YES Prep Brochure (2022-2023)

2022-2023

YES PREP AT A GLANCE

Since 1998, YES Prep Public Schools has led Houston in providing students from underresourced communities access to a public, high-quality, college-preparatory education.

OUR MISSION CREATES OPPORTUNITIES

YES Prep empowers all Houston students to succeed in college and to pursue lives of opportunity.

OUR VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Every child in Houston will have equitable access to a public school that delivers an excellent, college-ready education.

WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?

Charter schools currently educate 6% of Texas public school students, but they make up more than 60% of A-rated districts in the state. Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and open to all students. Unlike a traditional one-size-fits-all approach to education, public charter schools put the needs of students first by giving them the time and personalized attention they need to really learn.  Charter schools are given greater flexibility to serve students’ individual needs, and with that flexibility comes greater oversight than traditional public schools. They are held accountable to high financial, academic and managerial standards by oversight boards made up of community volunteers.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SCHOOL SYSTEM

U.S. News & World Report publishes rankings of the best high schools in the country annually. Rankings are based on how students perform in different categories compared to other high schools in the city, state and nation, how historically students from underserved communities achieve academically, how many students graduate, and how well-prepared students are for college.

HOUSTON RANKINGS OUT OF 279 SCHOOLS

All eligible YES Prep schools ranked in the top 10% in Texas and nationally.

PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY

We strive to ensure that in every classroom, every day, all students engage in aligned, rigorous and active learning that will lead them through a successful and memorable academic journey. Our small school setting focuses on providing each student with support and individualized attention to help them succeed through graduation, college and in their career.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At YES Prep, diversity, equity and inclusion are central to achieving our mission. We believe that all students deserve to see themselves in the adults who shape their lives and that diverse teams are strong teams.

COLLEGE INITIATIVES

Our college initiatives programming is designed to ensure all students have viable post-secondary options and successfully support them in navigating the transition from high school to college and campus to career. By designing a fivepillar model (advising, student opportunities, seminar, alumni support, partnerships) we know our students will be prepared for college, military and the workforce.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

At YES Prep, we are committed to working with families to make sure all of our students get the support they need to be successful. To ensure that all students have access to a college-ready education, we offer a variety of supports and services to students who have identified needs.

1:1 TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

1:1 means every student in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade receives a laptop. YES Prep believes in transforming teaching and learning into a collaborative learning environment for all learners and increasing technology in the classrooms allows for differentiated, adaptive and personalized learning. Each student receiving a laptop allows:

• Learning at one’s own pace

• Accessing up-to-date information when needed (i.e. updated digital textbooks)

• Teachers to see how students are learning in real time and where they are in understanding of the content

• Easier ways to reach diversity in learning styles

• Increased collaboration while honoring self-improvement

• Strengthening their digital literacy skills

• Teachers to develop an environment where students stay engaged

• Access to career and college readiness

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Families, schools, and our communities play a crucial role as partners in the education of every child. The Family Engagement Framework articulates our responsibility to create a sustained, strategic path forward to ensure we are serving and supporting every family who chooses our schools for the education of their child.

A BETTER FUTURE STARTS WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION

YES Prep’s commitment to preparing every student for life after graduation is evident in our long history in secondary education. However, we also recognize that having a strong elementary education is key to our students’ overall success.

WHY IS PRE-KINDERGARTEN IMPORTANT?

We believe it’s never too early to start planning for a brighter future. Our pre-kindergarten (pre-K) program provides a nurturing and academically enriching environment for children ages 4 - 5 with curriculum designed to prepare them for college early on. By introducing students to the fundamentals, they will develop basic literacy skills, better listening comprehension, mathematical thinking and other skills needed to succeed in grade school and beyond.

WHOLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

We focus on the whole child, striving to meet each student’s academic and social-emotional needs. Our goal is to instill from an early age the important academic and character strengths that will help them succeed in school, through college and in their chosen careers.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5)

PREPARING FOR A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

Our elementary school program lays the foundation for student success. Students will experience an engaging curriculum and focus on early literacy, language concepts, mathematics and social skills in a safe and caring learning environment. Each grade level is designed to prepare students for the next.

LITERACY

Only 25% of Texas public school students read at or above the grade level, which is why our curriculum is designed to ensure every student is reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade, and continues to progress through their educational career. Giving young readers the best start possible will provide a strong foundation for their entire educational journey and enable them to lead choice-filled lives.

BILINGUAL PROGRAM

YES Prep’s bilingual program ensures students develop academic language fully in both English and Spanish. Transitional programming increases English language instruction over time to support transfer of knowledge and full bi-literacy.

FOUNDATION FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Pathway to opportunity starts in childhood and YES Prep is committed to unlocking access to high-quality education that incorporates strong supports for the whole child at an early age and continues on to middle and high school. YES Prep elementary students will experience a college-ready education and receive automatic enrollment into a college-prep secondary feeder campus!

EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

At YES Prep, we believe that academic and social-emotional skill building are crucial to developing well-rounded, successful students. Every campus implements a character development curriculum that empowers students through strong values, study habits, and the life skills students need to create life-long success.

MATH AND READING SUPPORT

Students in 6th and 7th grade receive additional instructional time in math and reading every day to provide them with the fundamental skills to ensure they are college-ready by the end of 12th grade.

RIGOROUS CLASSES

In middle school, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that creates opportunities for them to think critically and apply what they are learning across real-world scenarios. Their middle school coursework prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) level coursework in high school.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are an important part of campus life. They help students build community, explore their interests, and share their passions with like-minded peers. YES Prep offers students opportunities to participate in athletic events, arts programs, electives, and clubs. Specific offerings vary by campus.

HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)

TO COLLEGE AND BEYOND

Every aspect of YES Prep’s curriculum and culture is tied to our mission of empowering all Houston students to succeed in college and embrace lives of opportunity. From the first time students step onto a YES Prep campus, to the moment they walk across the stage at graduation, every student is prepared for the academic demands of college entrance exams and the admissions process, as well as their continued academic journey.

YES Prep is supporting tomorrow’s leaders through access to a high-quality education today!

PREPARED TO LEAD

YES Prep students are held to higher academic standards than their peers in most traditional independent school districts. Our curriculum views the state’s requirements as the floor, not the ceiling, for educational achievement, preparing students for a successful life beyond their high school graduation.

High school students have access to Advanced Placement coursework in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages, among many other exciting classes. The Advanced Placement program allows students the opportunity to earn college credit with qualifying AP exam scores at the end of each course term.

SAT PREP AT YES PREP

Given the power SAT scores have to open doors for our students, YES Prep has made SAT Prep a priority. YES Prep is proud to offer our students 25 hours of in-school Kaplan SAT Prep through our Junior Seminar Class.

Our College Prep Seminar classes offer support with career exploration, identity exploration, academic readiness, and college application guidance and support. Seminar classes are offered in 9th-12th grade.

PERSONALIZED COLLEGE COUNSELING

While the Texas student-to-counselor ratio is 350:1, YES Prep boasts a ratio of 1 college counselor per 50 students. This allows every YES Prep student to receive individualized counseling and support throughout the college selection and application process.

We help students find the best fit for them and our college counselors also work with families to create a personalized college affordability plan.

1:1 Personalized College Counseling

1:50

YES Prep College Counselor to Student Ratio

PARTNERS IN STUDENT SUCCESS

District partnerships are just one of the ways that YES Prep increases its impact and strives to achieve its vision. YES Prep forms these partnerships to better serve the community by sharing and replicating our best practices for student success.

ALDINE ISD & YES PREP

YES Prep Eisenhower High School is located within Aldine ISD’s Eisenhower High School.

HOW TO APPLY TO EISENHOWER

Families interested in applying can apply using YES Prep’s student lottery application.

SPRING BRANCH ISD, KIPP TEXASHOUSTON & YES PREP: SKY PARTNERSHIP

• YES Prep Northbrook Middle School is located within Spring Branch ISD’s Northbrook Middle School.

• Along with KIPP Courage Middle School graduates, YES Prep Northbrook Middle School graduates attend YES Prep Northbrook High School, located within Spring Branch ISD’s Northbrook High School.

HOW TO APPLY TO BOTH NORTHBROOK MIDDLE & HIGH

To be considered for Spring Branch ISD’s Choice School lottery, an online application must be completed by the required deadline. The lottery application for YES Prep Northbrook Middle School and High School are run separately through Spring Branch ISD and require a separate application. The Spring Branch lottery opens in  November  and closes in  January

SUCCESS AFTER YES PREP

Once our students graduate from high school, the real work of earning a college degree begins.

While we are recognized as both a regional and national leader in the education reform movement, our most rewarding achievement is watching our students grow as leaders and achieve their goals. Many of our remarkable alumni have distinguished themselves in major fields ranging from education and journalism to medicine and law.

Our first-generation, college-bound students follow many different paths on their way to earning a college degree, and many often face a variety of challenges—including academic, socio-emotional, cultural, or financial struggles—along the way. YES Prep’s alumni relations department is dedicated to providing the support and access to resources our students need to be successful before, during, and after college.

OUR SUPPORT CONTINUES AFTER GRADUATION

YES Prep supports students across the lifespan of their educational journey, and that support doesn’t stop once they’ve received a high school diploma. Our community encourages postgraduation success by:

• Providing access to YES Prep’s alumni scholarship program

• Supporting the transition from high school to college

• Maintaining contact and relationships with alumni

• Partnering with colleges and universities through the IMPACT college partnership program

80% Average Matriculation Rate

3X The rate YES Prep alumni are earning college degrees compared to peers with similar economic backgrounds

• Hosting alumni events throughout the year

• Collaborating with local colleges and universities to increase student supports

• Providing support to alumni through college graduation

91% Economically Disadvantaged

90% YES Prep students accepted to a 4-year college

GREAT PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

We know that excellent teachers make an incredible difference in our students’ success, so we hire teachers who are passionate and represent diverse backgrounds. We also provide teacher training, development, and assign a teacher-coach so that our teachers are well supported in the classroom.

SUCCESS BEGINS WITH OUR TEACHERS

Across the nation, only half of all students from low-income communities graduate from high school and only 11% earn a college degree. At YES Prep, teachers and staff work in a collaborative environment that focuses on doing what’s best for kids. Our teachers achieve jaw-dropping results, create pathways to opportunity for our students, build transformative relationships, and eliminate educational inequities to advance social justice.

YES Prep teachers and staff make a difference every day. Whether they are teaching the next generation of leaders in the classroom, ensuring operations run smoothly, or leading a school, all of our teachers and staff play a critical role in executing YES Prep’s mission.

SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITY

ADMISSION

YES Prep has an application process for those interested in attending our schools. We are required by law to admit students using a lottery process which selects applicants at random. The lottery application period opens every year in October and closes early February. Applicants are only asked to provide basic information—YES Prep does not require exams or interviews for admission.

ELIGIBILITY

YES Prep schools are public, tuition-free and open to any student residing in the zip codes zoned to each school. We do not consider previous academic achievement, demographics and income level in the selection process. ALL students are welcome to apply!

Potential pre-kindergarten students must be four years of age by September 1 and must meet one of the State of Texas’ program eligibility requirements of the year they will begin school and be 5 years of age for kindergarten.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Go to yesprep.org/sayYES on your phone, tablet or computer.

2. Create an account via SchoolMint Enroll and fill out your family profile.

3. Select the school(s) you are interested in.

4. Submit the application before the deadline.

Elementary Schools

Secondary Schools

Raider Circle N Houston, TX 77080 713.251.2800

NORTHBROOK MS GRADES 6-8 TH 3030 Rosefield Dr Houston, TX 77080 713.251.4200

NORTHLINE *GRADES 6-11TH 441 Little York Road Houston, TX 77076 713.842.5400

NORTHSIDE GRADES 6-12 TH 5215 Jensen Dr Houston, TX 77026 713.924.0400

NORTHWEST *GRADES 6-10TH 14741 Yorktown Plaza Dr Houston, TX 77040 713.842.551

SOUTHEAST GRADES 6-12 TH 353 Crenshaw Rd Houston, TX 77034 713.967.9400

SOUTHSIDE GRADES 6-12 TH 5515 South Loop E Fwy, Suite A Houston, TX 77033 713.924.5500

SOUTHWEST GRADES 6-12 TH 4411 Anderson Rd Houston, TX 77053 713.967.9200

WEST GRADES 6-12 TH 10535 Harwin Dr Houston, TX 77036 713.967.8200

WHITE OAK GRADES 6-12 TH 5620 West Tidwell Rd Houston, TX 77091 713.924.5200