PLACEMENT TESTS
Placement tests in math, science and languages will be administered to resident students when they arrive on campus in August. Incoming freshman are not required to take any placement tests. It is an option for students who feel that they might place out of our grade-level class in one of those subjects.

RESIDENT MOVE-IN AND ORIENTATION
Before July 1, Dean of Residential Life, Mr. Joe Harkins ’96, will send new resident families an introductory email full of information about the move-in process. Please email Mr. Harkins if you did not receive his email, jharkins@gprep.org.

• Tuesday, August 25 – New Residents Move In
• Wednesday-Friday, August 26-28 – New Resident Orientation
• Thursday and Friday, August 27 & 28 – Freshmen and Transfer Student Orientation

Dean of Students, Mr. Chris Rodriguez, will be in touch with more details about the all-freshman orientation. 

RESOURCES

• Packing list
• New Resident Student Orientation Schedule - coming in August

The GP Weekly is our community email that goes out to students, parents and faculty/staff every Thursday at the end of the day. It contains events, announcements, news and photos.

Georgetown Preparatory School is a 1:1 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, which means all students will be required to bring a device to school. The BYOD model gives students some autonomy to choose a device that they are familiar with and comfortable using. T

Read the 2026 laptop requirements
 

FAQs

Do I need to purchase a new computer if I already have one?
No. The purchase of a new computer is not required so long as the device meets the minimum recommended specifications. With that said, it is important to consider the kind of “wear and tear” incurred by a high school student’s daily use of a device.

What if my son already owns a Google Chromebook, which is not on the approved list of devices?
If your son has been using a Chromebook thus far, he should already be aware of the technical limitations of that particular device. He should expect to encounter those same limitations moving forward. With that said, school computer labs are available to students for more extensive projects such as video editing/graphical design projects that require specialized software.

How will damage to personally owned devices be handled?
Georgetown Prep is not responsible for the maintenance of a student’s device. If a student’s BYOD device is experiencing technical difficulties, the school will have a limited supply of temporary laptops that can be borrowed (up to one week) while the student’s personal device is repaired. In addition, the school has 5 computers and a printer located in the library to use. Students are expected to seek repair or replacement of their BYOD device independent of the school. The school’s IT Department will NOT perform repairs to student’s personal devices. It is highly recommended that students purchase an insurance plan.

How will loss or theft of personally owned devices be handled?
Georgetown Prep is not responsible for devices that are lost or stolen. Our community is one in which students are very comfortable leaving their personal items unattended. Unfortunately, there are times when expensive personal items go missing. Some devices come with a device locator; it is recommended that students enable this feature if possible. Students are also encouraged to attach clear identification and tags to their devices.

Are students able to recharge devices during the school day?
Yes. Students are expected to bring their laptops to school each class day, fully charged. The minimum specifications for our student devices are designed to ensure that, when fully charged, the device battery will last throughout the typical school day. With that said, charging stations will be setup in common areas so that students can charge their devices during free time. In addition, all of the science labs are equipped with lab stations and outlets.

What software do I need to acquire for my laptop? 

• Web Browser: All student devices will be expected to have an updated web browser(s) (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and/or Apple Safari) 
• Security: All student laptops must have current antivirus and anti-malware, with updated definition files, installed and running regularly. 
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Office (optional) ○ Georgetown Prep students can receive this software for free. If it is required for a class, please reach out to the Prep IT department at techsupport@gprep.org for assistance.
• Class specific software: In the event that other programs may be required for specific classes, this will be detailed in the course materials along with textbooks. The student is responsible to purchase the necessary software on their own. Teachers will communicate with students if they need a specific type of software.

Will my son be required to use his device in every class?
No. Students are required to bring their device with them to every class. However, they will not necessarily be required to use it. Certain disciplines/teachers will require it more than others.

How will students receive instruction on the use of these laptops?
Students will participate in technology orientations in May and August. These orientations will not only focus on “Appropriate Use,” but also on the instruction on how to use school specific systems. In addition, technology training will be incorporated into the curriculum.

How can we make sure students are using the devices appropriately?
Students will be required to sign a “Parent/Student Handbook Agreement Form” at the beginning of the school year. This document includes language and expectations regarding appropriate use of technology at Georgetown Prep.

In addition, technology is and will continue to be integrated into our curriculum in a constructive and thoughtful way. Effective teaching is about tailoring the learning experience to the needs of the students and the material they are exploring. Teachers will be experts in understanding classroom management strategies that focus on keeping students on task while they are using their devices. Technology training will also be integrated into our advisory program with discussions that focus on appropriate use.

The appropriate use of technology is an area where the partnership between parents and the school is extremely important, as it needs to be part of the conversation at home as well as at school. By addressing these challenges with the devices present, we can begin to teach students how to achieve a reasonable balance between life and screen, and to model that behavior ourselves.

If I have additional questions about GP’s BYOD program, whom can I contact?
Contact our IT team at techsupport@gprep.org
 

Prep students may register for a chartered bus with pick-up and drop-off at several locations in Northern Virginia. The bus is coordinated through Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, located near campus. Registration is now open.

For questions about the bus or any transportation needs, contact Dean of Students Mr. Chris Rodriguez at crodriguez@gprep.org.

Prep offers summer basketball, golf, and wrestling camps for rising Grade 9 students. More information can be found on our camp camp web pages. 

Class of 2030: Please fill out this Georgetown Prep Athletics Form to tell us what sports you plan to play.

To see the Fall Season 2026 workout/practice plans, visit the Back-to-School Guide in early June.

When will my son receive his schedule?

• The schedules will be posted on both the student and parent portals in Veracross in July. Please contact the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at emaginnis@gprep.org with any questions about the class schedule.

• The majority of freshmen take seven classes: Theology, English, Math, Biology, Western Civilization, Latin, and one semester each of Art & Music. There is an option to take a full year of art or participate in a musical group in lieu of the art & music requirement. Please contact the Dean of Academics, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at emaginnis@gprep.org to inquire about this option.

• Once your son receives his schedule, you will find a list of required textbooks on the Georgetown Prep website with links provided for purchase. We offer a used textbook event on campus in July. Used textbooks are offered for free on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an email in early July with the details about the used textbook event.

Who do I contact if my son will be late or absent from school?

• If your son will be absent from school please notify the Dean of Students Office. You may email the Assistant to the Dean of Students, Mr. CJ Carpenter at ccarpenter@gprep.org or call 301.214.1252.

• If your son will be late for school or needs to leave school for an appointment, please notify ccarpenter@gprep.org. Your son must report to the Dean of Students Office first upon his arrival/return to school, before he goes to class.

My son received academic accommodations in middle school (e.g. extended time on tests) – how do I make sure he continues to receive these accommodations?

• Each student who receives academic accommodations at Prep must have an up to date report with a full battery of psycho-educational testing. The testing must be no more than three years old; if your son has testing that is out of date, we would strongly encourage you to have him re-tested this summer. If you have any questions about academic accommodations and educational testing, please reach out to the Director of Counseling Services, Ms. Karen Napolitano at knapolitano@gprep.org. 

How will I know how my son is doing?

• High school is a big pond and we know that this can be a disconcerting transition. We have a few structures in place to help you – and us keep watchful eyes on your son:

  • Freshman Advisory. Each Grade 9 student is assigned to two faculty advisors. Along with about 7-8 classmates, these advisory groups meet once a week in small groups, and once every seven school days as a large group. The freshman advisory curriculum covers topics like organization, time management, study skills, sleep habits, and health & wellness, in addition to providing an adult source of support to each student.

  • Big Brothers. Each advisory group will have approximately three seniors to serve as Big Brothers to the younger students. 
     

• Many elementary schools provide grades to students and parents in real time. Prep does not do this, so how can you know how your son is doing academically?

  • Freshman Advisory. Each advisor has access to each of his advisee’s grades, and can share those with your son. 

  • Teach your son self-advocacy. Teachers love nothing more than students who are willing to advocate on their own behalf. The most successful students at Prep are the ones able to take a real sense of agency and ownership over their work. Encourage your son to go see his teachers to ask how he is doing in a class.

  • Progress Reports and Report Cards. At the halfway point of each academic marking period, you will receive a Progress Report for your son in EVERY class, regardless of whether he is doing well or poorly. At the end of each marking period, you will receive a report card. Roughly every 6-8 weeks, you will receive a mailing from the school with your son’s academic progress provided. 

  • Cycle Grade Reports. We follow a seven-day testing cycle, with school days lettered from A through G. At the conclusion of each cycle, your son will receive a Cycle Grade Report in his portal. Though this report doesn’t publish to parents, it is an easy way for you to check in with your son for a productive conversation about his progress.

  • Reach out. There are many members of our community who care deeply for your son: advisors, teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff. Rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to care for each student at Prep. If you find yourself worried about how your son is progressing academically, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at  emaginnis@gprep.org.

What sorts of communications will I receive from the school?

• Please refer to the parent portal–your login for Veracross–which will take you to a dashboard. This dashboard houses links to the schedule, the School's calendar, and other resources. More information to come as the academic year begins. 

• Read The GP Weekly that comes out every Thursday after school for families and the Update from the Dean of Students that comes out every Sunday evening for students.

• Read the monthly letter from the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis. 

• Follow Georgetown Prep on social media.

• Emergency or time sensitive information will go out via text message to parents. Prep mostly follows MCPS for inclement weather decisions. If the School deviates from MCPS, a text message will go out to families. 

• Ask your son questions! There is no better source about what’s going on at school and in the classrooms than the students themselves – use current events and routine circumstances as a way to engage your son on how he is developing as he acclimates to this new environment.