Overview of CSS

Plan and Focus

CSCS Mission Statement:  CSCS will be a selective, public, college preparatory school with a focus on science, math, and engineering. Its program of study will provide a challenging academic experience that prepares its students for selective colleges; for careers in science, math, and engineering; and for a life of civic engagement and ethical responsibility. We intend to train students to be socially and politically conscious, aware of their responsibility to their communities and the world, and dedicated to a life of creation and discovery in service of humanity.

 Educational Vision: CSCS will immerse its students in science and math as a way of seeing and making sense of the world. Learning experiences will focus on the active exploration of major concepts, ideas, and theories that respond to life’s big questions. Students will be exposed to the history of these ideas; the struggles and controversies necessary for their development; the kinds of questions and problems that are key to the discovery process; and the special role of effort and creativity. Students will learn to explore new questions, to ponder the significance of new scientific discoveries, and to use scientific knowledge and critical thinking in their own life decision-making. 

Instructional Philosophy:   Effective instruction depends largely on setting clear and high expectations, promoting an inclusive and participatory classroom culture, and motivating students to become independent learners.  Instruction at Columbia Secondary will be Socratic in spirit, with discussions, debates, guided inquiry, and carefully led lectures that focus on key questions, concepts, and theories. Students will have extensive opportunities to engage in research, solve real-world problems, and learn experientially through internships, community service, and travel abroad programs. The students will have the opportunity to take trips to other countries to expose them to other cultures and give them a broader world perspective. These trips will be added to the end of the school year.  The school’s curriculum will be distinguished by participation in Columbia University’s vast academic and cultural offerings. Advanced students, for example, can take courses at the University science, math, and engineering focus with research and service learning opportunities at Columbia University. CSS will include a writing intensive and public communications focus. Students will learn public speaking, become adept at using multimedia to communicate and become effective writers; A Philosophy for Thinking core course that will address critical thinking, moral reasoning, and personal and ethical decision-making skills; advisory program that provides students with mentoring, guidance and support necessary for academic and personal excellence; a comprehensive Field Expeditions and Travel Abroad program will allow students to explore the world’s natural and cultural diversity; and· after school science, math, and technology electives and Saturday Academy programs.