A prep school, short for preparatory school, is an educational institution designed to prepare students for higher education, particularly college. These schools often offer a rigorous academic curriculum, focusing on subjects like math, science, and literature, along with extracurricular activities to develop well-rounded individuals. Prep schools can be either private or public and typically serve students from middle school through high school. Many prep schools emphasize small class sizes and personalized attention, aiming to foster critical thinking and leadership skills in their students, which can enhance their chances of admission to competitive colleges and universities.