---
title: "Our History | Learning for Life Since 1987 | Elite Prep"
description: "Elite Prep's history since 1987, from a small tutoring center in Rowland Heights to an international network dedicated to student success."
url: "https://eliteprep.com/about/history/"
image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/Expo-Group-B-Bright2-png-card.jpg"
language: "en"
source: "eliteprep build"
---

![Group of students and parents at Elite Vision Expo](https://eliteprep.com/media/Expo-Group-B-Bright2-png-full.webp)

# Our History

Learning for Life Since 1987

![Elite Prep Rowland Heights front desk](https://media.eliteprep.com/RowlandHeights_FrontDesk_1A-1-png-w800.webp)

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

   ![Elite Prep curriculum books circa 2014](https://media.eliteprep.com/Elite%20Curriculum%20Bright-png-w800.webp)

3. 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.

   ![Students in Elite Prep SAT Boot Camp class](https://media.eliteprep.com/SAT-Boot-Camp-NW-Bright-png-w800.webp)

4. 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.

1. 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.

   ![Elite Prep Apgujung conference room](https://media.eliteprep.com/Apgujung-1-jpeg-w800.webp)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

   ![Elite Prep San Jose lounge](https://media.eliteprep.com/SanJose_Lounge_2A-2-png-w800.webp)

5. 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.

6. 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.

   ![KidWorks Santa Ana B](https://media.eliteprep.com/ECS-Students3-png-w800.webp)

7. 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.

   ![Elite Prep Irvine-Northwood office exterior](https://media.eliteprep.com/NW-1-JPG-w1600-bright-png-w800.webp)

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

    ![Elite Vision Expo crowd in lobby](https://media.eliteprep.com/4794229149-JPG-w800.webp)

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

    ![J. Patrick Park speaking at the Hope Learning Center in Indonesia](https://media.eliteprep.com/REP_1-1-Bandung-bright-png-w800.webp)

14. 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.

1. 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.

   ![Elite Online Class](https://media.eliteprep.com/Elite-Class-Online-jpg-full.webp)

2. 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.

3. 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.

   [**Explore SAT Preparation**](https://eliteprep.com/programs/sat-prep/)

   ![Elite Prep students taking digital practice test on laptop](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-Laptop-Lesson-B-Web-2-jpg-w800.webp)

4. 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.

5. 2024

   ### Expansion to Georgia

   Elite Prep expands into **Georgia**, extending its educational programs and services to students and families in the southeastern United States.

6. 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.

   [**Explore the Elite Prep Learning Hub**](https://eliteprep.com/learning-hub/)

## From the Blog

[All posts →](https://eliteprep.com/blog/)

![A row of worn hardcover books standing upright, seen close-up from their page edges](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash%2Bbooks%2Bworn%2Bpages-webp-w400.webp)

[ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/act/) [SAT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/sat/)

### [306 MORE Vocabulary Words You Must Know for the SAT & ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/2026/9/14/306-vocabulary-words-you-must-know-for-the-sat-and-act/)

Having a strong understanding and ability to use a wide range of words accurately is important for students to achieve outstanding scores on standardized…

September 15, 2026

![Engineering students in safety glasses working at a machine in a university workshop](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash-image-omrpeqLz6Po-webp-w400.webp)

[College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/)

### [Engineering + Business: Combined Programs at Top U.S. Colleges](https://eliteprep.com/blog/engineering-business-combined-programs-at-top-us-colleges/)

Combined engineering and business programs at seven US colleges, from Penn’s M&T to UC Berkeley’s M.E.T., and what sets each one apart.

September 2, 2026

![Student holding textbooks](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-813019744-webp-w400.webp)

[College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/)

### [How Your Major Choice Affects College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-your-major-choice-affects-college-admissions/)

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the college admission process is the role of a student’s intended academic major.

August 27, 2026

## You Do Not Have to Navigate College Admissions Alone

Whether your student is just beginning the journey or preparing applications now, Elite Prep provides the guidance, accountability and support to move forward with confidence.

[Find a center near you](https://eliteprep.com/locations/)