September 30, 2025

In this edition of our newsletter, we are proud to share photos from Prep Academy Commencement, highlights from middle school, high school, college, and summer opportunities, and upcoming community events.

Follow @reach_prep on Instagram for program and event information throughout the year!

Cohort 31 Scholars worked hard throughout the summer and celebrated at Prep Academy Commencement in August. The students are all settling into their new independent schools and working with REACH Prep's Director of Middle School Programs to continue building skills that will help them be successful.

The newest Cohort of scholars resumed Prep Academy earlier this month, attending classes every Saturday on campus at Sacred Heart Greenwich.

Middle School Parent Panel

REACH Prep's twelve-year continuum sees students from fourth grade through college graduation and beyond, and our programming is both intensive and comprehensive. In addition to the individual support we provide our students, workshops and information sessions for parents are an essential part of our work.

Earlier this month, we hosted an event for parents, by parents. Moderated by the Director of Middle School programs, parents of current REACH Prep Scholars shared their experience with REACH Prep and how they navigated the transition to independent school alongside their children. The discussion was personal and powerful, and the parents new to the REACH Prep community were reassured that they have an abundance of resources to support them and their families.

Summer Opportunity Providing Power and Purpose

REACH Prep Scholar Camila from Cohort 27 is a sophomore at Greenwich Academy. Over the summer, she found power and purpose on the water!



Camila participated in the V-Sculls rowing program, a highly regarded rowing/sculling club in Greenwich, led by Coach Dmitri, whose athletes have consistently earned national and international recognition. V-Sculls is known not only for its elite coaching and competitive rigor, but also for welcoming dedicated student-athletes at all levels — from complete beginners to those with multiple seasons of racing experience.

Through the program, Camila developed technical skills on the water, building endurance through cross-training, and gaining valuable experience in a sport that is both physically demanding and highly respected for college admissions. 

V-Sculls rowers have recently delivered outstanding performances on both national and international stages. Highlights include a finalist finish at the 2024 Youth National Championships and a V-Sculls Double proudly representing TEAM U.S.A. at the 2024 World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Canada. Continuing this momentum, the program is excited to announce that one of the V-Sculls athletes has been selected to represent TEAM U.S.A. at the 2025 World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Lithuania — marking the second consecutive year a V-Sculls rower has earned a spot at this prestigious global event.

We are proud to see Camila embracing this unique opportunity and growing through new challenges outside the classroom. Her dedication reflects the core values of REACH Prep, striving for excellence both academically and beyond.

High School Students Start College Conversations

REACH Prep's Director of College Guidance works with 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students and their parents on preparing for college. Each fall, we host information sessions led by representatives from different colleges who present on elements of the college application and decision process.

Last week, 45 people attended the first of these sessions. We were excited to have representatives from Brown University speak on the topic of college essays, Barnard College cover supplemental essays, Colgate University outline the application review process, and College of the Holy Cross discuss fly-in programs.

There will be two more information sessions in October featuring representatives from other colleges, covering new topics that will help our high school students and their parents better understand what they will need to do to prepare for college.

New College Students Prepare for Campus

Incoming college freshmen are filled with excitement and some anxiety about what to expect from their new schools. This summer, REACH Prep's Director of College Success hosted a two-day transition to college workshop to set these students up for success before their move to campus.

The first day of the workshop covered topics including academic strategies and utilizing office hours, residential life, social pressures, and homesickness. Capital One joined the students for lunch, and the employees shared information about their own educational backgrounds, career journeys, and the importance of mentors and networking. To end the first day, five current REACH Prep college students sat on a panel and provided advice and answered questions.

During day two, students received a comprehensive overview of financial aid to get them well-versed on topics like understanding and accepting their financial aid awards, renewing financial aid, calculating loans, and insurance. In addition to financial aid, there was a separate session on financial literacy. Other topics of the day covered how to cope with stress and anxiety, and accessing mental health resources on campus.

Community Corner

Shopping Event in Support of REACH Prep

Stop by Timo & Violet's storefront on Tuesday, October 14th, between 4-7 PM, for a special shopping event! Brands including Ophelia and Indigo, Doty Bennett, and Goldie Home are participating, and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to REACH Prep.

Get a head start on holiday shopping and feel good about the giveback when you buy!