Don Bosco Prep School

Don Bosco Prep was the best decision I have ever made in regards to picking an academic institution. Looking back on my time, I would not have wanted it any other way. The feeling of brotherhood is unmatched and never leaves your mind whether you are talking with close friends you made at the prep or the alumni. The academics are what you make of it, and if you combine that with a solid sport record you are nearly guaranteed a great college. I know many kids in my grade who focused solely on academics (AP's, Honors, etc) and they all got into tier 1 schools, and I know others who focused on sports and also got into great schools. You can truly challenge yourself by taking advanced classes and involving yourself in many campus clubs/activities. Also on another note the alumni connections are very strong. I have leveraged/have been helped by ironmen alumni, and I base that on the bond and connections that you create at Bosco. I know I am talking for all my friends when I say I truly loved my time at Bosco, and nothing will ever match it. I plan on sending my kids there without a doubt.
--Submitted by a student

During my four years as a student I learned the values of honesty, integrity, and character. Though the perception of many that the priority of the school is their athletic program, I can very honestly say from my four years in attendance, the emphasis on academics far outweighs that on the athletics. I was challenged in the classroom by teachers who had genuine concern for my academic progress, as well as on the wrestling mat by coaches devoted to my success. Not once did I feel a lack of support or confidence from the faculty, staff, and/or administration. When talking to current parents about my days at Bosco, I always convey that feeling of support. The students ARE held to a higher standard of success. When a student shows some small example of extra interest, attention, or effort either in the classroom or an extracurricular activity the teacher capitalizes upon the opportunity for growth. It is this constant positive reinforcement of good qualities, coupled with the personal interest on the part of the teachers that sets Don Bosco Prep on a pedestal above all the rest. Boys ARE molded into men. I would not be the man I am today had I not attended Don Bosco Prep.

To see Don Bosco in its real form, certain things need to be looked at with complete honesty and realism. We'll start with the most important period of the day for guys: lunch. A 20 minute lunch will pass by in the blink of an eye, and when you are waiting on line for food for a good five minutes, you hardly get free time with your friends. It also bears mentioning that the cafeteria food is downright awful. Not only that, but it is obscenely overpriced. What else? How bout gym class? "Here guys, take a basketball and have fun while we stand in the corner of the gym talking about whatever we please". Obviously not a real quote by Don Bosco gym teachers, but this is the essence of the class. If the teachers don't feel like having gym class, fine, they'll send everybody to the bleachers to sit for 40 minutes. Don't like basketball? Tough luck. You either play basketball, play hardwood (a popular racket-less tennis game), or watch. Typically, there are several basketballs (some deflated, naturally) and one volleyball (for hardwood). Sometimes there are a few more, but what happens to them is beyond any student's perception. Gym class is a joke. A very crowded joke, to say the least.
--Submitted by a student

This school provides students with an environment that cultivates greatness. The school encourages greatness in academic endeavors as well as on the athletic field. The school has 44 AP scholars and the Honors program is absolutely outstanding. On the athletic field, Don Bosco boasts a spectacular football team (known on a national level for excellance), superb Cross Country team ( as well of Track and Field team), and pretty much every sport achieves greatness on their respective field. The school's motto is 'Empowering Young Men For Life' and this is exactly what the Prep does.
--Submitted by a student

Don Bosco Prep is a Catholic college prep school, with numerous National Merit and Advanced Placement Scholars, science and tech award winning student teams, top musical productions, excellent choral and band ensembles, and some top athletic teams. The Salesian priests and brothers, together with the faculty, create a family atmosphere for the boys and their families.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a holding area for potential college atheletes. They do not hide that athletics comes first and an education is secondary. My son left after 2 years because class work was not challenging. Classes are over crowded and they have changed their pricipals multiple times in the last few years.
--Submitted by a parent

A phenomenal academic institution which places an emphasis on cultivating each and every student as a young man of solid character. The faculty is not only top-notch but actively involved in the students' lives--extra help is not only offered but encouraged and staff members frequently moderate sports teams, clubs, extracurricular trips, etc. Don Bosco Prep's course offerings and quality of instruction are exceptional and rival some of the best in the state--a noteworthy accomplishment in a competitive county (Bergen) and state (New Jersey). Students are encouraged to become involved in the 'life' of their school--as one student explained: 'This is a family and this place is my home.'
--Submitted by a former student

This school has excellent academics, fantastic sports programs, and an emphasis on developing the individual talents and abilities of each student. Faculty and student body are both super.
--Submitted by a parent

Plenty of extracurriculum activities, different sports, most very competitive. Academics at the highest level, teachers competent and involved: three teachers conferences a year; litterature curriculum includes classics of the biggest value; consistent preparation to SAT testing
--Submitted by a parent

A lot of after school activites and great education in College prep courses or honors.
--Submitted by a parent