Through quality educational opportunities and experiences, Banner Prep provides an atmosphere where learning is both meaningful and enjoyable, and directs academic and personal strengths toward growth and achievement for each scholar. Banner wants to play an instrumental role in the successful development of scholars with personal integrity who have a desire to become creative, thoughtful, and productive individuals within their chosen life vocations, and with a commitment to service and lifelong learning.

Banner Prep’s goals are to work collaboratively to provide quality educational opportunities; engage supportive personnel within a family oriented atmosphere; identify and support scholars’ academic and personal strengths; encourage pathways to graduation and post secondary/employment options as a result of individual scholar growth and achievement.

Banner Prep was established in 2007 as a "Creative Options" school providing an academic and behavior intervention opportunity for high school scholars who were at-risk of failing. Banner Prep has been serving scholars in grades 9-12, who are assigned by Student Services subsequent to a discipline hearing (Behavior Reassignment) since 2007. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Banner began serving scholars in grades 6-8, creating a 6-12 option for reassignment. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Banner Prep will serve students in grades 6-10.

Banner Prep provides academic programming that is centered on the core subjects of English, math, science, and social studies. Students also receive coursework that is centered on social emotional learning, career exploration, and entrepreneurship course offerings. Students are enrolled in courses aligned with their individual graduation requirements to ensure they remain on track. Instructional support is provided through the RTI (Response to Intervention) framework, with all students receiving standards-aligned core instruction in Tier 1. Students who require additional support based on their entry assessment in reading and math participate in small-group interventions in Tier 2 or Tier 3. Banner Prep also incorporates mentoring to support all students, with an emphasis on achieving the ABC goals—attendance, behavior, and course performance.

Through the Student-Led Dismissal Process, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and accomplishments during their time at Banner Prep. This includes reflecting on their progress toward ABC goals, sharing strategies they have learned and will apply in future settings, and outlining their plans for continued success beyond their current placement.

During the Central Office meeting, families are provided with a scheduling link to book a welcome meeting at Banner Prep. The school then follows up with the parent/guardian within 24 hours to confirm and support the scheduling process.

During the welcome meeting, the Banner Prep team focuses on building a positive relationship with both the student and their parent/guardian. The team reviews the student’s ABC goals—attendance, behavior, and course performance—which will guide their progress and success.

In addition, the team provides an overview of the school, reviews the student’s graduation checklist (if applicable), and discusses the student’s schedule. Parents/guardians are also given important information and any required forms to complete.

By the conclusion of the meeting, both the student and their parent/guardian will have a clear understanding of the “Banner Way.”

Banner Prep provides the following high-school coursework and growth-oriented experiences:

Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2

Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry

English Language Arts: English 9/10/11/12, Creative Writing, African American Literature

Social Studies: Citizenship, World History, US History, Black History

Fine Arts: Art Foundations, Arts and Crafts, Arts in the Community

Electives: Ripple Effects, Career Choices, Entrepreneurship

Banner Prep provides the following middle-school coursework and growth-oriented experiences: Mathematics, Science, English/Reading, Social Studies, Art, Ripple Effects.

Ripple Effects is a personalized technology designed to address the non-academic barriers that can impact student success in school. Its positive youth development scope and sequence align with national standards for building social-emotional competencies, strengthening non-cognitive skills, supporting positive mental health, and fostering strong character development.

The Career Choices course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how their interests, skills, and strengths align with potential career opportunities. Students develop a personalized academic and career plan, using a variety of resources to guide their postsecondary pathways. Throughout the course, they also build essential academic skills that support lifelong learning and prepare them for success beyond graduation.

Banner Prep recognizes and rewards scholars for progress toward their ABC goals—attendance, behavior, and course performance—through a variety of incentives such as field trips, gift certificates, and pizza parties. These opportunities are typically aligned with progress reporting periods (four times per year), but may also be offered as needed to acknowledge individual growth.

The Banner Prep Mentorship Program, supported through Check & Connect, fosters meaningful relationships that help increase student engagement in both school and learning. This work remains centered on each scholar’s ABC goals, with additional supports identified and adjusted throughout the year based on individual needs.

During daily advisory, scholars and staff build strong relationships and provide ongoing support in a variety of ways. This time helps cultivate a positive school culture where students feel safe, connected, and supported. Advisory also provides an opportunity for scholars to develop essential life skills, including time management, decision-making, and problem-solving. Banner Prep further supports student development through the Peace Works social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, which focuses on conflict resolution, restorative practices, and nonviolent communication.

Peace circles are utilized as needed to give scholars a space to reflect, take ownership, and express themselves effectively. At Banner Prep, staff are committed to ensuring that every scholar feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Banner Prep provides a range of opportunities designed to support students’ interests and needs, including 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, Student Council, School Ambassadors, and various boys’ and girls’ groups that create space for open dialogue and connection around shared experiences.