Founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, located in the Throggs Neck neighborhood of the Bronx, Preston High School is an all-girls private Catholic college preparatory school rooted in the virtues of dignity, honor, respect and compassion. Through a broad and challenging curriculum, a diverse, faith-centered community and a commitment to Christian service, Preston High School empowers young women by providing them with the skills needed to become compassionate leaders for change in their world.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 369 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,395
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Preston High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
mild learning differences, extended time, SETSS provider, separate testing location
Year Founded
1947
School Motto
Virtue is a Thousand Shields
Student Body
Total Students
369 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
66%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
7 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Language Composition, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. History
Average SAT score
1088
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
School Colors
White, Maroon
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,395
Tuition Notes
General fee $1,000
% on Financial Aid
67%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Cristina Fragale
Admissions Associate
Angelique Cruz Rodriguez
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
26 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Allies, Asian Club, Compassion Connection, Food Club, Gaelic Society, Italian Club, Italian Honor Society, Ladies of Color, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Muslim Student Association club, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Panther Vision, Photography Club, Preston Echoes, Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, STARR, STEM, Student Council, Women's Empowerment, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir, STEP team, Theater Production
Allies, Asian Club, Compassion Connection, Food Club, Gaelic Society, Italian Club, Italian Honor Society, Ladies of Color, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Muslim Student Association club, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Panther Vision, Photography Club, Preston Echoes, Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, STARR, STEM, Student Council, Women's Empowerment, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir, STEP team, Theater Production
School Notes
- Preston requires that all students submit an application with essay in addition to the TACHS exam.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jennifer Lopez 1987 - Singer/Actress/Producer
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Preston High School cost?
Preston High School's tuition is approximately $12,395 for private students and $350 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Preston High School?
The acceptance rate of Preston High School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. Preston High School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Preston High School?
Preston High School famous alumni include: Jennifer Lopez 1987.
What sports does Preston High School offer?
Preston High School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Preston High School's ranking?
Preston High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Preston High School?
The application deadline for Preston High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Preston High School located?
Preston High School is located in the East Bronx neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 15 other private schools located in East Bronx.
School Calendar
View the Preston High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Juneteenth - School Closed
June 19, 2025 (Thursday)
Happy 4th of July - School Closed
July 04, 2025 (Friday)
Italian Heritage / Indigenous People's Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
October 13, 2025 (Monday)
Election Day - School Closed to Students - Faculty Conference
November 04, 2025 (Tuesday)
Veteran's Day - School Closed
November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
Endorse Preston High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

How To Use AI For Research: A High School Student's Guide
We introduce teenagers to AI as a powerful alternative to traditional search engines. This practical guide walks students through using AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for academic research while maintaining intellectual integrity.

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.