NEW YORK, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meritas Family of Schools today announced that Claremont Preparatory School in lower Manhattan has joined their college-preparatory family of schools, becoming the 10th school in a network of over 11,500 students around the globe, including schools in Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. As Meritas' U.S. flagship, Claremont students will enjoy a close partnership with internationally-renowned College du Leman, located in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as Leman International School in China.

As a part of Meritas, New York parents no longer need to wait for a globally-focused education for their children. They will enjoy it immediately. Meritas students and teachers have access to unmatched international learning and leadership opportunities such as the International Student Government Summit and Meritas "Touchpoints," which promote cultural literacy and language fluency. These factors give Meritas students experiences and world knowledge that contribute to their college applications and life success. Meritas students also develop relationships with exceptional students from around the globe that form a powerful life-long network.

"I am pleased to welcome the students, parents, teachers and staff of the Claremont community to the Meritas Family of Schools," Mac Gamse, CEO of Meritas, said. "We are committed to bringing our extensive educational resources to Claremont and create a top school in New York that is recognized internationally. At Meritas, we provide exceptional, personalized education to each student every day. Our schools have over 300 years of experience in placing well-rounded students into top universities around the world, and our alumni are part of a prominent network of today's global leaders."

Meritas combines a highly personalized education with challenging academics, resulting in proven, world-class student achievement. Meritas attracts, supports and retains top-performing teachers from around the world who work with each student to make optimal progress through the Meritas Academic Plan (MAP). This time-tested system promotes a highly-individualized approach to learning that is focused on driving academic progress and social growth.

"After thoughtful consideration, we have found a great successor to carry on the work we've done here at Claremont. Over recent years, Claremont Preparatory School has developed into an institution with a personalized approach to education, and Meritas has the experience to continue to move the school in this direction. Meritas is made up of thoughtful, global educators and impressive students that will bring new resources and high school curriculum development, as well as an international network to Claremont students and faculty," Michael Koffler, Chairman and CEO of Met Schools Inc., said. "We look forward to making this transition period as smooth as possible for the entire Claremont community."

Claremont Preparatory School, established in 2005, currently enrolls more than 500 New York City students and was founded and previously owned by Met Schools Inc. As a private, pre-K-12 school located on two campuses in Manhattan's Financial District, Claremont offers state-of-the-art facilities designed by educators to provide the best possible educational environment for the 21st century. The campuses include state-of-the art classrooms complete with SMART technology and full audio/visual capabilities, as well as top-notch aquatics centers and gymnasiums, common spaces and cafes.  

"As an educator with 30 years of extensive experience, both in the U.S. and internationally, I realize the benefits a network of schools like Meritas can have in shaping the future of our school," said Drew Alexander, Headmaster-elect. "I am looking forward to working with the Meritas team from around the world to build Claremont into the world-class school I know it will become."

"Meritas has a proven track record at schools around the globe, and a singular focus on achieving student growth," said senior member of the Claremont Advisory Board and Former Chancellor, NYC Board of Education, Frank J. Macchiarola. "I believe they will provide new resources and opportunities to the students at Claremont Preparatory School, and also bring an international perspective that will train Claremont students to become increasingly competitive in a globalized world."

At Claremont, Meritas is committed to supporting the staff through enhanced professional development. In addition, Claremont will have access to Meritas' college guidance counseling program that begins in the 6th grade along with its worldwide network of guidance counselors and their deep relationship with the world's leading universities.  

About Meritas

Meritas is a worldwide family of college-preparatory schools that provides highly personalized education to more than 11,500 students at our ten schools across the globe. Meritas schools have more than 300 years of collective and proven experience and have educated more than 50,000 students. Meritas schools are comprised of top-performing teachers who challenge each child to make optimal progress, both academically and socially. As a result, Meritas students go on to their top-choice universities with the critical-thinking and complex problem-solving skills needed to excel in life.  As a collaborative global network with schools in some of the world's most influential geographies, Meritas is focused on developing the world's next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.meritas.net.

About Claremont

Claremont Preparatory School was founded in 2005 as a challenging and supportive academic environment in which students can become independent thinkers and competent decision makers who are excited to learn and prepared to live in today's world. Claremont is a private pre-K-12 school that currently educates more than 510 students from Lower Manhattan, the greater New York City area and over 40 countries around the world. Claremont is located on two campuses in the heart of Lower Manhattan, the financial capital of the world and New York's fastest growing residential neighborhood. For more information, visit http://Claremontprep.org.  

Contact:  Gia Storms
917-626-6757
Gia.Storms@Edelman.com

SOURCE Meritas Family of Schools