Letter from Provost Olinto: Schooling and Child Care: Work/Life Resources, Opportunities at The School at Columbia & Tompkins Hall, and More

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,

For many of our families, the beginning of the academic year also means starting to plan for next fall’s K–12 schooling and child care needs. Columbia’s Office of Work/Life has year-round schooling and childcare resources for Columbia families, and Columbia’s own K–8 and early childhood schools, The School at Columbia and Tompkins Hall Early Childhood Center, are now accepting applications.

The School at Columbia University

The School at Columbia University (TSC) is the University’s own vibrant K–8 school serving families of University affiliates and from the local neighborhood. Head of School Dr. Sonya Somerville continues to weave TSC’s innovative and interdisciplinary program into the daily life of Columbia University through partnerships with schools and departments, family and student events in spaces such as Miller Theatre and Low Rotunda, and meaningful day-to-day interactions among families.

Opportunities exist across all grades. Interested families should submit this brief online inquiry, the first step for all prospective students in a process that includes a brief assessment to confirm that the TSC environment can serve the child. More information about TSC’s application process for both Columbia families and neighborhood families can be found online, and questions can be directed to [email protected]. 

Tompkins Hall Early Childhood Center & Affiliated Centers

Tompkins Hall Early Childhood Center at Columbia University

Founded by faculty members in the 1930s and led by Director Dr. Maria Roberson, Tompkins Hall Early Childhood Center at Columbia University is Columbia’s own early childhood center, providing exceptional play-based early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with an emphasis on nature and the outdoors. Information about applying, including an admissions priority and early notification option for Columbia families, and about scheduling a tour can be found here, and questions can be directed to [email protected].

Affiliated Early Learning Centers and Fall Open Houses

Located near Columbia’s campuses, the Affiliated Early Learning Centers are independent programs serving Columbia and neighborhood families. Learn more about the Centers this fall at a series of Open Houses exclusively for Columbia families. These events are an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet with each program’s director, and speak with other Columbia families who are currently enrolled.

More Resources

Office of Work/Life

The Office of Work/Life offers resources and initiatives to support Columbia’s faculty and staff across all stages of their careers. At worklife.columbia.edu, find additional schooling and child care resources as well as information on a wide range of other topics to support you and your loved ones.

School and Child Care Search Service

Work/Life offers detailed K-12 and early education and child care information and resources. When additional guidance would be valuable, families can consult individually with the Office’s School and Child Care Search Service (SCCSS) experts. These deeply knowledgeable education specialists advise and support Columbia families’ exploration of enrollment opportunities in public, charter, faith-based, and independent schools and early education and child care programs. Interested families can request resources by submitting the SCCSS’s Information Request Form. 

Public and Independent School Exploration

The New York City public school landscape is remarkably varied, with opportunities for all types of learners. For families interested in exploring these options, upcoming fall Work/Life workshops on strategies for success in NYC public kindergarten, middle, and high school admissions process. 

For families interested in independent schools, Work/Life offers workshops on independent kindergarten and middle and high school admissions as well as financial aid and affordability.

Recruitment Support

Given varying application deadlines for child care and K–12 schools, departments that are recruiting faculty are urged to direct candidates with children to the SCCSS at an early stage. Please reach out to Carrie Marlin, Vice Provost of Faculty Support and Work/Life, at [email protected] about recruitment support from the Office of Work/Life.

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Finding the right school or care for your child can be an intensive but incredibly rewarding process. I wish you all the best and encourage families to take advantage of the resources and opportunities outlined here.

All the best wishes,

Angela V. Olinto

Provost

Rutherfurd Professor of Astronomy and Professor of Physics