Founded in 1764, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is a coed, nonsectarian institution educating students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Detailed school overiew, below:.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,156 students
- Yearly Tuition: $38,890
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Application Deadline: Dec. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1764
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 7, 2025
School Mascot
Leo The Lion
Student Body
Total Students
1,156 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
196 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
82%
Number of AP Courses
18 courses
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, French Language, Japanese, Latin, Music Theory, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, U.S. Government, U.S. History, World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$38,890
Acceptance Rate
17%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Ms. Elaine Perlman
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
School Notes
- Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School was founded in 1764 by King George II to prepare students to attend Old King’s College, now Columbia University. After the Revolutionary War, the School was renamed the Grammar School of Columbia University and functioned for 100 years under the direct auspices of the College. In 1956 the school became co-educational and was renamed Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School thirteen years later. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School’s approach to learning balances a rigorous comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with healthy social and emotional development. In partnership with the parent body, CGPS’s diverse community shares a fundamental commitment to developing high academic achievement and a sense of social responsibility. The School is strongly committed to co-education and feels that a comfortable but structured social setting is where boys and girls create the most effective educational environment. An enriched, integrated curriculum facilitates learning through interactive discussion, cooperative group work and stimulating activities. While academic demands are high, the atmosphere in the classrooms is warm and comfortable. The program is designed to foster innovative and independent thinking. Students are provided the skills to meet educational challenges as well as the opportunity to assess their progress and express their creativity. The CGPS community embraces the value of intellectual pursuit, good character and global responsibility.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School cost?
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $38,890 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is 17%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School offer?
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School's ranking?
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is Dec. 15.
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
Such an amazing school! I had such a great time here.
5 2/25/2017
Fantastic community with great teachers, caring administrators, very well thought out extra curricular activities and genuine student body.
5 1/10/2012
I absolutely recommend this school for anybody. I will be graduating this year, having attended since kindergarten, and I'm very sad to be leaving. I have been exposed to every type of extracurricular including music, art, theater, and sports. If you find something that you love at CGPS, as I found sports, we have faculty with expertise that can take you to any level you wish to go to. I have received a world class education here, made friends that will last a lifetime, been privileged to learn from amazing teachers who are deeply passionate about what they teach, and so much more. I have grown up at CGPS, and now, having gotten into college early decision thanks to our wonderful college counselors, I am faced with the reality of having to leave next year. I urge everyone to consider CGPS for their child. You will find a community of caring individuals who care about helping your child and are committed to making sure they receive the best education possible, as I have for the past thirteen years.
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