Frequently Asked Questions

As a Columbia Family, are we required to live in District 3 or 5?

Columbia Families must reside in the five boroughs of New York City; they may start the application process before moving to New York City, but must establish residency at the time of matriculation. Columbia Families’ residency is confirmed directly through Columbia HR. Therefore, we do not require proof of residency documents from Columbia Families during the admissions process.

As a Neighborhood Family, we do not yet live in District 3 or 5, but we plan on moving there. May I submit an inquiry?

Neighborhood Families must reside in District 3 or 5 during the inquiry period of August 15 through October 31. The applicant student must be living within the boundaries of Districts 3 and 5 at the time of inquiry and throughout their enrollment at TSC, should they enroll. There is an annual residency verification process.

I am a graduate of Columbia University. May I apply?

Alumni may be eligible to apply as Neighborhood Families, provided they reside in District 3 or 5 and the applicant meets the age cut-off requirements. See age cut-off requirement below.

May I use a ConEdison or utility bill to prove my residency as a Neighborhood Family?

We are only able to accept current leases, mortgages, maintenance bills (bills provided directly by your building’s management), or co-op shares as proof of residency. If the documentation associated with your residence is not included on this list, please contact us by emailing admissions@theschool.columbia.edu.

What is the birthday cut-off date for Kindergarten applicants?

Kindergarten applicants to The School should turn five by August 31 of the year they will be enrolled in Kindergarten. This is based on The School’s experience of what has allowed most children to be most successful and ready for Kindergarten. If your child has a fall birthday and you wish to discuss their Kindergarten application eligibility at The School in the year they will turn five, please reach out to Mónica Amaro, Director of Enrollment. If an application is released, The School will then make a determination about kindergarten readiness through the admissions process.

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply to The School at Columbia University.

Do applicants need to take or share results of a standardized test during the application process?

No, there is no required testing for admission to The School at Columbia University.

Do you offer tours or informational sessions?

We are hosting fall tours and virtual informational sessions. These opportunities will provide families with a detailed view of our physical space, information on our admissions process, and insights into our mission, curriculum and school community. If you would like to tour The School or attend a virtual informational session, please RSVP here or email admissions@theschool.columbia.edu.

I have questions about tuition/PTS benefit/financial aid. Who should I speak to?

For all financial matters, please contact the Business Office at billingteam@theschool.columbia.edu. Their process occurs simultaneously to ours. We purposefully conduct a separate process from all financial matters to ensure that financial information never factors into admissions decisions.

Do you follow the ISAAGNY timeline?

While we are not an ISAAGNY school, we do plan our notification and return dates with consideration for the ISAAGNY dates.

Do you accept ISAAGNY school reports instead of The School at Columbia’s Teacher Recommendation Form?

Yes, we will accept the ISAAGNY form in place of our own. The child's current school can contact us directly with any questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The School at Columbia University