Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know if there is available space for my child at The Columbus School?
TCS has different processes depending on the age of the aspiring child. The process to begin K4 starts when children are between 6 and 18 months old (3 years previous to the beginning of the starting date for the child), with a mandatory Information Meeting for Prospect Parents. For more information regarding dates and registration, please contact the Admissions Office.
What level of English should my child have?
At TCS we begin English immersion starting in K5, the second year of school and 80% of our subjects are taught in English by native English speakers. The level of English depends on the grade and can only be determined by the school through an admissions exam. For MS and HS applications an advanced level of English is required. For ES English knowledge is required since K5 and is progressive as students grow. The admissions test will determine if the student is at grade level.
What values education do students receive?
Starting in K4 students are immerse in an environment where the six pillars of character from the Character Counts program lead them in their daily activities.
How long is the school day?
7:30 am All students must arrive at school
7:45 am First bell, class starts
M-T-T-F:
K4-1st
2:50 pm Dismissal
2nd-12th
3:15 pm Dismissal
Wednesday:
1:50 pm Dismissal for all school
What are the Columbus Life schedules?
M-T-T-F from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm
W from 1:50 pm to 4:00 pm
What is the general SY calendar?
We are a calendar B school, the SY goes from August to June. There is a 1 week break in October, 2 days off for Thanksgiving, Christmas holidays from around the 15th of Dec to 10th of Jan, 1 week off for Holy Week in March or April and Summer vacations from around the 15th of June to the 10th of August.
Does my child have to join TCS on a specific date such as the beginning of the school year?
The start date for any student is always a decision made by the Admissions office in agreement with the School´s principal. After following a successful admissions process your child can begin school as soon as the registration process is completed. We don’t have admissions after the Spring Break.
How is grade level placement determined?
Grade level placement for starting K4 is based on the cut-off date of July 31st. In the ES, MS and HS, placement is determined by both the previous educational grades and age of the student. In some cases, the admissions placement test may give some other information to accurately place a student.
How does my child get to and from school?
The school offers school transportation in alliance with 3 different transportation companies which we suggest students to use. Nevertheless there are families that bring and pick up their children.
Does TCS have waiting lists?
Yes, we have a yearly basis waiting list. Demand can fluctuate and is often high which means that, at the time you apply, our classes may be full. In these cases, we offer a waiting list for the class concerned. A member of our Admissions team will be happy to explain to you how we operate our waiting list at TCS.
How long is the process of admissions?
For K4 applicants the process takes around 4 to 5 months (working days) because it is a process for a big group of families. When we have extemporaneous admissions, once we have all the necessary documentation that we ask for in the admissions process we schedule the interviews and exams and after the last appointment it usually takes around 10 days for TCS to give a response.
Do I need to have all my application documents submitted to be considered for admission?
Yes. Application for enrollment is NOT OFFICIAL until ALL items requested have been completed and submitted.
When should I submit an application for admission?
Given that every admissions process is based on space availability within grades and personal qualification, we suggest that you first contact the Admissions office before you gather your application materials and then submit complete applications if there is an available slot.
Can we meet with an individual Principal, teacher or counselor during our visit to the school?
Unfortunately, parents cannot always meet with teachers or staff outside of the Admissions Office due to the high number of applicants we receive. If there are questions that we cannot answer, then we will do our best to arrange for a separate meeting as requested to respond to any concerns or questions you might have.
If my child doesn’t meet the admissions criteria for specific subjects but our family can provide tutoring and extra help can my child start school?
TCS Admissions Committee and academic staff are the ones that determine if a student can start school after carefully checking the application and all the documents, tests and other assessments. If the school does not have the resources to meet the student’s specific needs, even with family support, it could mean that the student cannot start school with us.