Columbia Grammar-Prep School

CGPS was a perfect fir for my daughter with one exception. It lacks racial, economic and religious affliation diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

Columbia Prep is a great school, I have attended the school for 13 years and I cannot imagine attending any other school.
—Submitted by a student

great education, great people, all around great 4 years of my life
—Submitted by a student

School is all around fantastic! Academically very strong and socially very nurturing at younger ages.
—Submitted by a parent

Actually, 3 1/2 --- the grammar school is still the most caring and nurturing teaching environment I've ever seen and could warrant 5 stars on its own-- the high school needs a different admin. philosophy and perhaps a kinder attitude toward parents. They encourage parent involvement early on, then have no system to disengage by high school when they expect to just deal with the students. The difference is in the styles of two different principals. I think there could be less social drama and teen experimentation at the high school level if the teens were handled differently. There are the usual cliques and status competitions over designer things, but academically it is solid--the teachers seem to care more than the administration . The experience up until 9th grade was like a storybook delight. High school combined with the influx of new kids, and the different administration --- not so much
—Submitted by a parent

Columbia Prep is teaching me to have a healthy mind, body, soul, and heart. Its academics are challenging yet not overwhelming, its sports are fun and exciting, the facilities are of high quality, and the community, students and teachers, are caring and kind. When people think of the New York City private preparatory schools and how good it is to enroll, Columbia Prep should come to mind. It has all the qualities that an elite NYC private school should have, but, unlike schools like Nightingale Bamford, Spence, Chapin, etc., the environment is friendly and relaxed. One would think it is surprising that students can learn so much in such a relaxed environment, but that is the best way to learn. Another nice thing about this school is kids won't look at you funny if you don't wear designer shoes, unlike most other schools.
—Submitted by a student

Columbia Prep is a great find in the competitive world of private high schools, balancing perfectly a blend of academics, art, sports, and individual student attention. Although the facilites are not particularly dazzling to the eye, they are very high-quality. There are two large gyms in the prep school and a spacious carpeted library. There's also a theater downstairs in the prep school with high-quality seats and a full stage with curtains and a backstage. Overall, it's a great choice.
—Submitted by a student

The extra activities at CGPS are amazing. The teachers are what really make CGPS outstanding. Kind, caring, smart ans engaging. I feel very lucky. They only need to update the grammar schools look - the entry way and music room.
—Submitted by a parent

All extra curriculars are available. Private school education with a public school culture.
—Submitted by a parent

Columbia Grammar provides a nuturing, academically challenging environment that stresses a students strengths while providing any extra assistance needed to develop a well-rounded, and well-educated person. The description of faculty as 'caring and concerned' may be a cliche but it fits the group of teachers which we have experienced in the lower school.
—Submitted by a parent