Opportunities at The School at Columbia

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,

For many Columbia families, the beginning of the school year coincides with the K–12 school application process. I write today to share schooling resources as well as great news about The School at Columbia, which has a wonderful new Head of School and opportunities across all grades.

Welcoming Dr. Sonya Somerville, New Head of School at The School at Columbia University

This year, we welcome Dr. Sonya Somerville as Head of School at The School at Columbia, our vibrant and diverse educational community that serves K–8 students drawn equally from the families of University affiliates and the local neighborhood. 

Dr. Somerville brings to the role thirty years of experience in New York City and Philadelphia schools, most recently as Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia, a role similar to NYC’s district superintendent.  

Academic excellence has been a hallmark of Dr. Somerville’s career; under her leadership, three of her schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools for High Achievement and for Closing the Achievement Gap, an acknowledgment, in the words of the U.S. Department of Education, of “striving for and achieving exemplary achievement,” and was recognized as the Assistant Superintendent with the highest consistent student gains in ELA, math, and science for six out of the past seven school years. 

Her background reflects a deep dedication to the whole child, a focus on community, and an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the classroom. I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Somerville to the Columbia community and excited for what she brings to The School at Columbia as it enters its milestone 20^th year.

Applying to The School

We encourage all faculty and other affiliates who may be interested in The School to apply. 

Detailed information about The School and its admissions process and timeline, including the upcoming October 15, 2023 inquiry deadline, can be found on the School’s admissions page. Please reach out to Mónica Amaro, TSC’s Director of Enrollment, at Mónica Amaro at [email protected].  to learn more. 

The application process for all prospective students starts with a very easy first step that only takes a few minutes. Please submit an online inquiry by October 15. The process includes a brief assessment to confirm that the TSC environment can serve the child. 

For more about eligibility requirements, admissions timelines, and how students are selected, please visit The School's website or contact Mónica Amaro at [email protected]. We encourage all affiliates who may be interested in The School to apply.

For Neighborhood Families

There is also a neighborhood application process open to families in Public School Districts 3 and 5 who either are not affiliated with Columbia or are members of Columbia University bargaining units. The School’s website hosts information about neighborhood families’ application process.

School and Child Care Search Service

For families searching more broadly for early childhood and K–12 options as well as for those looking at The School at Columbia, The Office of Work/Life’s School and Child Care Search Service is an incredible resource. Their deeply knowledgeable education specialists help Columbia families explore the full range of opportunities for enrollment in public, charter, faith-based, and independent schools, as well as early education and child care options. 

The team offers individual consultations to help families understand admissions and enrollment processes, identify the right schools for their children to thrive, and consider financial aid options for tuition-based schools. Interested families can subscribe to the Pre-K & Kindergarten NYC Newsletter, attend workshops, and request individual consultations by submitting the Service’s Information Request Form.

I encourage families interested in this support to reach out as soon as possible. Departments recruiting faculty are also urged to direct candidates with children to this service at an early stage, especially in light of school application deadlines. For more information, please visit the Office of Work/Life online or call (212) 854-8019.

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Finding the right school for your child can be an intensive but incredibly rewarding process. Our School and Child Care Search Service specialists are a resource to you, and our own K–8 School at Columbia is an invaluable part of the University, a special place for children to learn and flourish, and beginning an exciting new era under the leadership of Dr. Sonya Somerville. 

I wish you all the best and encourage you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities outlined here.

Warmly,

Dennis A. Mitchell, DDS, MPH (he/him)
Interim Provost
Professor of Dental Medicine