November Current Events

As a core member of the leadership team at Elite Preparatory Academy, Natalie Li assumed responsibility for the school’s operations in May 2020, at a time of unprecedented global uncertainty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership by rapidly establishing a comprehensive and effective online learning system, ensuring uninterrupted academic delivery.

Amid significant faculty shortages, including the loss of a teacher, Natalie personally taught four courses while simultaneously guiding faculty and supporting students, maintaining both academic continuity and institutional stability during a critical period.

Under her leadership, the school successfully secured approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, further strengthening its operational compliance and credibility.

Following the completion of her MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, Natalie is well-positioned to drive the school’s next phase of growth, with a strong focus on international expansion, strategic partnerships, and long-term institutional development.

Mr. Yi Qian is a highly dedicated and passionate educator and musician. Throughout his educational career, Mr. Qian has placed particular emphasis on enhancing the school’s overall strength and social impact through curriculum building, school spirit, values development, leadership team building, talent development, and college advancement planning. Elite Preparatory Academy has vastly grown under Mr. Qian’s leadership into an outstanding private school in New Jersey and an exceptional music specialty school within the United States. Mr. Qian holds a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Northwestern University. Prior to serving as EPA’s Head of School, Mr. Qian was the founder and director of iSchool of Music and Art located in Long Island, New York. He also serves as the director of the Pre-College division of the Musiktage am Rhein Music Festival in Germany. He has accompanied his students to world-famous venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the National Center for the Performing Arts in North America, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Qian was awarded “Distinguished Contribution as an Asian American” in Nassau County, New York State, in 2009.