City Garden School educates children`s hands, hearts, and minds with an intellectually rich curriculum that inspires wonder, reverence, and creativity.
We honor and nurture the development of each child, infuse art and storytelling into every subject, and use the natural world as our classroom so children may grow with a capacity for empathy and a will to improve the world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MO School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 91 students
- Yearly Tuition: $8,000
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
City Garden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2014
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
91 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 21%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
We have a tiered tuition that incorporates tuition plus volunteer hours by families. These three tiers are based on a 10 month year with annual tuition ranging from $7600.00-$10800.00 depending on grade level and tuition tier selection. See our website for details!
% on Financial Aid
50%
Admissions Director
Dawn Brown
Admissions Associate
Hailey Jackson
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
LEGO Robotics Team, Spanish Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Strings Program, Theater Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club
LEGO Robotics Team, Spanish Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Strings Program, Theater Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club
School Notes
- City Garden School of Columbia, Missouri, is inspired by Waldorf Education. We offer a full-time school for kindergarten through 8th grade and part-time homeschool enrichment and middle school enrichment programs. For the 2023- 2024 school year, we hold most of our classes at Karis Church in Columbia. We have partnered with Camp Takimina and offer nature-intensive blocks for several weeks in an outdoor camp setting. We continue to have Outdoor Fridays every week at Camp Takimina.
- At City Garden School, we believe wisdom begins with wonder. Education is not just a matter of memorization and test-taking. We endeavor to bring a curriculum that balances academic rigor to educate the whole child through art and practical skills, music, movement, and social and moral development. Students learn through experience. We are proud to nurture children as they find meaning and purpose in life with confidence and a sense of responsibility.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does City Garden School cost?
City Garden School's tuition is approximately $8,000 for private students and $200 for summer students.
What schools are City Garden School often compared to?
City Garden School is often viewed alongside schools like Columbia Independent School by visitors of our site.
What sports does City Garden School offer?
City Garden School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Intramural Sports Only.
What is City Garden School's ranking?
City Garden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for City Garden School?
The application deadline for City Garden School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 6/21/2024
ReviewCity Garden has provided my child with a safe, nurturing, and loving learning environment. I love the materials the children use in the classroom- beeswax crayons, real wood desks, felted wool, natural fibers etc. The curriculum is rich and vibrant. Handwork, Spanish, music and so much more. And of course, my child loves learning in nature!
5 6/7/2024
City Garden School was a welcome change from a public school. My daughter's social skills improved dramatically. The community dynamic is apparent in this smaller, nature based school.
5 5/4/2024
We love how nature is weaved into all parts of the learning experience.
5 4/19/2024
We love City Garden School. I know my children are loved, physically and emotionally safe, and getting the support to thrive to become their most authentic selves. We have had children in the kindergarten program, elementary, and middle school. Our children are excited to go to school and come home full of pride with what they have built and learned.
5 4/12/2024
We were looking around to find something that worked for our family when we found CGS! Previously, we had tried both homeschooling and public school. He is going into his 3rd year at CGS, and I still find myself amazed at the teachers creative and caring ways. I cannot recommend CGS enough!
5 4/12/2024
City Garden is an exceptional school, prioritizing students with love, care, and close attention. Highly recommended for nurturing education. The culture and way of teaching seem to bring out something special in the children, and you can see them thrive in their own way!
5 4/12/2024
As a parent, I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the wonderful experience my child has had at this school. The teachers are not only dedicated and passionate about education, but they also go above and beyond to ensure that each student reaches their full potential. The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters growth and learning. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive and inspiring educational community for their child
5 4/5/2024
City Garden connects children with the natural environment and local community at a time in when discerning virtual reality from actual reality is paramount.
5 3/29/2024
City Garden is a dream come true me for my child and as a parent. Anyone that can afford this option should take a chance for something different :)
5 3/1/2024
We love City Garden. Their kindergarten class is phenomenal. The classroom is beautiful and the materials are thoughtful. The toys are made of natural materials. The teachers are gentle and caring and they have a great rapport with each child. We love that they spend so much time outdoors on the playground or at camp. The administration and communication at City Garden is timely and transparent. The events are so special and really meaningful; we especially enjoyed the Winter Spiral. The opportunity to work contributing hours to offset some tuition is appreciated in our household. The level of care, the school environment, the outdoor facilities, and the community make City Garden a great choice for us and we think the quality of the school more than exceeds the monetary value of the tuition.
5 12/8/2023
My daughter loves City Garden and looks forward to going to school. She has made important connections and I love the hands on learning alongside nature. I also love being able to be involved with the school.
5 11/17/2023
This is our first year with City Garden. Our son tells me at least once a week how much he loves his school. They encourage a lot of outdoor time, daily tasks, and schedules, and the faculty is amazing. The teachers get to know each child individually and the space they hold really allows for each child to thrive. I truly believe my son's self-confidence is from the daily outdoor exploration that City Garden holds space for.
5 11/17/2023
We are incredibly grateful to have City Garden in our humble town. The love, care, and intention that is built into the school is evident upon one's first exposure to the community. Our son absolutely loves kindergarten, so much so that we switched him from 3 days a week to 5 days. He gets to play freely for many hours each day. The stories and lessons from the kindergarten staff are so sweet. He is greeted with love in the morning and sent off with love at pickup. And so many parents of other City Garden kids have been welcoming and gracious as we begin our journey there. My younger brother is already talking about going there when he is old enough.
5 11/10/2023
When I think of what a good education should be, I think of an approach that is going to nurture all aspects of a child's being (mind, body, and soul). Up until about 8 years ago we hadn't run across a school or an educational approach that could fully address all of these aspects of a child. When my wife and I found City Garden School (CGS) we knew there was something unique and special about it. We were intrigued by how CGS fostered such a love of learning through, art, music, movement, nature, rhythm, story, play, etc. We witnessed our children be excited about school and saw their innate gifts/talents begin to emerge. They had more confidence and seemed to be able to navigate their lives in healthier and more authentic ways. My wife and I are very happy we found this school and type of education knowing that our children will grow up with such meaningful and enriching educational experiences that have nurtured their mind, body, and soul.
5 10/27/2023
City Garden has become such a huge part of our life. Our daughter is thriving in the first-grade class and is growing academically, socially, emotionally, and physically- all of the ways! We love knowing she is nurtured and loved at school. As an administrator, I cannot imagine working with and for more dedicated and passionate teachers. This school is really special!
5 10/27/2023
Our family has been part of the City Garden Community for the last eight years. We cannot fully articulate and covey the deep gratitude we have felt throughout the years our children have been there. This school is unique in a way that holds space and allows for each child to learn and unfold. They are supported and seen. The lessons they learn are deeper than reading, writing, and math. They are infused with meaning and their learning stays with them. We are forever thankful to be part of this community and in awe of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of the teachers and community members who pour their love into the growth and evolution of this school.
5 10/27/2023
I cannot imagine my daughter attending any other program or school, as she has absolutely thrived at City Garden. This school places a high importance on meeting children where they are at while simultaneously pushing them to learn and grow into the best version of themselves. There is a focus on the whole child- their heart, their hands, and their minds, which really allows them to fully immerse themselves in their lessons. There is also the element of nature that weaves itself into the school day through outdoor play and learning, which I believe is imperative for young children, as they are designed to move and explore, rather than be stuck at a desk all day. Anyone who is looking for an alternative to traditional schooling while still retaining the basis of a strong education, exceptional teachers, and a welcoming community, can find it right here!
5 10/27/2023
The rigorous academic curriculum, mixed with hands-on learning, such as handwork and wood working teaches them skills to be used throughout their lives. Teachers and staff are calm, caring, kind and supportive. The classrooms are filled with beautiful art and natural materials. The nature immersion time is filled with discovery and children form a passion for the earth.
5 9/15/2023
City Garden School is a wonderful school that teaches to the whole child, not to the test. The small class sizes ensure each child gets individualized attention and learning that suits them best. Art, beauty, and nature is infused into every subject and the low-tech environment means learning to write in cursive and not relying on screens and flashing lights to engage students. The teachers are amazing and treat each child as the unique person they are. My child has thrived at City Garden for 6 years now and we are so glad to have made the switch from public school!
5 9/15/2023
I cannot say enough great things about CG! The teachers and staff are amazing - continually striving to do what is best for students: nurturing their creativity, challenging them academically, and supporting who they are as people. The community for families is incredible and we feel so connected to so many families. The connection to nature is something that he never got in public school - they love being outdoors and embrace the need for movement and the outdoors.
5 12/8/2022
City Garden School is a home and a community more than any other school our family has been part of. the teachers are dedicated to every student on a personal level, and they make every effort to ensure success. We are thrilled with this school! Our children are thriving here with the unique approach in which they get to move their bodies and use their hands, and apply their imaginations every day and in all subjects.
5 12/8/2022
My child has been attending City Garden for five years and will continue through 8th grade. We love the special care and attention that each student receives. The teachers have a very special relationship with each student and give them the attention they need. We love the emphasis on outdoor learning and how art and beauty are infused into every subject. City Garden is worth every penny! It`s a wonderful, small community and our child is thriving.
5 12/8/2022
City Garden has been life-changing for our sons. We were initially attracted to the outdoor program, which they love, but they have benefitted just as much emotionally and socially from the caring and inclusive community that the school provides. The boys are excelling academically from the creative, hands-on approaches that make learning fun. I can't overstate how grateful I am.
5 12/8/2022
My daughter is allowed and encouraged to be fully herself. Her imagination and creativity are embraced and encouraged. We love the attention to social-emotional skill building as well as how CGS honors her mind, body, and spirit too! City Garden is the perfect school for our family.
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