Columbia Independent School

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Columbia Independent School Photo #1 - Columbia Independent School is a JK-12th grade college preparatory school with enrollment of almost 400 students. We look forward to having your child become a CIS Lion!
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Columbia Independent School Photo #1 - Columbia Independent School is a JK-12th grade college preparatory school with enrollment of almost 400 students. We look forward to having your child become a CIS Lion!
Your child might need more academic challenge and individual attention than the typical school classroom can offer. Guided by the caring teachers at Columbia Independent School, your child will become a confident student who is prepared for college and life beyond.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 392 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,950
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Mar. 1 / Apr. 6 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Columbia Independent School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1998
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
392 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Columbia Independent School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
13 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
and United States History, Art, Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, European History, Latin (Vergil), Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics (online course), United States Government (online course)
Average SAT score
1410
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Collared shirt and khakis

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Mar. 1 / Apr. 6 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Lower School (JK-5) tuition: $14,250Middle/Upper School (6-12) tuition and fees: $15,700
% on Financial Aid
40%
Admissions Director
Kari Stockwell
Admissions Associate
Enola-Riann White

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
25 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Team, Club Cube, Drama Club, Geography Bee, La Mesa Latina, Latin Club, Lower School Clubs, Math Club, Math Competitions, Music Competitions, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Poetry Out Loud, Science Olympiad, Spelling Bee, Student Council, Writing Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Band, Choir

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field

School Notes

Who WeAre
  • Columbia Independent School guides students in their pursuit of excellence, beginning with children at the earliest stages of development in junior kindergarten and creating a seamless educational experience through graduation. Our intentionally crafted curriculum is designed to stretch the mind of every child and provide exemplary support for students throughout the lower, middle, and upper school divisions.CISprepares students for the rigorous academic life in college and success in the global world. This preparation is achieved through small class sizes, a committed faculty, a safe and close-knit community built on diverse backgrounds, and lively and engaging classrooms, which exude the joy ofliving.
InsideCIS
  • The faculty and staff atCIScreate an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized, quality instruction and guidance throughout their academic journey. Students are engaged with a strong liberal arts curriculum, which includes courses in the fine arts, foreign languages such as Latin, and many others. In addition, the Center for Inspiration, Innovation, and Investigation enhances a student`s natural curiosity through hands-on experiences that build problemsolving and collaboration skills.CIShas the unique opportunity to bring students together at all grade levels through cross-divisional class projects, assemblies and socials, and all-school communityevents.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Columbia Independent School cost?
Columbia Independent School's tuition is approximately $15,950 for private students.
What sports does Columbia Independent School offer?
Columbia Independent School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Columbia Independent School's ranking?
Columbia Independent School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Columbia Independent School?
The application deadline for Columbia Independent School is Mar. 1 / Apr. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Mar. 1 / Apr. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
We love CIS! The teachers are excellent and love what they do. My kids talk about what they learned throughout the day on the car ride home & over dinner. They love to challenge each other by making & decoding notes in Latin. CIS offers all the sports (and partner with local schools if we don't have enough for a team). Both of my middle schoolers were able to participate in track this year. Neither kiddo is a super athlete, so it's amazing there is so much encouragement for Quiz Bowl, E-Sports, Model UN, Music, Theater & Art!!! My son is very into coding, and his teachers have really inspired him to continue experimenting and helped him find resources that he can continue after hours & over the summer. My daughter's art teacher has sought me out to tell me how much she enjoys having her in class & helped me to find additional local programs & camps to challenge her. There is no better feeling in the world than to see your kids really come out of their shells into confident & incredible people. Can't say enough good things about our school! As about their Flexible Tuition!!!!
- Posted by
5  
Best school in Columbia hands down, teachers are top notch and the small class sizes make you very close with your classmates. The only downside is the lack of sports, but everything else is great!
- Posted by
5  
My child started CIS in 6th grade in Fall 2018. Our family cannot say enough good things about how wonderful the experience of being a part of the CIS community has been;, or how the positive learning environment has impacted our student. He loves school and learning and could not be happier. As a gifted child other schools found our student problematic rather than a positive. asset. The social/human environment ( students and staff) in conjunction with high academic expectations, with support for every child, is impressive. Making the choice of CIS has been the best decision.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 392 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,950
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Mar. 1 / Apr. 6 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Columbia, MO is $8,351 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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