Schooling & Child Care 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 school year coincides with beginning to plan for next fall’s K–12 schooling and child care needs. I write today to share resources for Columbia families, including information about Columbia’s own K–8 and early childhood schools, The School at Columbia University and Tompkins Hall Nursery and Child Care Center.

The School at Columbia University

The School at Columbia University (TSC) is the University’s vibrant K–8 school serving families of University affiliates and from the local neighborhood. Led by Head of School Dr. Sonya Somerville, TSC’s innovative, interdisciplinary, and academically challenging program is intertwined with daily life at Columbia through a growing list of partnerships with schools and departments, family and student events on campus, and day-to-day interactions among families.  

Opportunities exist across all grades, and we encourage faculty and other affiliates interested in TSC to submit an online inquiry as a first step. TSC’s admissions website features information about the application process for both Columbia families and neighborhood families and a welcome video about TSC’s community and curriculum. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. 

Early Education & Child Care

Tompkins Hall Nursery and Child Care Center
Since its founding in the 1930s by Columbia faculty members, Tompkins Hall Nursery and Child Care Center has provided exceptional play-based early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Tompkins recently welcomed a new Director, Dr. Maria Roberson, whose extensive background in early childhood leadership and teacher development is already enhancing this special community. 

Families interested in applying for fall 2026, including admissions priority and an early notification option for Columbia families, can find information here. Tompkins is also still accepting applications for certain classrooms for the current academic year. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. 

Affiliated Early Learning Centers and Fall 2025 Open Houses
Located near Columbia campuses, the Affiliated Early Learning Centers are independent programs serving Columbia families and those living in the campus neighborhood. The Centers will host a series of Open Houses this fall exclusively for Columbia families. These events are an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet with program leadership, and speak with other Columbia families who are currently enrolled.

Additional 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, you can find additional schooling and child care resources as well as information about a wide range of other topics.

Public School Exploration
New York City public schools offer many opportunities for all learners. For families interested in exploring these options, upcoming Work/Life workshops on strategies for success in NYC public kindergarten and high school admissions provide opportunities to learn more. The Pre-K & Kindergarten NYC Newsletter is another valuable resource to help families stay informed about admissions to early childhood programs and K–12 schools.  

School and Child Care Search Service
Families interested in a personalized discussion of early childhood or K–12 options can schedule an individual consultation with the experts of the Office of Work/Life’s School and Child Care Search Service (SCCSS). These deeply knowledgeable education specialists can support Columbia families’ exploration of enrollment opportunities in public, charter, faith-based, and independent schools and in early education and child care programs.

Interested families can request a consultation by submitting the SCCSS’s Information Request Form. You are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible. Given varying application deadlines for child care and K-12 schools, departments recruiting faculty are urged to direct candidates with children to the SCCSS at an early stage.  

Finding the right school or care for your child can be an intensive but incredibly rewarding process. I am proud of the educators and leaders of this University who provide these resources and have every confidence that they can support you on your path to identifying the best environment for your children’s education. 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