Prep Year

Preparing for Life, Leadership, and Impact.

Turning Point Academy’s Prep Year offers a transformative opportunity for 40 exceptional post-high school students. This nine-month, in-residence program on the beautiful campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, combines a foundational Christian, classical, and civic curriculum with immersive, skill-based experiences designed to foster holistic personal growth and virtue development.

Preparing for impact!

Our goal is to equip young people to become confident and capable business, political, and family leaders who will shape the future of America. The Prep Year provides students with tools for success, including courses taught by professors in subjects such as economics, government, and law—each viewed through a Bible-based lens. In addition, students will participate in educational trips to theaters, museums, parks, and military bases, where they can deepen their understanding of American history. Group activities such as chess, athletics, hiking, Bible study, and prayer will help nurture well-rounded individuals.

Prep Year students will also have the unique opportunity to leverage the vast network and resources of Turning Point USA, including:

Attendance at several TPUSA conferences, including the Turning Point Academy kickoff and graduation events.
Access to influential speakers and educators from the TPUSA community who will serve as guides and mentors throughout the program, assisting students with personal goal-setting.
Participation in service trips, where students will engage with TPUSA staff and work on community projects alongside local churches.

Through this program, students will gain not only academic knowledge but also practical life skills that will prepare them for success in all areas of life.

Foundations

THE GREAT BOOK

God speaks to the Church through both the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Students engage in regular inductive Bible study, participate in formation groups, and are involved in a local church community. The biblical worldview is not only thoroughly defined and foundational to the program but is also integrated throughout all subject areas, shaping the way students understand and interact with the world around them.

GREAT BOOKS

The mind is a gateway to the heart. Students engage their Christian faith in conversation with the great texts of the Western intellectual tradition, including Plato’s Republic, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Meditations on First Philosophy, and Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason. Through this dialogue, students deepen their understanding of both faith and reason, cultivating a well-rounded perspective on truth, morality, and the human experience.

GREAT DOCUMENTS

Biblical citizens have a duty to uphold the founding documents of the United States of America. Students read and engage with these foundational texts, applying their principles to the fields of economics, law, and government. This study fosters a deep understanding of the nation’s ideals and equips students to live out their civic responsibilities in alignment with biblical values.

GREAT MENTORS

Learning from experienced leaders who provide guidance, wisdom, and inspiration for personal and intellectual growth. Students will engage with renowned figures such as Charlie Kirk, Hutz Hertzberg, Bill Federer, Chris Firestone, Charles Emmerich, Erwin Lutzer, and Scott Phelps, gaining insights from their expertise in leadership, faith, history, and education. These mentors will challenge students to think critically, live purposefully, and prepare for meaningful impact in the world.

GREAT EXPERIENCES

Immersing students in transformative missions, conferences, and trips that expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on service projects, attend impactful conferences with thought leaders, and embark on trips that offer firsthand exposure to different cultures and challenges. These experiences are designed to stretch students’ character, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them to lead with purpose and conviction in every area of life. From mission trips that serve communities in need to conferences that inspire a passion for leadership, these experiences are integral to shaping well-rounded, resilient individuals.

Life Skills Preparation

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Turning Point’s Prep Year program is built on a foundation of spiritual growth. We believe God created us in His image, and we are called to grow in His likeness through consistent spiritual practices, such as prayer, fasting, song, Bible study, and church involvement. Our goal is to mentor students in these disciplines, guiding them to mature into faithful Christian adults who reflect Christ in all aspects of their lives.

DEVELOPING THE WHOLE PERSON

Through the Prep Year program, students will learn to think logically, appeal to emotions, and build credibility, equipping them to become exceptional individuals who lead fulfilling lives. We believe God created us as both intellectual and physical beings, so our focus is on developing every facet of the individual. Activities such as biking, hiking, martial arts, and strategic board games will help students grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Additionally, the program offers intentional leadership development opportunities, as well as chances to refine rhetoric and public speaking skills.

LIFE PATHWAYS
PLANNING & PREP

The 21st century demands a diverse set of skills and experiences. TPUSA experts introduce students to five life pathways: Academic, Ministry, Vocational, Military, and Public Office. Exposure to these pathways helps students develop a personal life plan and gain experiences to prepare for their chosen path. As part of this unique program, students will also earn college credit, giving them an academic advantage as they pursue higher education or enter the workforce. Our goal is to teach discipline, leadership, and resilience, fostering personal growth and preparing students to excel. Our graduates are equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in any endeavor they pursue.

THE COST

The cost of the Prep Year program is $12,000 (including tuition, room, and board), an investment that provides unparalleled preparation for the future. We understand that this is not just a financial commitment but also a sacrifice of time—time away from family, friends, and the familiar comforts of home. However, we believe that meaningful growth and impact require sacrifice. This program is designed for students who are serious about stepping into their future with purpose and determination. For those who demonstrate a deep commitment to their journey, additional scholarship opportunities may be available to help ease the financial burden. This is an investment in your future, and the experience, skills, and mindset you gain will far exceed the price.

Are You REady?

GET INFORMED

Join us for an engaging one-hour Zoom session to learn more about the Prep Year program. Hear directly from our Prep Year leadership team and get an exclusive preview of what joining the Prep Year will mean for the 40 exceptional candidates selected.

APPLY

Complete the application for the Prep Year Program, including essays and recommendations, and submit all materials to PrepYear@tpusa.com by no later than April 15th.

INTERVIEW

Once your application is complete, schedule an interview with Prep Year staff. The interview will take place via Zoom and provides a valuable opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions. The first 30 minutes will be dedicated to meeting with the applicant, while the final 30 minutes will include the parents.

PREPARE

Prep Year participants will be notified of their acceptance into the program no later than May 15th. All the materials you need to prepare for Prep Year can be found here.

PREPARE FOR IMPACT!