What is a Postgraduate (PG) Year Programs?
A postgraduate (PG) year is an additional year of school after grade 12, before college, offered mainly by private prep and boarding schools. Students (called "PGs") use the year to strengthen academics, mature, improve college options, or develop athletically before enrolling in college. It's especially common in New England prep schools and among recruited athletes.
History & origins
The postgraduate year is a long-standing tradition at prep and boarding schools, giving students an extra year to grow academically, personally, or athletically before college — whether to raise their profile, retake a year, or reclassify for athletics.
Philosophy & approach
The PG year is built on readiness — an extra year to strengthen academics, study skills, maturity, and (often) athletic recruiting, so students enter college better prepared and positioned.
Curriculum & academics
PGs take a challenging, often college-level course load tailored to their goals, with strong college counseling, and (for athletes) high-level competition and recruiting exposure. The year is designed to raise a student's academic and/or athletic profile.
The classroom & school day
PGs join a prep or boarding school community for a focused year, often alongside seniors, with mentoring, counseling, and (frequently) competitive athletics.
Grade levels & structure
The PG year is for students who have completed grade 12 and want an additional year before college.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application to a prep/boarding school's PG program; athletes are often recruited. These are private and charge tuition (boarding higher), sometimes with aid.
Costs & financial aid
PG years charge tuition (day or boarding), sometimes with financial aid or athletic considerations. It's an investment in readiness and options.
Accreditation & governance
Offered by accredited private prep/boarding schools. Look at the academic program, college counseling and outcomes, and (for athletes) the athletic program and recruiting support.
Is a Postgraduate (PG) Year Programs right for your child?
A PG year suits students who want to strengthen academics, mature, improve college admission chances, or pursue athletic recruiting before college — including those who'd benefit from another year of growth or a stronger profile.
How it compares to other schools
The PG year is a bridge year within prep/boarding schools, distinct from a gap year (typically not in school) and from early college. Its defining feature is an extra structured school year after grade 12, before college.
Finding Postgraduate (PG) Year Programs
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists prep, boarding, and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- WhatAn extra school year after grade 12, before college
- WherePrivate prep and boarding schools (esp. New England)
- PurposeStrengthen academics, maturity, college options, or athletics
- Common forRecruited athletes and students wanting a stronger profile
- CostTuition (day or boarding), sometimes with aid
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: