Collegiate School
Collegiate School
The Collegiate School, a private institution for male students situated in New York City's Upper West Side, is reputed to be the oldest school in the United States. As a member of both the New York Interschool and the Ivy Preparatory School League, it is regarded as one of the country's top private schools. The Collegiate School is divided into three sections: Lower (K-4), Middle (5-8), and Upper (9-12), with a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a faculty with over 76% of advanced degree holders, providing an engaging and personal educational experience.
Founded in 1628, Collegiate School has had several locations over the years, with its previous one being on 77th Street and Broadway for more than a century. In 2018, the school moved to a new state-of-the-art facility at 301 Freedom Place South and 61st Street, designed and built exclusively for its use, with a 40,000-book library, two gymnasiums, a full theater, a blackbox, and two outdoor spaces. The school's guiding principles and values underpin all of its activities. The Head of School, David Lourie, leads the Collegiate School with a student body of 655 students, which fosters a tight-knit community and sense of camaraderie.
Programs in Collegiate School
The Collegiate School's educational program is tailored to meet the needs of boys specifically, based on research indicating that boys tend to thrive under certain conditions. The school's teachers are highly skilled and well-versed in these practices, which are outlined below, allowing them to create an optimal learning experience for each individual student.
Collegiate School is known for its outstanding academic programs, providing students with a comprehensive and challenging education. The Collegiate School places emphasis on developing students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative abilities, creating an enriching environment for students to reach their full potential. With a faculty of highly qualified educators, 76% of whom have advanced degrees, the school ensures small class sizes and personalized attention, fostering an engaging and dynamic learning experience for students. The Collegiate School's rigorous curriculum is further enhanced by a wide range of extracurricular activities, preparing students for success in the most competitive colleges and universities nationwide.
The Lower division of Collegiate School, which consists of Kindergarten through fourth grade, is divided into two study halls for each grade level, with a staff of four instructors in each room (one head and one associate). The teachers collaborate closely to deliver a comprehensive and engaging curriculum. The Collegiate School provides reading and math specialists to assist with tailored small group instruction. Students attend specialist classes in Art, Music, Drama, Library, Science, and Technology. The Kindergarten and first grade classrooms are situated on the second floor, surrounding a play center, providing a welcoming and secure environment for the youngest students. Second, third, and fourth grade classrooms are located on the third floor, with a center featuring workspaces, breakout rooms, and a technology hub. The Collegiate School's faculty continuously reviews and adjusts the curriculum, working in grade-level teams or as a divisional group. They collaborate with learning specialists to prioritize the needs of each student, ensuring they achieve personal success and are well-prepared for the Middle School experience.
At Collegiate School, a comprehensive program is offered, intentionally designed to support the intellectual, social, and emotional growth and development of boys. Through personalized attention from faculty advisors, leadership opportunities, and a wide range of academic classes and extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to have fun while learning. As they progress through middle school, students have the option to make important choices, such as selecting which language to study, which instrument to play, and which art to specialize in. Furthermore, in eighth grade, students have the opportunity to study Latin or Engineering and Design, as well as learning how to manage their own learning during study hall, after Collegiate School help center, and free time. With small class sizes and teachers who understand the unique learning needs of boys, Collegiate School creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where each student can reach their full potential.
The Upper School at Collegiate School offers pupils a variety of chances to direct their education and pursue their interests. In their first two years, students receive a solid foundation that exposes them to various subjects and ways of thinking. By the time they reach their junior and senior years, they have more freedom to choose from a wide variety of electives that allow them to specialize in their area of interest, such as Astrophysics, construction of masculinity, or Ancient Greek. Students can work on an independent study project or a senior project under the direction of the faculty if a specific elective is not offered. In addition to academic opportunities, students can participate in clubs, affinity groups, athletics, and the arts.
While students have autonomy in pursuing their interests, they also receive guidance and support from the faculty. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom they meet at least once a week to provide support and ensure they receive the necessary assistance. Students in the ninth grade are paired with an advisor who solely works with ninth graders. They later select a mentor and join a multi-year mentoring group that spans their final three years at the Collegiate School. This advising program builds relationships that provide students with support, encouragement, and guidance throughout their Upper School experience. The Collegiate School strives to empower its students to take charge of their learning, with faculty always available to assist them when needed.
Sports and Co-Curricular Activities
The Collegiate School has achieved athletic success, primarily in varsity basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer, and cross-country teams. Notably, the Collegiate soccer team won the NYSAIS state championship three years in a row, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, while the Collegiate varsity basketball team won five consecutive state championships from 2008 to 2012. The Collegiate cross-country team also has an impressive record, having won 25 Ivy League Championships in a row from 1990 to 2014. In addition to these sports, Collegiate has a wrestling team, golf team, and tennis team. Students who are not involved in sports are required to take physical education classes. The lower and middle schools administer yearly fitness tests.
Apart from athletics, Collegiate School offers several clubs for students, particularly in the Upper School. Some notable clubs include The Collegiate Journal, the school newspaper founded in 1932, The Dutchman, the yearbook produced every year since 1906, and Prufrock, the literary magazine founded in 1973.
Accommodation in Collegiate School
Although Collegiate School does not provide student housing, the school recognizes the significance of safe and comfortable accommodation for international students pursuing studies in this bustling city.
For those students who require housing, there are multiple options available in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Homestay programs are a preferred choice, which enables students to live with local families and experience the city's culture and lifestyle firsthand. The cost of homestays varies depending on the location and amenities provided, ranging from approximately $1,200 USD to $2,000 USD per month. Collegiate School partners with reputable homestay agencies to ensure that students are placed in safe and welcoming homes with caring families.
Renting a furnished apartment is another option, either alone or with other students, providing more independence and flexibility to select living arrangements and locations. The prices of furnished apartments in the Upper West Side range from approximately $1,500 USD to $4,000 USD per month, depending on size and location.
For students who prefer a more traditional dormitory-style living experience, several student housing options in the city offer a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and meal plans. These include The Leo House and The New Yorker Hotel, with prices ranging from approximately $2,000 USD to $4,000 USD per month.
Future Prospects
The Collegiate School is renowned for its exceptional and thorough education, which equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to face the challenges beyond the classroom. While the school exclusively provides education for younger students, its graduates have numerous career opportunities ahead of them.
After graduating from the Collegiate School, students who want to pursue higher education can enroll in colleges, universities, or other educational institutions in the United States. International students who fulfill the eligibility criteria can also apply for temporary work permits like the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. These programs enable students to gain work experience and supplement their income.
Furthermore, Collegiate School alumni who aspire to permanently settle in the United States can apply for permanent residency status, also known as a green card. Although the application process can be tedious and lengthy, permanent residency status allows individuals to live and work legally in the United States, offering them access to benefits such as social security, healthcare, and higher education.
For those who wish to become U.S. citizens, a clear path to citizenship exists after meeting specific requirements. Collegiate School graduates who desire to reside permanently in the United States and take advantage of the country's prosperity and abundant opportunities can opt for American citizenship.
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