“What if my child needs more time before taking the next step in life?” is a question WPS leaders are asked time and time again. While the majority of WPS students graduate and go on to post secondary education, there is a group of students who need more time. Winston Transitions was created to address the need for a “gap year or two” and offer those young adults and others like them outside of the WPS community the alternative program they have been looking for.

Winston Transitions has been described as ‘the Swiss Army knife of gap year programs’. This program can be whatever you need it to be. The essence of Winston Transitions is the flexibility, individualization and understanding around designing a program and experience that supports each student's unique needs. The teachers and leaders here have myriad programmatic tools at our disposal that allow us to design an individualized experience for students who need to focus on developing the independence they need to succeed after high school. This experience can include components that deepen academic, workplace, social and/or life skills.

Our Transitions Team works closely with students in a very personalized and individual way through our small groupings, comprehensive academic coursework, internship experiences, social emotional development and Winston’s unique one-to-one Focus program. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on a practical application approach and project based learning within the core course opportunities of Literacy and Writing, Math, Health and Wellness, Professional Studies, Pragmatics, and Creative Projects. All of which reflect and respond to the essential skills needed for success as an emerging young adult.

Located in the heart of New York City, Winston Transitions is a unique program for a community of diverse learners ages 17-21, all of whom need additional work to be prepared for the next step. To determine whether this program is appropriate for any one student we assess them in a manner in keeping with Winston Prep’s core Continuous Feedback System and The Qualities of a Sustainable and Independent Learner. The Winston Transitions Team committed to developing a true understanding of each individual through challenging our students’ abilities and raising the bar for excellence. We want our students to leave this gap year(s) program with a greater sense of who they are and what next steps make the most sense for their futures. Not only does the Winston Transitions Team focus on our students’ well being, a strong emphasis is placed on the well being of our students’ families. We strive to help families feel confident that there will be a viable outcome at program completion and they will have the tools to support their child as they move towards independence.

Come see us in action as we work to build a solid foundation by supporting and challenging young adults to meaningfully participate in life.