Prep School
Student Counseling
The counseling division consists of four full-time licensed clinical social workers, providing students with support to ensure they continue to develop in a healthy, safe and thriving manner. In addition to individual work with students, the counselors lead the Issues groups. The Issues program is designed to help meet the complex needs of students as they progress through their adolescent years. The groups meet in relaxed settings to build rapport and connection with students. The ninth grade Issues groups meet once every eight-day cycle throughout the year, while the tenth through twelfth grade groups meet for one quarter. Counselors lead interactive discussions related to topics such as mental health, substance use and addiction, interpersonal relationships and healthy sexuality, including areas such as communication, self-advocacy and informed decision-making. While the curriculum encompasses a variety of topics, flexibility is maintained in order to meet students' needs and address concerns as they arise. Student counseling is a collaborative effort, and the counselors often work closely with fellow educators, deans, learning specialists, nurses and, most of all, students and parents. In addition, guest speakers from various health organizations and programs are invited to meet with students to enhance classroom discussions and further understanding.
The Dean System
In ninth grade, every class is assigned a dean who accompanies the group of students until graduation. The dean oversees each student's academic, social and emotional life, and frequently interacts with the students (through private, group and class meetings), their teachers, counselors and parents. They are instrumental in their students' well-being. The deans organize grade-level meetings with teachers and counselors, visit classes and clubs, attend school functions and meet with the Director twice a cycle to keep them up to date. This is considered one of the most meaningful programs at the School.
Clubs
The Prep School offers a robust club program, including many clubs related to world languages, music, politics, art, academic subjects, performance and much more. Nearly 100 active clubs meet during school hours, one period per eight-day cycle. Students may participate in one to five clubs each school year; these are full-year commitments. Because clubs in the Prep School do not compete with sports, theater or other after-school activities, club involvement is high, and most of our students actively participate and rise to leadership positions over time. Notable clubs include the Student Ambassadors Club, which provides student tour guides to the Admission Office; Columbia Prep TV and Columbia Blue, the School's television station and newspaper; MECA, the School’s diversity and inclusion club; Model UN, Mock Trial and debate clubs; and several music ensembles and singing groups. A full list of clubs offered can be found here.
Community Service Learning
Community engagement is a fundamental part of CGPS's core values and mission. In the Prep School, the Community Service Learning program fosters social responsibility, awareness, a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of the world and its challenges. The program seeks to engage students in meaningful service, both on campus and off campus, that benefits their school and the broader community. The fundamental purpose of the program is to encourage students to embrace the values of responsibility, empathy and compassion. Further, the program aims to increase awareness of social justice, civic responsibility and a clear understanding of the specific needs of others in the local community. All ninth grade students are introduced to the Community Service Learning program through three “Service 9” workshops that present related concepts. Service 9 encourages students to reflect on how they want to engage with their communities, identify the issues that matter most to them and consider how they can apply their skills to make a positive impact. The CGPS Community Service website, which is regularly updated, provides specific service activities and contact information for students to explore. Throughout the school year, students work within the House System or clubs to complete service projects.
Internship Program
The Career Internship Program introduces students to a wide variety of career paths and provides them with opportunities for real workplace experience. Created by the CGPS Parent Association, what began 17 years ago with about a dozen students has grown substantially over the years. A dedicated group of parent volunteers and a faculty coordinator make up the Career Internship Committee. While the program runs in the summer, the committee meets regularly throughout the year and frequently updates the roster of participants (mentors), most of whom have a relationship with the School as either parents or alumni. Dozens of internships are available in a myriad of professional fields, including medicine, real estate, finance, education, marketing, hospitality, nonprofit work and law. In addition to career exposure, all interns go through professional etiquette training, including what to wear, office conduct and the appropriate use of social media. Students who participate in this program develop into resourceful and independent interns.