Elite Prep's story began in 1987 with a small tutoring center in Rowland Heights, California, and a commitment to helping students realize their academic potential.
Over nearly four decades, we have developed our own curriculum, expanded educational opportunities, and adapted our programs to meet the changing needs of students and families.
Our history reflects a continuing belief that education should do more than prepare students for their next exam or college application. It should equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed throughout their lives.
1987–1997 | A Commitment to Educational Excellence
Our Foundations
Elite Prep's early years established the educational philosophy and instructional approach that continue to guide our work today.
1987
The Beginning of Elite Educational Institute
Founder Jonghwan Patrick Park opens a small tutoring center in Rowland Heights, California, establishing Elite Educational Institute.
Built on a commitment to academic excellence and personalized instruction, the center lays the foundation for what would become Elite Prep.
1989
Investing in Curriculum Development
Elite Educational Institute establishes a dedicated Curriculum Research & Development Division in the United States to develop proprietary instructional materials, academic resources, and teaching methodologies.
This early investment lays the foundation for the curriculum and instructional systems that would become defining features of Elite Prep's educational approach.
1991
Introducing the SAT Boot Camp
Elite Educational Institute introduces its first SAT Boot Camp, providing students with an intensive, structured approach to college entrance exam preparation.
The program becomes an important part of Elite Prep's longstanding commitment to helping students develop academic skills, test-taking strategies, and confidence.
1997
Early Student Achievements
Enrollment reaches 1,000 students, reflecting growing demand for Elite Educational Institute's programs.
The organization also celebrates its first student to achieve a perfect SAT score, marking an early milestone in its college preparation history.
1997–2018 | Growth and Educational Opportunity
Expanding Our Reach
Under Jonghwan Patrick Park’s leadership, educational organizations expanded into South Korea, Canada, Indonesia, and China, adopting Elite USA’s curriculum and instructional approach. This period also saw growing efforts to expand educational opportunities for underserved students and families.
1997
International Expansion Begins
Elite Education Korea is established, marking the beginning of the international expansion of the educational approach developed in the United States.
Elite Educational Institute also conducts an SAT preparation program at Seoul Foreign School, bringing its instructional approach to students abroad.
2003
Expansion into Canada
Elite Education Canada is established in Vancouver, extending the reach of the U.S.-developed curriculum and instructional system to students and families in Canada.
2004-2010
Educational Partnership in Thailand
Elite Educational Institute partners with the Sustainable Development Research Foundation (SDRF) to provide English language education and test preparation services in Thailand.
The six-year collaboration expands access to educational resources and test preparation for students in Thailand.
2005
Growth in Northern California
Elite Prep expands into the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing its academic tutoring and college preparation programs to additional communities in Northern California.
Over the years, Elite Prep's presence in the Bay Area grows to include locations in Cupertino, Fremont, San Jose, and San Ramon.
2006
Supporting Future Global Leaders
The Center for Future Global Leaders (CFGL) is established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing young leaders through educational achievement, character development, and community engagement.
CFGL would become a collaborator with Elite Prep in providing students with opportunities for academic competitions, creative expression, and leadership development.
2008
Expanding Educational Access
Elite Educational Institute launches the Elite Community Scholars initiative in collaboration with community organizations, including Young Nak Church in Los Angeles and KidWorks in Santa Ana.
Through scholarships, free SAT preparation, and academic support, the initiative seeks to expand educational opportunities for students from underserved communities.
2008
A New Headquarters in Irvine
Elite Educational Institute relocates its headquarters to Irvine, California, supporting the continued development and coordination of its educational programs and learning centers.
2008–2014
Elite Turkey
Elite Turkey operates from 2008 to 2014, extending the reach of Elite's educational programs and services to students and families in Turkey.
2010-2015
Broader International Growth
The international Elite educational network continues to expand with the establishment of educational organizations in Indonesia (2010), China (2012), and Japan (2015).
Adopting the curriculum and instructional system developed by Elite Educational Institute USA, these organizations bring Elite's educational approach to students and families in additional communities across Asia.
2011–2018
Elite Vision Expo
Elite Prep hosts the annual Elite Vision Expo, a one-day college planning and career exploration conference bringing together students, parents, educators, college representatives, and professionals from diverse fields.
Featuring keynote speakers, college admission and financial aid workshops, career panels, college fairs, and student competitions and performances, the event encourages students to explore their interests, discover educational opportunities, and prepare for life beyond high school and college.
2013
Expansion to Texas
Elite Prep expands into Texas with its first location in Plano, bringing its academic tutoring and college preparation programs to students and families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Over the years, Elite Prep's presence in Texas grows to include locations in Austin, Flower Mound, Houston, and Southlake, serving families across the state.
2015
Expansion to Virginia
Elite Prep extends its U.S. presence to Virginia, bringing its academic programs and college preparation services to families on the East Coast.
2018
Refugee Education Project in Indonesia
The broader Elite educational network launches the Refugee Education Project in partnership with Hope Learning Center in Bogor, Indonesia, providing refugee students with access to structured academic coursework, English language development, and computer science education.
The initiative reflects a commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people facing significant barriers to formal schooling.
2018
Expansion to Nevada
Elite Prep expands into Nevada—first in Las Vegas and then in Henderson—continuing its growth into new communities across the United States.
2020–Present | Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow's Learners
Continuing Innovation
As educational needs and learning environments continue to change, Elite Prep builds on decades of curriculum development and instructional experience to explore new approaches to teaching, learning, and student development.
2020
Adapting to Online Learning
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elite Prep transitions its tutoring and test preparation programs to online instruction, allowing students to continue learning while in-person activities are disrupted.
This period also encourages the development of new programs and approaches to supporting students beyond traditional classroom instruction.
2020
Introducing LEAD Extracurricular Programs
Elite Prep develops LEAD (Learning through Extracurricular Activities & Development), a collection of programs designed to help students explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in collaborative learning experiences.
Among these initiatives are the Business Case Competition and Math Competition Club, which continue to provide students with opportunities for academic enrichment and intellectual challenge.
2023
Preparing Students for the Digital SAT
As the College Board transitions to the digital SAT, Elite Prep redesigns its SAT preparation curriculum and instructional resources to address the new exam format.
The updated program reflects Elite Prep's continuing commitment to adapting its teaching methods and curriculum to changes in standardized testing.
2023
Launch of the ELPAC Practice Testing Platform
Elite Prep develops its proprietary ELPAC practice testing platform to help English learners prepare for the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California.
Schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District begin using Elite Prep's practice assessments, extending the organization's educational services to public school partners.
2024
Expansion to Georgia
Elite Prep expands into Georgia, extending its educational programs and services to students and families in the southeastern United States.
2026
Develops the Elite Prep Learning Hub
Elite Prep develops the Learning Hub to support students pursuing homeschool, online charter school, and other flexible learning pathways.
The program combines structured independent study, goal setting, accountability, and a supportive learning environment with access to college planning workshops and enrichment opportunities.
The Learning Hub represents a new way of supporting students as they develop independence and prepare for future educational opportunities.
