Grammar School

The children in our care at Columbia Grammar are each distinct, extraordinary and absolutely beautiful in their own ways. The Grammar School meets each of them where they are and helps them develop into the most fully realized version of themselves. The Grammar School has big-school resources with a small-school feel — we have unparalleled facilities, and we care most that they facilitate unparalleled learning.

CGPS is an oasis of balance and student-centered learning. We respect each student’s individuality and celebrate each child as a wonderful work in progress. Our mission is to know our students, and we do that incredibly well and with great joy. Kids are happiest and learn best when they build strong relationships with teachers and classmates, which our students do in small groups focused on language, reading readiness and problem-solving skills in math and science.

Our textured student body, in which each of our students comes to us with different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, enhances our community immeasurably. We encourage our students to take risks academically, artistically and athletically. We inspire our students to pursue passions and interests with the encouragement and support of our dedicated, creative, highly-educated and enthusiastic faculty.

Our Grammar School provides our students with the foundation and curiosity they will need to succeed and thrive throughout their Middle and Prep School years at CGPS and beyond. They leave our nest confident and excited to take on their next academic challenges.

Sarah McLean, Director of the Grammar School

Social & Emotional and Academic Competencies

Underlying all academic learning are core social and emotional competencies and academic competencies. Sometimes called “21st Century Skills,” these skills are in fact not new at all. They form the foundation of all learning. We believe that in order to be successful in and out of school, students need to learn a set of social and emotional competencies (cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy and self-control) and a set of academic competencies (academic mindset, perseverance, learning strategies, and academic behaviors). At CGPS, these skills are explicitly taught, assessed and interwoven into all learning areas.

our core values

At CGPS, our five core values are the pillars that define curricular, extracurricular and social-emotional life for our community.

Balance

Curiosity

Excellence

Integrity

Unity