About ExL Prep
We began preparing students for the Monmouth County Vocational School (MCVSD) entrance exam in 2009.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to assist our students in gaining admission into the high school or college of their choice.
We strive to provide students with a challenging educational environment, imparting the knowledge and skills that will allow them to achieve academic success in both high school and college. Through continuous academic support and personal guidance, we enable students to maximize their academic and personal potential while acquiring the discipline and study skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and the rest of their lives.
ExL Method:
Over the last 15 years we have supported students in the greater Monmouth County area prepare for high school, college and beyond. We use a combination of frequent baseline knowledge assessments paired with individually targeted curriculum, homework and one on one tutoring to ensure our students have all the tools they need to EXL their test taking abilities.
Our History:
“In October of 2009, my son Matthew decided to apply to both CBA and MAST. During the Q&A portion of the MAST open house, a parent asked how to prepare for the exam. We were told that the test was a standardized test, and later told that the test aligned with NJ ASK content. We were also told that there was no way to prepare for this type of test.
I had a mental follow up question, “Why does our school spend time immediately prior to the NJ ASK reviewing related content if there is no benefit from preparation?” I decided to keep that question to myself.
Obviously, standardized test preparation matters; many districts prepare for standardized tests to increase district, school, and student performance. Shouldn’t I prepare my son for this standardized exam as well? This exam counted more than any prior test, the results would impact his future, our finances, and he would only be given one opportunity.
I put together a program for him and he took the test. On the ride home he asked, “What is an appositive?” I quickly recognized that he was not as prepared as he should have been. The test included concepts that he had not learned in school.
My younger son Sawyer planned on taking the test the following year and I wanted to do a better job with Sawyer’s preparation. I assembled a few of Matthew’s friends who took the MCVS test with Matthew to dissect their test content and experience.
After research and collaboration, I began offering a preparation program in the Fall of 2010. We developed methods for diagnosing and fulfilling a student’s specific needs, topic review, content, and test-taking techniques to best position students for the test.
After that test, and every year since, I assembled a group of students to discuss the test in order to refine and enhance our methods. We have found that the test varies from year to year and have adapted our programming. I have analyzed all of the vocational school tests (2010 to 2016) by meeting with the students after the test. To be clear, I have never seen a copy of the test; however the reviewed information is invaluable in preparing students for future tests.
Your student will be likely competing for one of 40 or so seats (unless they are the best within your district). Last year approximately 1,600 students took the MCVS entrance exam; 400 were admitted and we prepared over 100 of the students that were admitted. Of the children that we prepared, over 2/3rds were admitted into the vocational school of their choice. The program works and the evidence is clear.
Matthew graduated from MAST in 2014, Sawyer in 2015 and my daughter Makara was admitted into the BTHS class of 2018. Time goes too quickly. “
John Napoli
CEO & Founder ExL Prep
Get in Touch
Give us some information about your student and how we can help guide them to scholastic excellence. We will respond promptly.
