Less than 5 percent of the high school Class of 2003 in Hartford, Connecticut, is expected to graduate from a four-year college by 2008. In this article, the author describes a novel effort underway in Connecticut's capital, in which private schools are working to expand college access and success for urban students. Following the model used by the Steppingstone Foundation in other cities, The Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation (HYSF) will launch the Steppingstone Academy Hartford. Students admitted to this academy will spend 14 months preparing for placement into and success at one of more than 20 partner independent schools in Connecticut, including day and boarding schools, single-sex schools, and Catholic schools. As one initiative within a larger campaign to increase college access in Hartford, independent schools serve as an important resource to help city leaders address the achievement gap, while contributing to the portfolio of school options available to Hartford students and families.