Prep School

[lowposter]

Can someone clarify the role of a prep school?

In today's Times, it was reported that Filer of BN and Jones of Merrillville are probably heading to Prep Schools.  Both have legit offers on the table from D1 schools. 

1.  Is the extra year of physical maturity attractive to a higher level of D1's?
2.  Does the academics play a role in the decision.  Are these preps for the most part "college preparation" schools or is the role simply to advance the basketball careers?
3.  What cost is involved and are most of the players on scholarship?
4.  How do these prep schools compare to local academies such as LaLamuer and Culver?

Lowposter

[rlh]

The answer is yes to all, except that Culver is a member of the IHSAA, so they cannot offer a 5th year.  The rest are not members of state associations, therefore they offer an extra year of high school.  This allows those students who need help in academics, or maturity or whatever to have another year before starting college.  There is much discussion whether or not these types of schools are good or not, but they exist and have a vital part in many students development both on the court and off.  They are private schools, so there is a cost.  I'm not sure about scholarships for the students, but parents pay most of the cost.