About Us

A premier day and boarding school for scholars who are ready to lead with purpose, live with impact, and rise to their fullest potential. We empower students through academic excellence, character development, and real-world readiness, preparing them to build meaningful futures and become change-makers in a global society.

Local & Global student community fostering diversity and connections

At Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy, we foster open dialogue, cultural awareness, and mutual respect in a judgment-free environment. Our diverse student body engages in transformative learning experiences that empower global thinking, equity, and meaningful change.

We believe open and honest communication is necessary to create much-needed change in the world. As a private day and boarding high school, we provide an environment that is free from judgment where students are invited to speak their minds with teachers and peers while showing respect for one another. Students experience a transformative, equitable education that is culturally uplifting and exposes them to real-world local and global perspectives. Mt Zion welcomes students from all over the world, creating a rich and diverse learning environment.

Our Vision

Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy® will serve as the educational point of convergence for the local and international learning communities, providing an innovative learning experience that produces self-sufficient, hardworking, contributing members of society.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

— Nelson Mandela

Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy offers open enrollment during Fall & Spring semesters.

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Our Approach

Promoting Academic & Personal Excellence

INNOVATION THROUGH STEAM

Through our STEAM school, students discover, explore, and deepen their understanding of multiple disciplines within Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. They are empowered to create innovative solutions to real-world problems and develop the skills for success.

LEARNING IN A BUBBLE

As a private boarding and day school, students are afforded the opportunity to continue in-person classes with many students living on campus full-time. Mt. Zion is able to remain selective and closely monitor individuals, creating a safe learning environment for all students. Students have the opportunity to live on campus within our bubble with 5-Day or 7-Day boarding options.

WHOLE CHILD EDUCATION

Students are empowered to find and express their unique voices, talents, and gifts. We go beyond educating the mind to develop the whole person – tapping into an inner strength, enhancing self-confidence, building character, and developing leadership skills.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

Our leadership team gets to know each incoming student, and together, we create an individualized plan based on their dreams and aspirations. Students are prepared to pursue their chosen path with actionable steps, skill mastery, and leadership development setting the course for their future.

TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY

Mt Zion’s diverse, global student body enjoys an environment where different perspectives are openly encouraged, expressed, and respected. Students find a place where they can be authentic, pursue their dreams, and be championed by peers, coaches, and mentors.

Our Administration Staff

Leaders Committed to Student Success

Kowiyat Salako

M.Ed. Dean of Operations

  • Master of Education Administration: Towson University
  • Bachelor of Science: Morgan State University

Dean Salako is a native of Baltimore, MD, and a proud HBCU graduate of the illustrious Morgan State University. She also had the honor of attending the phenomenal Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School.

As a leader and motivator, she believes that everyone should acknowledge and unleash their superpowers.  Dean Salako’s unique superpower is that she is a natural healer who supports others in manifesting their destiny. While in the Navy, she created a career center assisting her fellow shipmates to qualify for advanced medical training, at colleges and universities.   She earned the Student of the Year Award for the American Association for Health Education and the Scholastic Achievement Award – Highest Grade Point Average for a Health Major for her graduating class.

Dean Salako has established four private schools thus creating long-standing community partnerships, advancing her teachers academically while supporting their entrepreneurship careers. She is known best for providing a nurturing learning environment allowing students and teachers to tap into their multiple intelligences and achieving what they thought would be impossible.

Philosophy on education:

“Education paves the way for dreams to become a reality. However, knowledge without the power of wisdom, dedication & LOVE, leaves dreams deferred.”

Ramses J. Daye Sr.

D. Div. Dean of Academic Affairs and Admissions

  • Doctoral Degree, Liberty University
  • Master’s of Divinity, Liberty University
  • Bachelor’s of Science STEM Education; The College of New Jersey

Ramses J. Daye Sr. was born, raised, and educated in New Jersey. Raised by a single mother who imparted care, discipline, and passion for learning. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in STEM Education and began teaching and educating students of all ages from various backgrounds and gifts. Having the opportunity to work with students with special needs, juvenile rehabilitation centers, and public and private high schools has been a valuable portion of his professional experience.

Ramses J. Daye Sr has continued his education by obtaining a Master of Divinity in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program with a concentration in Biblical Studies. Dean Daye has spent his life training, educating, and inspiring students to reach beyond their limits, by taking small steps each day.

Philosophy on education:

“Every student can realize academic success with a supportive environment that motivates and equips students by acknowledging the student’s unique gifts and talents. Education is not an individual activity, but rather a community experience.”

Brian Scott

Dean of Campus Affairs, Athletic Director, and Assistant Prep Head Coach

  • Bachelor of Science from Barton College

Ramses J. Daye Sr. was born, raised, and educated in New Jersey. Raised by a single mother who imparted care, discipline, and passion for learning. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in STEM Education and began teaching and educating students of all ages from various backgrounds and gifts. Having the opportunity to work with students with special needs, juvenile rehabilitation centers, and public and private high schools has been a valuable portion of his professional experience.

Ramses J. Daye Sr has continued his education by obtaining a Master of Divinity in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program with a concentration in Biblical Studies. Dean Daye has spent his life training, educating, and inspiring students to reach beyond their limits, by taking small steps each day.

Philosophy on education:

“Education should be student-centered allowing them to have a voice on how they should be taught thus designing a program specific to their needs, wants, and abilities.”

Rodrick Harrison

B.S Dean of International Affairs & Prep Head Coach

  • Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County

Coach Rod began his athletic career as a high school student while attending Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Baltimore Md. During this time, he played on teams that won 3 State Championships and finished his senior year with his team being ranked No. 7 in the country by USA Today. Later, he was the starting guard for the University of Maryland Baltimore County from 1996 to 1999. During the 1998-1999 season, Harrison was named MVP of the team. Harrison was a member of the 1998-1999 team that achieved the most consecutive wins in the North East Conference.

From 2009-2012, he was an assistant coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School where he helped lead the team to 3 State Championships.

In 2011, he founded Mt. Zion Prep School, a post-secondary school aimed at assisting young athletes to qualify for Division 1 schools by assisting to improve academic grades, qualifying SAT/ACT scores, and enhancing athletic skills.

In his experience as a coach, Harrison has forged many great relationships with collegiate basketball programs around the country. Coach Rod has successfully assisted hundreds of young men earn scholarships to universities throughout the nation.

Philosophy on education:

“It’s not just about how well you play the game. It’s also about how you treat people off the court. No one wants to coach an uncoachable player.”

Our Faculty and Staff

Guiding Our Mission

Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy (MZPA) continuously seeks to assemble a dedicated, inspiring, and innovative staff.

MZPA is devoted to positively changing the scope of how education is delivered and received. Therefore, our staff is comprised of professionals committed to preserving a trailblazing educational community that empowers teachers, inspires students, and unifies the community.

Our staff members are experienced authorities who have demonstrated the ability to transmit concepts, ideas, and industry-leading best practices in the classroom and beyond. Additionally, our staff is comprised of individuals from the United States and around the world which reflects our commitment to having a staff that mirrors our diverse student population.

Our Educational Staff is comprised of:

  • Life Coaches
  • Academic Counselors
  • Department Heads
  • Lead Teachers
  • Subject Teachers
  • Campus Resources Officers
  • Administrative Support