Providing a Pathway to Private and Independent Schooling

Wadleigh Scholars Program Inc. (“WSP”) is a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1964 to identify and motivate minority students who demonstrate excellent academic potential. The Program assists these students in gaining admission to preparatory schools throughout the country.

WHAT WE OFFER

Applying to Private & Independent Schools

The school application process can be complex, and often includes submitting detailed academic records, writing personal essays, and navigating interviews and financial aid applications.

Visiting and Selecting the Right School

We assist with the scheduling, transportation, and evaluation process efficiently, ensuring you make well-informed decisions that fit your educational and personal needs.

Application Fee Assistance

Fee assistance for school and SSATs can help ensure that talented and deserving students have the opportunity to apply to and attend schools that best fit their academic and personal goals.

Summer School

Students are required to attend summer classes. Students can improve their grades, explore new subjects, and stay academically engaged during the summer months without worrying about paying for the classes. These classes will assist in test prep and writing strategies which will prepare them for the application process in the Fall.

Book Fees & Course Materials Assistance

Assistance with these fees ensures that all students have access to the necessary resources to succeed in their studies, regardless of their financial situation.

Mentorship for All Participants

Our program is run by the kindness of our volunteers. Students will benefit from the mentorship of men and women who have extensive experience in education.

What Sets Us Apart

We do this from the heart.

Caring Volunteer Mentors

Since its founding in 1964, the program has provided lifelong mentoring to help students navigate the challenges of applying to and thriving in private, independent boarding schools.

Extensive Experience

Mentors include educators, professionals, and alumni who offer academic support, career advice, and personal development guidance. Their goal is to ensure students not only gain access to top-tier schools but also excel in competitive environments.

Hundreds of Placements

Organizations like Kramer Levin have supported the program with annual mentoring sessions, helping scholars transition into prestigious colleges such as Duke, Princeton, and Boston College.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have a question? We have an answer.

What are the time frames in which you work with the students and their families?

Once families and candidates complete the questionnaires, we work with selected scholars throughout the following year on acceptance to boarding schools and beyond. 

Is there a summer component?

Yes, there is a required summer component.  We offer instruction on the Secondary School Aptitude Test (SSAT) prep and writing workshops. 

Do we select the boarding schools we want to apply or is there assistance from the Wadleigh Scholars Program?

Students and families can make suggestions about boarding schools to which they would like to apply, but the Wadleigh Scholars Committee provides additional feedback and guidance to ensure that each student has 4-5 schools on their list.

When and where are the fall enrichment sessions held?

Fall enrichment classes are conducted by Bespoke Education for the Wadleigh Scholars Program (WSP). Those enrichment classes are held each Saturday (from September through December) at the Wadleigh Secondary School located in Harlem at 215 West 114th Street. 

Attendance is mandatory.

Parents must attend monthly meetings.

What are the hours for the Fall enrichment classes?

The day begins with enrichment classes from 9:30am to 12:45pm. Additional topics are discussed and reviewed from 1:00–3:00 pm.

What topics are covered in the enrichment classes?

The main topic covered is SSAT prep strategies, reading comprehension strategies along with including vocabulary, analogies, algebra, basic Math and writing workshops.

When will the students take the SSAT?

We prepare WSP scholars to take an official SSAT in December each year. 