Prep for the Prep

Monday July 13 - Thursday July 16, 2026
Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 23, 2026

9:00am - 4:00pm
$500 per session 

Transportation and Extended Day options available.
Lunch and snacks are provided.

Prep for the Prep is designed to help incoming 9th grade students build confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging before they begin their St. John’s Prep experience. Our students come from a wide range of middle schools and communities across the North Shore, and this program offers an important opportunity to make new friends, ease the transition to high school, and feel at home on campus. Participants will also be introduced to the Prep’s mission and core values - seeing everyone as made in God’s image, striving for excellence, and empowering each person’s unique gifts. The program helps students form social and emotional connections, meet key faculty and staff, and gain an early understanding of the student life and athletic opportunities that await them.

Each Monday is led by Freshmen Life Coordinator, Ms. Michelle Francisco, and focuses on community, belonging, and support. Students take part in team-building games, campus tours, and group challenges that introduce them to daily life at the Prep. As part of the Monday plan, students also meet teachers from key subject areas such as Math and English to gain a sense of what to expect academically and connect with some of the faculty they’ll work with during the year. While academics are not the central focus, these sessions help students feel more comfortable and confident about their transition to high school. Ms. Francisco also leads a session at the Center for Learning and Academic Success (CLAS), where students meet members of the academic support team who help ensure every student thrives both in and out of the classroom.

Throughout the rest of the week, students are guided by Mr. Will Arndt, a High School English teacher, and Mr. Alex Demokritou, a High School Science teacher - both dedicated and highly respected members of the Prep faculty. In addition to their classroom roles, both are actively involved in a variety of athletic programs and student clubs, bringing a well-rounded perspective on life at the Prep. They introduce students to a range of programs, people, and spaces on campus while offering guidance, encouragement, and insight into the many ways students can get involved and find their place in the community.

From Tuesday through Thursday, each week provides a completely unique journey, highlighting different aspects of student life, athletics, and the arts. Students rotate through 90-minute sessions featuring hands-on activities, sports, and club-style experiences that represent just a glimpse of the 60+ student clubs and 20+ intramural sports available at the Prep. On Thursday afternoon, students take a fun off-campus trip to In The Game, where they can relax, unwind, and enjoy some light-hearted games and social time with new friends. While the week is full of excitement and discovery, it’s designed intentionally to be approachable, engaging, and supportive for all participants.

Knowing that this week can be both exciting and full, the program runs Monday through Thursday, giving students Friday off to rest, recharge, and reflect on their future journey at St. John’s Prep.

Logistics

• The Prep’s dress code does not apply during the summer program. Comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for all activities.
  
  
• Snacks and lunch are provided daily. 
  
  
• Students should bring a backpack with a water bottle,
  swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes to stay comfortable and prepared for all activities throughout the day.
  
  
• Students should arrive by 9:00 AM and be picked up by 4:00 PM at the Summer Street parking lot. Those students using the bus will arrive at 8:30am and be escorted to the rest of the group. Those using the bus should be at the designated pickup area by 3:45 PM. 
  
  
• For the Thursday off-campus trip to In The Game, we will purchase a game pass, but optional money may be brought for arcade games or snacks.

Registration is limited, so we encourage families to sign up as early as possible.  We cannot guarantee that every day will be as advertised and may have to change the schedule based upon weather and other circumstances out of our control.  

Questions should be directed to Mike Evans, Managing Director for Strategic Programs and Auxiliary Services.  He can be reached via email at mevans@stjohnsprep.org.

Attendance in this program is completely optional, and each week is a stand-alone program; participation in both weeks is not required.