CEDAR HILL
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
SCHOOL PROFILE
CEDAR HILL PREP
Dr. Nandini Menon, Founder
Mr. Donald Seeley, Principal
Ms. Karen Yurman, Vice Principal
Ms. Sangeeta Lekhi, Dean of Students
Ms. Anjalee Patel, School Counselor
Curriculum Overview
• Sequential Skill Building
Ms. Donna Jones, Director of Admissions
Ms. Yasmeen Villafranca, International Baccalaureate MYP Coordinator
Ms. Sumedha Kotasthane, International Baccalaureate PYP Coordinator
• Core Knowledge and Transdisciplinary Learning
• Experiential Learning
• Instructional Pedagogy
• Collegiate Prep Academy (Grades 7-12)
Mission
Cedar Hill Prep believes that the key to harness each student’s special gift is to create an inclusive learning environment that will inspire and empower young minds to reach their full potential academically, emotionally, and socially. Our students are continuously building upon a foundation to grow as lifelong learners and contribute to the development of a more connected, peaceful, and sustainable planet.
Community
Cedar Hill Prep provides an inclusive learning environment that nurtures academic, emotional, and social growth.
School
Graduates of Cedar Hill Prep are known for their adaptability and academic prowess, with many earning top honors such as Valedictorian and Salutatorian, and attending prestigious universities worldwide. The school’s emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence ensures that students are well-prepared to make positive contributions to their communities.
OUR PROGRAMS
Early Childhood: Preschool,
Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten
Cedar Hill Prep School’s approach to education, with a focus on inquirybased learning, cross-disciplinary connections, and global awareness, sets students on a path to becoming courageous and socially responsible thinkers. The emphasis on creative play and problem-solving from an early age is key to sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. The Creative Curriculum, tailored for early childhood, provides a strong foundation through hands-on, research-based activities that build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Small class sizes ensure that each student’s unique strengths and developmental needs are nurtured, allowing for personalized attention and growth.
Cedar Hill Prep School is committed to creating reflective, compassionate, and knowledgeable learners and truly aims to develop global citizens who are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the world.
Elementary School
Grades 1 - 4
Cedar Hill Prep’s elementary program is comprehensive, focusing on all aspects of a child’s growth. By fostering a supportive environment, the school encourages exploration and confidence through active learning and open communication.
The teachers’ focus is on guiding students in developing their unique strengths while appreciating others’ diverse talents. The inquiry-based curriculum promotes hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and collaboration, essential skills for lifelong learning.
With a focus on nurturing the whole child, Cedar Hill Prep aims to cultivate compassionate, resilient, and reflective thinkers ready to thrive as global citizens. This holistic approach prepares students for a successful and meaningful future.
Middle School Grades 5 - 8
Cedar Hill Prep’s middle school program is focused on developing well-rounded, globally aware students. By emphasizing the IB learner profile, the school encourages critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication — key skills for high school and beyond.
The program’s commitment to experiential learning, creative expression, and exploratory electives ensures that students gain a deep understanding of complex concepts. This approach, combined with inquiry-driven instruction and community-focused activities, helps students develop a strong sense of self, respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. The middle school program prepares students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, equipping them to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
AT A GLANCE Academic Excellence
School Type
Private, Secular
STUDENTS SERVED
Preschool - Grade 8;
Collegiate Prep Academy
Gifted Students - Grades 7-12
CLASS SIZE 15
TEACHER STUDENT RATIO
1:15
Demographic Population
Suburban, College educated families;
60.47% identify as Asian/Pacific Islander;
20.55% identify as Black or African American;
6.72% identify as multi;
5.53% identify as Hispanic
Accreditations
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (Since 2017)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools
Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP and MYP programs
Institutional Memberships with the College Entrance Examination Board and is an AP Test Center.
Cedar Hill Prep offers a comprehensive curriculum for Preschool through 8th grade, covering core subjects such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Health to build a strong academic foundation. Enrichment programs in Music, Art, Physical Education, Foreign Language, Multicultural Literacy, and Computer Literacy enhance the learning experience. Emphasis on keyboarding and coding prepares students for a tech-savvy future, while technology-enhanced learning with virtual and augmented reality supports innovative, hands-on approaches.
Individualized Instruction
Cedar Hill Prep is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing each student’s unique path to success. Through differentiated instruction, personalized and small group teaching, and customized assignments, the school meets individual needs and provides the right level of challenge and support for all students.
Tradition Meets
Innovation
Cedar Hill Prep School seamlessly combines classic academics with modern technology. By enriching subjects like cursive handwriting, music, art, foreign language, outdoor education, and physical education with tools like iPads, Chromebooks, interactive smart boards, and a robust STEM/STEAM program, students gain a dynamic and well-rounded education that merges tradition with innovation.
Tech Lab
Cedar Hill Prep’s fully integrated Tech Lab provides a dynamic, project-based learning environment where students explore technology across multiple disciplines. Activities include robotics (including First Lego League robotics), digital animation, coding, software, and more. The lab offers tailored challenges, supporting all learning levels and styles, from extra support to gifted/talented enrichment.
“
● Robotics: expose students to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) fundamentals within the context of building, programming, and controlling virtual and live robots.
● iCode: Coding and learning to create programs and applications.
● Drone Programming: Discovering the exciting world of drone technology and learning to program drones to perform tasks.
● Game Design: Creating video games while learning about design principles and coding.
I’m grateful for the well-rounded education and opportunities Cedar Hill Prep has provided, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a nurturing and inclusive environment for their child to thrive.
”
Cedar Hill Prep students collaborate with NJIN on research projects, bringing classroom learning to life. Monthly visits to the NJIN farm offer hands-on experiences, while high school juniors and seniors can join the Babson Youth Entrepreneurship Program to build leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
Learn more at NJIN.
— Parent Testimonial
Experiential Learning
Character Development
Students of all ages are encouraged to join extracurricular activities that build character and provide fun opportunities to discover new interests.
Extracurricular
Offerings
Preschool through Elementary School Clubs
Chess; Guitar; iCode Game Design; Math; Sewing; Woodshop; Yoga
Middle School
Sports and Physical Activities
Athletics Teams: Learn fundamental skills and improve teamwork and communication while competing with other area schools in game play.
Sports offered: Cross Country, Boys and Girls Tennis, Coed Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Coed Volleyball and Track and Field.
Amateur Sports Skill Development: Basketball Lessons, Powerbolt Track Club, “Yogi Forever,”Tennis Lessons, Lil Cats Sports
Arts and Creativity: “Born Artist,” Sewing & Crafts Club
Academic and Intellectual Development
Chess Club, Conversational Spanish Club, Spanish Club, SSAT Prep Class Verbal, SSAT Prep Class Math, The Reading and Writing Club
Performance and Public Speaking Public Speaking Club, Tabletop Role Playing Game Club, Debate Club
Music and Performance Guitar Club, Drama
Fun and Engagement
Crazy 8s Math Club, DnD Woodshop Club
Academic Competitions
• Debate Competition
• Spanish National Exam
• French National Exam
• Spelling Bee
• Continental Math League (Grade 3)
• National Science League (Grades 3 and 4)
• Math League (Grades 3-8)
• MathCounts Competition
• American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8)
• Future City Engineering Competition
• Solar Sprint
• First Lego League (FLL) Robotics
• IAC ( International academic Competition)
Inter School Leagues
• Garden State Debate League
Middle School
Sports Leagues
Cross Country
Standardized Test Results (TerraNova)
Blue Ribbon Scores for the last 10 years: Grade 3 - 8
The TerraNova benchmark score is the score for being in the 85th percentile of the National Blue Ribbon Award criteria. Being in the top 15% means the school is excelling in comparison to many others across the country.
Here’s a summary of the Cedar Hill Prep TerraNova score range from 2013-2024 compared to the Blue Ribbon criteria: Cedar Hill Prep students show consistent high performance over the years. Achieving scores that not only meet but exceed the Blue Ribbon criteria is a remarkable accomplishment. These scores reflect a sustained effort in maintaining academic excellence across various grade levels. It’s a reflection of hard work and dedication from both the students and staff.
These results highlight a trend of strong academic performance and continuous improvement.
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENTS
High School Destinations for Cedar Hill Prep Students Cedar Hill Prep students are highly sought after by some of the most prestigious high schools in the nation. Here is a list of high schools that Cedar Hill Prep alumni have received acceptance letters from:
● Phillips Academy Andover
● St. Paul School
● The Lawrenceville School
● Deerfield Academy
● The Hotchkiss School
● Choate Rosemary Hall
● The Peddie School
● Blair Academy
● The Hill School
● Mercersburg Academy,PA
● Delbarton School
● The Pingry School
● George School
● Madeira
● Episcopal School, VA
● The Hun School
● Ravenscroft School, NC
● Rutgers Preparatory School
● Wardlaw-Hartridge School
● Mount Saint Mary Academy
● Academy of Health Sciences, Middlesex County
● Middlesex Academy of Science and Engineering
● Allied Health Sciences, Somerset County
● Union County Magnet School
● Boston College
● Brandeis College
● Brown University
● Caltech
● Carnegie Mellon University
● Case Western Reserve University**
● Drew University
● Drexel University**
● Forman College
● George Washington University
● Georgia Tech
● Hampton University
● Harvard University
● Indiana University**
● Johns Hopkins University**
● Lafayette College
● Marist College**
● Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
● Morehouse College
● Muhlenberg College
● NC State University
● New Jersey Institute of Technology**
● New York University**
● Northeastern University**
● Penn State**
● Rowan College (8 year Medical School)
● Rutgers University Honors College, Business School**
● Seton Hall University
● Stony Brook University Honors College (8 year Medical School)
● Smith College
● Spelman University
● Stevens Institute**
● Syracuse University**
● Tufts University
● Univ of Illinois Urbana Champaign**
● University of Arizona
● U Cal Berkeley**
● University of Cincinnati
● University of Maryland**
● University of Miami**
● University of Michigan**
● University of Pennsylvania**
● University of Pittsburgh**
● University of Rochester
● University of Scranton
● University of Tampa
● University of Toronto
● University of Virginia**
● University of Wisconsin Madison
● Virginia Tech
● Wake Forest University
● Wellesley College
● Williams College**