The School At Columbia University

At The School at Columbia University, we work with a dynamic and diverse community drawn equally from the families of Columbia University employees and from the local community.
We dedicate ourselves to fostering in our students personal resourcefulness and integrity, a sense of social responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation of learning through an innovative, socially and emotionally supportive, and academically challenging program.
Our pedagogical and curricular philosophies embrace multicultural perspectives, which challenge educators and learners to examine their preconceived notions of race, gender, ethnicity, class, ability, religion, and sexual orientation.
We adhere to a common code of civility among all constituents.
We tailor our instruction so that the needs of the individual students are met.
A committed faculty and administration strive to create a school that will stand as a model for what K-8 education can be, and serve as a genuine and enduring partnership between Columbia and its neighbors.
The School's curricular perspective, which we refer to as knowledge-based constructivism, is positioned in a framework that allows student learning to take place in real life.
It is learning-centered, focusing on essential questions and related themes and concepts.
Essential questions devised by teachers but also generated by students are set in the context of personal relevance and academic perspectives.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 479 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $35,000
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Oct. 31
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The School At Columbia University ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2003
Colors
White, Blue, Navy Blue
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
479 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
The School At Columbia University Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Oct. 31
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Very limited admissions eligibility but generous financial aid program.
Admissions Director
Rekha Puri
Admissions Associate
Dana Greebel
Application URL

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Leo The Lion
  • At The School at Columbia University, we work with a dynamic and diverse community drawn equally from the families of University employees and from the local community. We dedicate ourselves to fostering in our students personal resourcefulness and integrity, a sense of social responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation of learning through an innovative, socially and emotionally supportive, and academically challenging program. Our pedagogical and curricular philosophies embrace multicultural perspectives, which challenge educators and learners to examine their preconceived notions of race, gender, ethnicity, class, ability, religion, and sexual orientation. We adhere to a common code of civility among all constituents. We tailor our instruction so that the needs of the individual students are met. A committed faculty and administration strive to create a school that will stand as a model for what K-8 education can be, and serve as a genuine and enduring partnership between Columbia and its neighbors. The School's curricular perspective, which we refer to as knowledge-based constructivism, is positioned in a framework that allows student learning to take place in real life. It is learning-centered, focusing on essential questions and related themes and concepts. Essential questions devised by teachers but also generated by students are set in the context of personal relevance and academic perspectives.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Various notable Columbia alumni involved in education and social justice advocacy. -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The School At Columbia University cost?
The School At Columbia University's tuition is approximately $35,000 for private students.
What schools are The School At Columbia University often compared to?
The School At Columbia University is often viewed alongside schools like Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from The School At Columbia University?
The School At Columbia University famous alumni include: Various notable Columbia alumni involved in education and social justice advocacy..
What is The School At Columbia University's ranking?
The School At Columbia University ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The School At Columbia University?
The application deadline for The School At Columbia University is Oct. 31.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 479 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $35,000
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Oct. 31
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $46,385 for elementary schools and $49,402 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 57% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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