Application Process
To apply to Columbia Greenhouse:
Applications are available online at this link. After you create an account, you are able to submit the application, $50.00 application fee and review your progress through our admission process, including self-scheduling appointments for a virtual and in-person events, including:
Virtual information session: (required) During this Zoom session, the Director will meet with a group of parents to share information about our school. There will be information about our program, facility, and the overall Greenhouse experience; there will also be opportunity for questions and answers. The entire information session will last 45 minutes, then open to questions. We require each family to complete an information session so that you are familiar with our approach, which will then help the parents determine if this is the type of program they want for their child. We believe a strong philosophical match between school and family makes for a successful partnering.
In-person facility tour: (optional) We are offering in-person facility tours for those families that would like to see the school. The facility tour will include a walk through of both school buildings and outdoor areas and will take approximate 30 minutes.
Stay and Play: (optional) We are offering an opportunity for your child to come and play in one of our classrooms. The Stay and Play will be scheduled when there are not current children in the classroom. This visit is meant as an invitation for you to learn more about Greenhouse; it is not required.
Virtual Community Chat: (optional) During this Zoom session, perspective families will have the opportunity to meet and chat with members of the Greenhouse community, including teachers, parents and Board Members. There will be opportunity for questions and answers.
To be fully considered for enrollment, the only required piece of our process is the virtual information session; all other offerings are optional.
Eligible Children
To be eligible for enrollment in the upcoming school year, children must be 2 years old or older in September of the following school year.
Admissions Decisions
Columbia Greenhouse is a member of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York and follows the notification dates set up by the organization. The notification date for general admissions decisions is Thursday, February 27, 2025. The deadline for parents to respond is Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Early Notification: Families with siblings and /or those parents currently affiliated with Columbia University have the option of participating in an early notification process or in the general admission process. To be considered for early notification for the 2025-2026 school year, applications must be received by Friday, November 22, 2024. If a qualifying family chooses to be included in the early decision process, we will notify you of our admissions decision on December 6, 2024. The parent reply deadline for early decision is December 13, 2024.