school prides itself on maintaining high academic expectations and providing the support students need to achieve success. Its educational approach combines traditional subjects with innovative programming and individualized instruction.
Core Curriculum
The academic program includes the following core subject areas:
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English Language Arts: Emphasis on literature, composition, grammar, and analytical writing
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Mathematics: Courses include Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics
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Science: General science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science
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Social Studies: Global History, U.S. History, Government, Economics
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Theology: Four-year religion curriculum grounded in Catholic doctrine and ethical reasoning
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World Languages: Options include Spanish, Italian, and Latin
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP)
To meet the needs of high-achieving students, the school offers a robust honors and AP program. These courses are designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of college coursework. Popular AP subjects at St. John’s Prep include:
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AP English Literature and Composition
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AP Calculus AB
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AP Biology
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AP U.S. History
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AP Government and Politics
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AP Spanish Language
Students enrolled in AP courses have the opportunity to earn college credit through successful performance on the College Board exams.
Special Programs: St. John’s Preparatory School
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STEM Academy: A selective program for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, featuring hands-on labs, field trips, and research opportunities.
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Humanities Track: Focused on critical thinking, ethics, philosophy, and literature, ideal for students planning to major in liberal arts disciplines.
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College Readiness Initiative: Includes SAT/ACT prep, guidance counseling, and partnerships with universities for early college experiences.
Faculty and Student Support
The faculty at St. John’s Prep are deeply committed to the academic and personal development of every student. Most teachers hold advanced degrees and bring years of experience in secondary education. The teacher-to-student ratio allows for personalized attention, and many faculty members serve as club moderators, coaches, and mentors.
The school provides a wide array of student support services:
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Guidance Counseling: Academic planning, personal counseling, and college placement assistance
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Campus Ministry: Spiritual development, retreats, and service learning
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Learning Resource Center: Support for students with learning differences
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Peer Tutoring and Study Skills Workshops: Helping students improve academic performance
College Placement and Alumni Success
St. John’s Preparatory School has an impressive college placement record. Nearly 100% of graduates go on to attend colleges and universities, many with scholarships based on merit or need.
Students are regularly accepted into competitive institutions, including:
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St. John's University
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Fordham University
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NYU
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Columbia University
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Boston College
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Georgetown University
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SUNY and CUNY schools
The school's College Counseling Office works closely with students and families, offering one-on-one guidance through the college application process, essay writing support, and financial aid workshops.
Alumni of St. John’s Prep have gone on to successful careers in medicine, law, business, education, and public service. The school maintains a strong alumni network that supports mentoring and career development.
Spiritual and Moral Formation
As a Catholic institution, St. John’s Prep places a strong emphasis on the spiritual formation of its students. Daily prayer, school-wide liturgies, and retreats are integral parts of student life. The theology curriculum includes studies in Scripture, Church history, social justice, and morality.
Key spiritual programs include:
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Kairos Retreats: Senior retreats that encourage personal reflection and faith sharing
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Liturgical Celebrations: Masses for feast days, holy days, and special events
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Service Requirements: All students complete community service hours annually
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Volunteer Outreach: Projects include food drives, visits to shelters, and partnerships with local nonprofits
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
St. John’s Preparatory School offers a rich and diverse array of extracurricular activities to complement the academic program and foster student leadership, creativity, and teamwork.
Clubs and Organizations: St. John’s Preparatory School
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Student Government
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National Honor Society
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Drama Club
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Mock Trial and Debate
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Art Club
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Campus Ministry Team
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Robotics and Engineering Club
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Model United Nations
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Multicultural Club
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Environmental Awareness Group
Athletics
Athletics play an important role at St. John’s Prep, promoting physical health, discipline, and sportsmanship. The school competes in the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) and offers:
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Volleyball
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Baseball/Softball
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Track and Field
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Tennis
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Cheerleading
Student-athletes receive guidance from experienced coaches and have access to fitness and training resources on campus.
Community Engagement: St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Prep maintains strong ties with the local Astoria community. The school frequently collaborates with churches, civic organizations, and charities to promote service learning and community involvement.
Programs include:
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Neighborhood clean-up initiatives
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Food and clothing drives
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Senior citizen outreach
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Partnerships with Catholic Charities and local parishes
These experiences help students to become socially responsible and civically engaged citizens.
Diversity and Inclusion
Astoria is one of New York’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, and the school’s population reflects this vibrant multiculturalism. St. John’s Prep is inclusive and welcoming to students of all backgrounds, while maintaining a strong Catholic identity.
The school actively promotes:
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Respect for all cultures and faith traditions
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Celebrations of heritage and identity
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Workshops on anti-racism and inclusion
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Opportunities for intercultural dialogue
Admissions and Tuition: St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Prep follows a selective admissions process. Applicants are evaluated based on:
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Academic records from previous schools
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Standardized test scores (TACHS or other exams)
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Letters of recommendation
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Personal interviews (optional)
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Demonstrated interest in Catholic education
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year is approximately $11,000–$12,000. The school offers several financial aid opportunities and scholarships, including:
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Merit-based awards
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Need-based grants
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Sibling discounts
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Academic excellence scholarships
The admissions and finance offices work with families to ensure affordability.
Parent and Alumni Engagement: St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Prep values the partnership between school and family. The Parent Association offers a forum for parental involvement and input. Events include family Masses, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations.
Alumni are a vital part of the school’s legacy and are involved through:
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Alumni reunions
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Career networking events
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Mentoring programs
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Annual giving campaigns
Conclusion
St. John’s Preparatory School in Astoria, NY, stands as a beacon of faith-based, academically rigorous education in the Catholic tradition. Its deep-rooted commitment to developing students as compassionate, well-educated, and community-minded individuals makes it a standout choice for families seeking holistic secondary education in New York City. With a proud history, dedicated faculty, and a forward-looking mission, St. John’s Prep continues to shape future leaders ready to serve and succeed in an ever-changing world.
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