City and Country School
City and Country School
The City and Country School is an innovative, private institution for young children from 2 to 14 years old, located in the Greenwich Village area of New York City. Its inception dates back to 1914 when Caroline Pratt established the Play School in a small, three-room apartment on the corner of 4th and 12th Streets. Shortly thereafter, Pratt teamed up with Lucy Sprague Mitchell, who provided both financial support and teaching assistance, which facilitated a move to a larger space on MacDougal Alley.
The educational philosophy of City and Country School has always centered around children as the focal point of learning. The founder, Caroline Pratt, had observed children's behavior for a long time before embarking on teaching them, and she came to the realization that active participation in education leads to greater understanding. Children are naturally curious and inquisitive learners, constantly experimenting through trial and error. By the time they reach school age, they have already mastered basic skills like walking, talking, and communicating with caregivers. City and Country School believes that the primary challenge for educators is not to teach children but to establish an environment that preserves and nurtures their innate curiosity. The classroom setting at City and Country School provides an ideal space for children to explore, take risks, learn from failure, and develop as individuals and as part of a group.
Programs in City and Country School
At City and Country School, a commitment is made to foster authentic learning and critical thinking, which cannot be prescribed but rather emerges organically in a carefully designed environment supported by dedicated educators. The students at City and Country School gain proficiency in traditional academic subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is designed to create meaningful challenges that arise naturally, inspiring children to learn and solve problems that are significant to them. Students actively participate in the school community and beyond, engaging in hands-on learning experiences. In the Lower School (2s-7s), Social Studies is expressed through the use of blocks, while Jobs serve as the main teaching tool in the Middle School (8s-10s) and Upper School (11s-13s).
Social Studies at City and Country School encompasses the study of the world and the relationships between individuals, institutions, and society. Through these studies, students gain an understanding of the diverse identities, backgrounds, and cultures that exist in their city. Lessons learned are integrated into their daily lives as they become active members of their community, family, and larger society.
In place of the term "class," City and Country School refers to students at each age level as a "Group," emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration inherent to the school's ethos. The nature of the program, with its focus on cooperative learning, decision-making, and problem-solving, provides children with opportunities to learn how to work together with care, fairness, and respect.
A methodically planned and age-appropriate sequence of in-depth explorations serves as a foundation for learning at City and Country School. Beginning with the youngest children's exploration of their classroom and school, the scope of study expands to encompass the neighborhood, city, and eventually, "long ago and far away" for the older students. Rather than simply memorizing facts and figures, City and Country School students learn to think critically, creatively, and equitably in all academic pursuits. Jobs assigned to children offer opportunities to hone their skills in real-life contexts, resulting in authentic confidence, responsibility, and resourcefulness. City and Country School's focus on teaching children how to learn extends beyond their time at the school. Graduates go on to attend a wide variety of high schools, but stand out as original thinkers who possess a strong sense of confidence. The enriching approach to learning acquired at City and Country School stays with alumni throughout their lives, as they pursue a wide range of paths.
The Lower School at City and Country School provides a nurturing environment for children to explore and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Instead of focusing on rote learning, academics are incorporated in developmentally appropriate ways that complement the learning experience. Additionally, lessons in diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into the daily routine of students. The school encourages children to use open-ended materials such as Unit Blocks and the Rhythms Program to recreate their experiences and observations of the world around them.
In the Middle School, students continue their explorations as individuals and as a group. They receive formal instruction in various Specials and engage in more formal research, facilitated by the School Library. The cornerstone of the Middle School is the Jobs Program, which provides students with practical experience and helps them develop skills in communication, math, and other subjects. For instance, 8s who run the School Post Office learn the importance of clear communication while improving their Language Arts skills, and 9s who run the School Store learn math skills to help them with their assigned job.
In the Upper School at City and Country School, students are encouraged to develop their independence and abstract thinking skills through Jobs, Social Studies, and Plays. They learn to form and defend opinions in written and oral presentations, analyze historical events, and predict outcomes for similar situations today. The school's Debate Team frequently wins competitions, demonstrating the students' ability to debate effectively.
As they prepare to enter the wider world, students also become experts and stewards of the City and Country School community. 11-year-olds run the printing presses for attendance slips, while 12-year-olds mentor younger students to develop their independence and responsibility. In their last year, 13-year-olds work as journalists for the School Newspaper, reflecting on what they have learned.
The school's high school placement process helps students pursue their curiosity about life with confidence and self-motivation. Upon graduation, City and Country School students have developed a love for learning and the skills to succeed in any path they choose to follow.
Jobs Program at City and Country School
The Middle School curriculum at City and Country School incorporates a distinctive Jobs Program, which is a fundamental aspect of their educational approach. Its purpose is to encourage independence, accountability, and involvement within the school community. Students are assigned a job at the beginning of the academic year and are expected to maintain it throughout the year. These jobs range from managing the school store or post office to working in the library or garden, each with its unique skill set to be developed.
Participating in the Jobs Program allows students to acquire valuable life skills, including time management, organization, and communication. They also have opportunities to work with peers and lead within the school community. This program is a crucial element of the City and Country School's curriculum, empowering students to develop the skills and self-assurance required to excel both in academics and personal pursuits. It offers a one-of-a-kind chance for students to learn and mature in an encouraging and nurturing environment.
Accommodation in City and Country School
Greenwich Village is one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in New York City, attracting students from around the world who come to study at prestigious universities such as NYU, The New School, and Pace University. With so many international students flocking to this area, finding accommodation can be a daunting task. But fear not, as there are several options available to suit every budget and preference.
If you're looking for accommodation that caters specifically to international students, there are several options available. One popular choice is Educational Housing Services (EHS), which offers several student residences in the Greenwich Village area. Their residences provide fully furnished rooms, shared common spaces, and a range of amenities such as fitness centers, study lounges, and laundry facilities. Prices start at around $1,500 USD per month, which includes utilities and Wi-Fi.
For those looking for more independent living arrangements, there are several options available as well. Many students choose to live in shared apartments or sublets, which can be found through websites. Prices for shared apartments can range from $1,000 USD to $2,500 USD per month, depending on location and amenities.
Future Prospects after study in City and Country School
City and Country School provides education exclusively to younger students, and once they graduate, they have several career prospects to explore. Even though the school does not provide post-graduation work permits, students can further their education by attending colleges or universities, which can lead to obtaining post-graduation work permits like CPT or OPT programs.
Continuing education can also increase the likelihood of obtaining permanent resident status. This can be achieved through various methods such as obtaining an employer-sponsored visa or family-based sponsorship.
However, it is important to note that acquiring permanent resident status can be a complex and time-consuming process. Therefore, it is vital to seek legal advice and guidance from immigration experts to navigate the intricate immigration system.
City and Country School graduates have the option to remain in the United States indefinitely, which presents a bright future and numerous opportunities. They can explore a wide range of career options and industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, among others. Moreover, graduates can also pursue American citizenship through naturalization, which involves meeting specific requirements such as residency, demonstrating good moral character, and passing a civics and English language test.
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