Enrollment FAQs

Is Vertex Partnership Academies a public charter school?

Yes. Vertex is a public charter school, which is an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. Because more students apply each year than there are available open seats, entry into Vertex is via a lottery.

Students who enter the random lottery for Vertex will have a higher ranking in the lottery based on the following priorities: 

1. Students attending a Vertex partner school: Brilla or Public Prep
2. Students who have a sibling attending Vertex

3. Students living within District 12

4. Students who are children of staff members of Vertex

5. All other applicants 

Yes. Vertex welcomes all students to apply from any middle school.

Vertex is a high school that only accepts students entering the ninth grade.

No. There is no cost to apply to or attend Vertex.

What sets Vertex apart from specialized high schools like Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Brooklyn Tech is that we are an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School organized around the four cardinal virtues of Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. It is considered the gold standard in college preparation in high school. Vertex is one of literally a handful of high schools worldwide that is an IB For All School offering three IB programs, meaning that 100% of our students are required to pursue the IB Middle Years program in ninth and tenth grade, and then choose between the IB Diploma or IB Careers pathway for their junior and senior years.

At the end of tenth grade, if a student at Vertex selects the International Baccalaureate Careers pathway, they currently have the option of choosing from BioMedical Science or Computer Science/Cybersecurity, Montessori, or the US Naval Academy Sea Cadets. These Careers pathway options will continue to grow.

At Vertex, we create an atmosphere for students to remove distractions and focus on learning and their overall growth. Upon arrival each day, students turn in their cells phones, smart watches, and airpords to be locked and stored throughout the day and then retrieved at dismissal. 

Students are expected to be in uniform each day. Each uniform item includes the Vertex logo. Please see here for the uniform items and how to order. Upon enrollment, each family receives a voucher to support the purchase of initial uniform items.

Vertex offers a range of clubs, sports, and athletic activities. Our campus contains a private 40,000-sq.-ft natural grass athletic field that accommodates students to play a range of sports including soccer, baseball, softball, football, track, volleyball, and basketball. We also offer a range of incredible summer programs and extraordinary experiences, including but not limited to programs at: Tianjin University in China, the School for Ethics and Global Leadership program in London, Smith College in Massachusetts, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, St. John’s College in Maryland, Hillsdale College in Michigan, and more. Our students in these programs gain valuable knowledge and leadership skills that will strengthen their futures and add value to the experience of all Vertex scholars.

Yes! In addition to offering scholarships to Vertex students, many colleges and universities offer generous course credit for both the full IB diploma and individual DP course exams, as well as the IB Careers Programme. Please explore this list to guide you through the credit offerings at four-year and two-year institutions. 

In addition to offering college credit for both the full IB diploma and individual DP course exams, as well as the IB Careers Programmes to Vertex students, many colleges and universities offer generous scholarships for both the full IB diploma and individual DP course exams, as well as the IB Careers Programme. Please explore this list to guide you through scholarship offerings at four-year and two-year institutions.