Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science
The Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science (PRISMS) is a coeducational, independent institution located in Princeton, New Jersey. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, the school operates as both a boarding and day school, blending a rigorous academic environment with a commitment to nurturing a compassionate community.
Founded in 2013 by Jiang Bairong, PRISMS was established to provide a specialized educational pathway for high school students. The school's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Illuminate powerful ideas; nurture a compassionate community; inspire profound inquiry."
Key Facts
- Focus: Specialized curriculum in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Student-Teacher Ratio: An intimate 6.2:1 ratio, ensuring personalized attention.
- Location: A suburban campus situated at 19 Lambert Drive, Princeton, NJ.
- Enrollment: 117 students as of the 2021–22 academic year.
- Academic Scope: Rigorous programs in math, science, and engineering, complemented by humanities and language courses.
Academic Excellence and STEM Focus
PRISMS is designed to prepare students for high-level careers in STEM fields. While the core of the curriculum is heavily weighted toward mathematics, science, and engineering, the school maintains a balanced approach by offering a variety of humanities and language courses. This ensures that students develop not only technical proficiency but also the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for global success.
Beyond the classroom, the institution emphasizes global citizenship, community service, and a wide array of extracurricular activities to foster well-rounded development.
Campus and Community
The school is situated on a suburban campus. While the original campus size is listed at 17 acres, the school currently utilizes 6.41 acres of land. The facility serves a diverse student body; as of the 2021–22 school year, the demographics consisted of 84.6% Asian, 8.5% students of two or more races, 6.0% White, and 0.9% Hispanic students.
Admission to PRISMS is selective, reflecting its goal of preparing students for prestigious colleges and universities both within the United States and internationally.
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Institutional Overview
The school is led by Head of School Pengzhi Liu, with Adam Kemp and Joseph Li serving as Principals. The faculty consists of 18.9 full-time equivalents (FTEs), contributing to the school's low student-to-teacher ratio.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2013 |
| Grades Served | 9 - 12 |
| Boarding Tuition | $63,500 |
| Day Tuition | $45,000 |
| NCES School ID | A2102428 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 6.2:1 |
Growth and Expansion
Since its inception, PRISMS has looked toward growth. Plans were previously announced to expand the student population to 300, supported by $20 million in committed startup costs. However, this expansion has faced challenges, including zoning restrictions from the American Boychoir School—which previously limited the capacity to 82 students—and opposition from local residents regarding the increase in student population within the residential neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary academic focus of PRISMS?
The school focuses on a rigorous academic program in mathematics, science, and engineering (STEM), while also providing essential courses in humanities and languages.
What are the tuition costs for the 2023-24 academic year?
Annual tuition is $63,500 for boarding students and $45,000 for day students.
How selective is the admission process?
Admission to PRISMS is selective, as the school aims to prepare its students for entry into competitive universities in the US and abroad.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at the school?
As of the 2021–22 school year, the student-to-teacher ratio was 6.2:1, based on an enrollment of 117 students and 18.9 FTE teachers.
Where is the school located?
PRISMS is located at 19 Lambert Drive in Princeton, New Jersey, United States.