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Academics
High School Placement
The High School Placement Office at The School at Columbia University has a successful record of helping students gain admission to schools that meet their academic, social and emotional needs. In consultation with advisors and teachers, the High School Placement (HSP) team offers families and students individualized guidance through the high school application process. They encourage students to look at public, independent, parochial schools, and boarding schools. Additionally, the HSP team creates tailored and customized lists of recommended school options for each student to consider.
The process begins in Grade 7 during the spring when students start a weekly Life Skills course that helps them craft essays, practice interview skills, and prepare portfolios. Test preparation materials and resources, included in The School's tuition, are offered to all Grade 7 students. Families meet regularly with the HSP Office throughout the year to prepare materials and establish priorities.
In the fall of Grade 8, families and students attend school open houses and visit schools, and meet with high school admissions counselors. By the end of the calendar year, with the step-by-step assistance of the HSP Office, all applications are submitted and families await decisions in the spring.
In the fall of Grade 8, families and students attend school open houses and visit schools, and meet with high school admissions counselors. By the end of the calendar year, with the step-by-step assistance of the HSP Office, all applications are submitted and families await decisions in the spring.
Program Attributes
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Personalized assessment and guidance
The School considers a student’s academic and extracurricular strengths based on grade-level and one-on-one meetings, in addition to criteria such as test scores and classroom grades. The School’s integrated curriculum across 11 disciplines enables the HSP team and advisors to regularly observe students through many different lenses, forming well-rounded assessments and better matching students to high schools where they will thrive. -
Strong relationships with New York City schools
The School has experience with many different high school options in the city and region, partnering with families in the specific application processes. Alumni attend a wide variety of excellent high schools, cementing a strong reputation for The School and its graduates. -
Alumni connections
The School’s alumni community numbers more than 500 graduates, who return regularly to The School to offer advice and guidance to Grade 7 and 8 students about the application process and transition into high school.
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