History
Why is it that only rich kids get good schools?
The genesis of Capital Preparatory Schools began with that very question.
In 2000, a mother asked our founder, Dr. Steve Perry, why her daughter—enrolled in the college-prep Upward Bound program—couldn’t attend a school that offered the same level of academic rigor and opportunity during the day. That simple, powerful question sparked a four-year journey to identify the strategies that best prepare students from historically underserved communities for college success.
At the heart of the Capital Prep model is a nurturing, high-expectation culture that fosters deep student-teacher relationships, demands academic excellence, and connects classroom learning to life beyond school.
Every movement starts with a moment.
Capital Prep didn’t begin as a school, but as a promise – A promise to challenge a system that left too many of our most vulnerable children behind.
With 20 years of proven impact, thousands of students applying each year, and a 100% college acceptance rate for our graduates, we remain committed to expanding the reach of this transformative educational model—so that great schools are no longer a privilege, but a right for all.
Timeline Tabs
1998
Dr. Perry Founded ConnCAP
In 1998, Dr. Steve Perry led a small but mighty team to launch ConnCAP, an Upward Bound program designed to help low-income, first-generation students succeed in college. This sparked the beginning of a greater, bolder mission to change the educational landscape.
2005
Capital Prep Hartford Magnet School Opens
In 2005, that mission became Capital Prep Hartford Magnet School, which was founded on one clear belief: every child deserves access to a world-class education, no matter their race, zip code, or socio-economic status
2012
The Charter Management Organization is Established
By 2012, the vision expanded. Capital Preparatory Schools was born—a network with one mission: To provide historically disadvantaged students with the college and career readiness skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice.
2015
Capital Prep Opens its First Charter School in Connecticut
In 2015, that mission broke new ground, as we opened our first charter school in Bridgeport, Connecticut—Capital Prep Harbor.
2016
Capital Prep Expands to New York
In 2016, we crossed state lines, opening Capital Prep Harlem and planting roots in New York City.
2020
Capital Prep Bronx Opens During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Even in the face of a global pandemic, we did not stop. In 2020, Capital Prep Bronx opened its doors—defying the odds. That same year, Capital Prep Harlem received a five-year renewal. Capital Prep Harbor followed with four more years of affirmation.
2023
Capital Prep Middletown Receives Initial Certificate of Approval from the Connecticut State Board of Education
In 2023, our legacy continued to grow. Capital Prep Middletown earned its certificate of approval from the Connecticut State Board of Education.
2024
Capital Prep New Rochelle is Approved by SUNY
2024 brought more milestones. Capital Prep New Rochelle was officially approved by SUNY—ushering in a new chapter of excellence, and Harbor earned another four-year renewal.
2025
Capital Prep Bronx Receives a Full 5-year Renewal
In 2025, Capital Prep Bronx received its first five-year renewal—solidifying its place in a legacy of transformation.