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QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL

19 CEDAR STREET

At a Glance

A ceilingless education for twice-exceptional learners

Best suited for

Families with twice-exceptional children — students who are gifted but also have learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, or autism spectrum traits — and who have struggled in traditional school settings. Parents should expect a significant financial commitment and want a school that addresses both the giftedness AND the learning challenge, not just one or the other.

What stands out
  • 1:1 instruction in core academic subjects — each student works individually with teachers in English, math, science, and history
  • Dedicated executive functioning program that teaches organizational skills, time management, and self-regulation explicitly
  • Talent development projects — passion-driven, project-based learning where students pursue interests deeply
  • Social Thinking curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia Winner, specifically designed for students with social cognition challenges
  • Ceilingless learning philosophy means advanced students can move at their own pace without artificial limits
  • Full 2e model provides both gifted programming AND learning support — not one or the other
Things to consider
  • Tuition is $108,810 for 2025-26 — among the highest in the city, reflecting the intensive staffing and specialized programming
  • As a specialized 2e program, the school is designed for a specific population — families should ensure their child fits the student profile
  • The school is still relatively young (opened 2015), so long-term alumni outcomes are developing
  • Upper School focuses on grades 6-12, but if your child is younger, you'd be committing to the full K-12 journey
  • Not a traditional college prep — the priority is supporting 2e learners first, with college preparation as a natural outcome
IdentityThe School Operates On Three Core Beliefs: That Learning Should Be Personalized To Each Student'S Strengths And Challenges (Ceilingless, Meaning Advanced Learners Aren'T Held Back), That Talent Development Is Not Optional But Essential To Gifted Education, And That Executive Functioning Skills Must Be Explicitly Taught Alongside Academic Content. Their Social Thinking Approach Helps Students Build Social Cognition — A Common Struggle For 2e Learners.

Quad Preparatory is an independent private school exclusively designed for twice-exceptional (2e) students — kids who are intellectually gifted but also have learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum traits. The school rejects the idea that these students need to choose between receiving gifted programming or learning support; instead, they provide both, simultaneously.

CommunityThe School Does Not Publicly Report Demographic Data, But As An Inclusive 2e Program, The Community Naturally Includes Students With Varied Learning Profiles And Backgrounds.

Families at Quad Prep share a common journey: children who didn't fit in traditional school settings, often brilliant but struggling with organization, social dynamics, or specific learning challenges. Parents describe finding a place where their kids finally thrive. The community is tight-knit and understanding of neurodiversity.

NeighborhoodFinancial District-Battery Park City

The school sits in Manhattan's Financial District-Battery Park City area — a neighborhood that's transformed over the past two decades from a weekday business district into a vibrant residential community with families. With a family density score of 93/100, this is one of the most family-dense neighborhoods in Manhattan, featuring waterfront parks, newer apartment buildings, and a growing mix of local businesses.

The area is highly walkable with good subway access. Families from across the city commute here, though parking can be challenging if driving.

Notable Programs

1:1 instruction in core academic areasExecutive functioning programTalent development projects (project-based learning)Social Thinking approach for social cognition developmentLower School (K-5) and Upper School (6-12) programs

What Parents Are Saying

Highly positive. Parents describe the school as wonderful for twice-exceptional kids, with innovative programs that think outside the box. Multiple parents report their children thriving for the first time. Niche rating 4.57/5 from 14 reviews. Reddit comment notes kids are incredibly happy and it is a wonderful place.

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions
Is QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades 6 to 8 in Financial District-Battery Park City.
What grades does QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL serve?
QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL serves grades 6 to 8.
How do students get into QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL?
QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL in?
QUAD PREPARATORY UPPER SCHOOL is in Financial District-Battery Park City, Manhattan.
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