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 team offers families and students individualized guidance through the high school application process. They encourage students to look at public, independent, and parochial schools, and create tailored lists of recommended options for each student to consider.
The process begins in Grade 7, when students start a weekly Life Skills course that helps them craft essays, practice interview skills, and prepare portfolios. Rigorous test preparation courses, included in school tuition, are offered to all Grade 7 students. Families meet regularly with HSP Office staff throughout the year to prepare materials and establish priorities. In the fall of Grade 8, families and students begin attending school open houses and visiting schools, and meeting with high school admissions counselors who present at The School. 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.