Columbia Grammar & Prep School

CGPS emphasizes a rigorous, comprehensive college-preparatory program across core academics, the arts, technology, and physical education, delivered in a learning environment described as “rigorous but relaxed.” It pairs academic challenge with an explicit focus on character development, ethical judgment, and social responsibility/citizenship, aiming to help each student become a responsible, caring, productive person. (cgps.org)

CGPS directs applicants to apply through its Veracross admission portal (create an account, complete student/family/current-school information, and pay any application fee) and then schedule required parent/guardian interview(s) and student assessment/visit steps, which are conducted October through January (with some grade-level differences in how visits are scheduled). (cgps.org) Key deadlines listed for the 2026–2027 cycle include: application due on/before November 15, supplemental materials due January 6, standardized test scores due January 31, and financial assistance materials due December 15 (with additional financial documentation due January 16 via Clarity). (cgps.org) Requirements vary by grade but include interviews/assessments plus ISAAGNY school report/recommendations, transcripts (current and prior year for older grades), student essay questions for grades 6–11, and ISEE (grades 2–5) or ISEE/SSAT (grades 6–11); CGPS also notes age cutoffs of 4 by Sept 1 for Pre-K and 5 by Sept 1 for Kindergarten. (cgps.org) Decision timing shown includes ISAAGNY notification dates (e.g., Kindergarten February 6; Grades 1–8 February 13; Grades 9–12 February 21) with noon parent reply deadlines by grade. (cgps.org) For priority/early consideration, CGPS offers an Early Decision option for children of current families, alumni, and faculty/staff (opt-in notice due November 14; Early Decision notification date December 5, 2025) and states that preferential consideration for Pre-K and K is only through this Early Decision process; the admissions pages reviewed do not describe a separate waitlist policy or process. (cgps.org)