A college preparatory school is a term often used to describe a school that prepares its students for attending college. However, there are several synonyms for this type of school that may be used interchangeably. These include university preparatory school, post-secondary school, pre-college institution, higher education school, and academic preparatory academy. Regardless of the term used, these schools focus on providing their students with a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares them for success in higher education. Their mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to thrive in college and beyond, and enable them to achieve their long-term career and life goals.