Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, also known as Columbia Grammar, Columbia Prep, CGPS, or Columbia, is a private, non-religious school located in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Established in 1764 by Columbia University, it originally taught English, Greek, and Latin grammar to future university freshmen. The school's name changed from The Grammar School of King's College to Columbia Grammar School after the university changed its name during the American Revolution. In 1865, it severed ties with Columbia. The term "preparatory" was added to the name in 1969.
The school has had various locations, but since 1907, it has been situated on 93rd Street near Central Park West. After merging with the Leonard School for Girls in 1956, it added five brownstones to its campus. It has since added more buildings, including an administration building in 2009, to accommodate a growing student population. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and offers a college preparatory curriculum. Over the last two decades, the number of students graduating each year has increased from around 45 to roughly 125.
Programs
Columbia Grammar School demonstrates that children can fulfill their greatest aspirations while maintaining their enthusiasm and optimism. Throughout its more than 250-year history, the school has catered to bright, inquisitive, and intellectually curious students who embody boundless inquisitiveness. The school firmly believes that a well-rounded education paves the way for a fulfilling life and has created a curriculum that facilitates this. From the Grammar School to the Middle School to the Prep School, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School's rigorous academic program is flexible enough to nurture the exceptional talents and interests of its students. The faculty is passionate and dedicated, developing a curriculum that prepares and motivates students for their next challenges. The classrooms are vibrant, adaptable, and empowering environments that foster exploration, introspection, and excellence. Graduates of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School are open-minded, self-motivated, and forward-thinking individuals. They are exceedingly prepared to succeed in a complex, interdependent, and rapidly evolving world, both in higher education and beyond.
Firstly, the children in the care of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School are unique, exceptional, and incredibly beautiful in their own way. The Grammar School meets each student at their individual level and guides them towards realizing their full potential. Despite having access to top-notch resources, the Grammar School maintains a small-school environment that prioritizes unparalleled learning experiences over everything else. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School strives to be a haven for balanced, student-centered learning. The school cherishes each student's distinctiveness and acknowledges their progress as a remarkable work in progress. The school's primary objective is to understand each student, and it excels at doing so while rejoicing in the process. Small-group settings focused on language, reading readiness, and math and science problem-solving skills help foster strong relationships between teachers and students, which is crucial for the students' well-being and academic success.
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School's diverse student body, consisting of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, adds immense value to the community. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School urges its students to take academic, artistic, and athletic risks, and encourages them to pursue their passions and interests with the aid of the faculty's support and guidance. The Grammar School lays a strong foundation of curiosity and knowledge, which prepares the students to excel throughout their Middle and Prep School years at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School and beyond. Upon leaving the school, they are self-assured and eager to take on their next academic challenges.
During the Middle School years, students go through significant changes and growth in various areas such as physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School has a Middle division specifically designed to address these developmental needs of students in grades 5-7. The curriculum promotes inquiry, resilience, and independence, with a focus on the holistic development of students as citizens of the future. The Middle School faculty members are extremely committed, have a thorough grasp of Middle School children, and are experts in their fields. The teachers build strong relationships with students, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and risk-taking that lead to meaningful learning and growth.
One of the standout programs in the Middle School of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is the STEAM program, which offers students numerous opportunities for enrichment and achievement. Along with the strong academic program, students engage in a diverse experience that includes the arts, music, theater, and sports. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School aims to help Middle School students discover their passions and develop a sense of self as they transition into young adolescents. Teachers take the time to know and celebrate each child's unique story, fostering a culture of respect and empathy.
The school's goal is to graduate joyful, balanced, and successful Middle School students who are well-prepared to thrive in their Prep School experience.
At Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School’s Prep School, it is believed that academic excellence can be achieved through an inspired, engaged, and curious student body. The school encourages high-level thinking and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities to students, including a range of electives. The Electives program is central to the school’s approach and challenges students to pursue their interests and passions. With hundreds of classes to choose from, students can participate in artistic pursuits, athletics, and many other extracurricular activities. The school also offers advanced courses, including college-level Advanced Science Research, over 25 Advanced Placement offerings, and their signature Advanced Tufts University Seminar course.
The school’s exceptional academic program is led by passionate teachers who are dedicated to their subjects and their students. The faculty at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is known for developing deep and enduring relationships with their students. The school offers a vibrant student life with over 100 student-led clubs, plays, concerts, musicals, and dance productions of excellent quality. The athletic program is also highly regarded, with over 60% student participation and many championship-winning teams. The staff at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School are proud that their school is a place where every student can find and embrace their talents, and where students feel like they have a second home.
Accommodation
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is a prestigious educational institution located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, attracting students from around the world. International students seeking accommodation options have access to a range of choices that cater to their diverse needs.
For students who prefer on-campus housing, the school offers dormitory-style living arrangements that provide a safe and secure environment. Resident advisors are available to assist students with any concerns they may have, and the dormitories are equipped with modern facilities, including Wi-Fi access, laundry facilities, and communal spaces for socializing and studying. The cost of living in the dorms varies depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan chosen by the student.
Alternatively, students who prefer to live off-campus have numerous options available in the surrounding area. They can rent an apartment or share a house with other students, which can be a cost-effective option for those seeking more independence. Several student housing providers in the area offer fully-furnished apartments with amenities like gym access and 24-hour security. The cost of off-campus housing depends on where it is situated, its amenities, and type of accommodation.
Moreover, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School offers a homestay program that enables students to live with local families in the area. This program offers a unique cultural experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in American culture while improving their language skills. The homestay program includes meals and other amenities, and the cost varies depending on the length of the stay and the location of the host family.
Future Prospects
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is a top-tier institution that focuses on educating young students. However, graduation from this renowned school is just the beginning of the journey for these students. To obtain post-graduation work permits such as the CPT or OPT programs, these bright minds must further their education by pursuing higher studies in colleges or universities. The programs give graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience and training in their field of study, putting them on the path towards a successful career.
But that's not all - Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School graduates may also have a shot at obtaining permanent resident status in the United States. This status allows individuals to live and work in the country without any limitations on their employment or residency. To secure this status, graduates must fulfill specific requirements, such as having a job offer or qualifying through family relationships.
The United States is a land of endless possibilities, offering graduates a wide range of opportunities to stay in the country permanently. With a thriving economy and diverse industries, there's no limit to career growth and advancement. And for those who want to become a permanent resident, American citizenship is also an option. So, graduates of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School can look forward to a bright future filled with endless possibilities and success.
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