Kweller Prep Cosponsors 25 Black & Latinx Students to SHSAT Prep

In collaboration with a sponsorship between the Stuyvesant Alumni Association’s “Stuy Prep” and the director of Kweller Prep Tutoring Services, Inc., 25 top-performing 7th-grade students received full scholarships into Kweller Prep’s rigorous Specialized High School SHSAT program this summer. Recipients of the scholarship had to maintain a 95 or higher school average, qualify for financial aid, and commit to a summer of study.

Kweller Prep’s SHSAT summer classes meet four hours each day for four days a week from Monday to Thursday for seven weeks. Students are also invited to join extra test review sessions on Fridays for four more hours. The summer course takes place from June 27, 2020-August 11, 2020. Due to Covid-19 concerns, classes were entirely taught online. Kweller Prep delivered hard copies of its textbooks, exams, materials, and school supplies door-to-door to each student.

Kweller Prep further offered virtual parent-teacher conferences and free workshops for parents and guardians to them better understand how to help their children prepare in the weeks leading to the SHSAT Test. “Remote learning certainly wasn’t easy, but we made it work and offered these students the best experience possible,” said founder and director Frances Kweller. “We are honored that the Stuyvesant Alumni Association chose us as these kids’ test prep provider, and we did not take that responsibility lightly.”

Exam-entry schools have faced much criticism in recent years over the lack of minority student representation in their student body. In 2019, the New York Times reported that only 7 black students gained entry into Stuyvesant High School, out of 895 seats. In 2020, the Times reported that only 10 black students received an offer. Several of the minority students admitted were longtime students at Kweller Prep.

“We hope to change the narrative,” responded Frances Kweller. “We have an incredible opportunity to give these kids the best chance possible, and we will do it.”

About Stuy Prep: StuyPrep is a summer program for seventh graders to help them prepare for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). The program includes free summertime daily SHSAT lessons with Kweller Prep, a reputable educational services company. In the fall of 8th grade, Stuy Prep participants work in small groups with current Stuyvesant High School students to develop mentor/mentee relationships, and to focus on their weaker subject areas leading up to the exam. The Stuyvesant High School Alumni Association has been offering a free prep program and student-led tutoring for years, but this is the first year that they partnered with Kweller Prep and are offered it online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Kweller Prep: Kweller Prep helps students get to the next level of their academic career. This rigorous tutoring program specializes in competitive middle, high school, college, and graduate school entrance exam preparation. Class sizes are limited to 10 students and are customized around each student’s needs. Classes are offered through zoom online and in-person. Kweller Prep participates in flex spending and dependent care. Over twenty of Kweller Prep's textbooks are sold on amazon. Kweller Prep is a certified WBE (100% Woman-Owned) and a licensed vendor for the NYC Department of Education. Kweller Prep was developed by Frances Kweller, an attorney-at-law and daughter of Russian immigrants. Frances graduated from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education and Hofstra University School of Law. Frances is a member of the NYS Bar Association and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. (NACAC). Kweller Prep is a proud supporter of many diversity initiatives and outreach programs throughout NYC. Company founder Frances Kweller launched the First in Family Fund, a 501C3 nonprofit, and welcomes donors to support the nonprofit's cause.