Learning at TCS
Columbus School students participate in a variety of student-centered, meaningful learning experiences in a multicultural environment that prepares them to succeed in the pathway of their choice. Our curricular program strives to create critically conscious citizens, and empowered agents of positive change. Our curriculum promotes high performance learning that is applicable in the real world, seeks to connect people and ideas, create pathways and opportunities, and inspire a sense of engagement and purpose.
Some components of our curricular program are:
Renowned Curricular Programs to support a multilingual learning experience to develop fundamental academic skills and promote critical thinking and problem solving:
- Letras (K4-1)
- UFLI (K-5)
- Desmos Math (6-8)
- Bridges and Number Corner from Math Learning Center(K-5)
- Open Sci Ed (6-8)
- Advanced Placement courses (10-12)
- A variety of career-track courses in grades 11-12 such as Financial Math, Hands-on Engineering, advanced Arts, Journalism and Creative Media (levels II and III) and Anatomy and Physiology
- Innovation for Social Change (grade 12)
- International Baccalaurette Primary Years Program (PYP) (K4-5)
A rigorous and aligned K-12 curriculum built from standards that are Internationally Benchmarked and comply with the Colombian Ministry requirements:
- Next Generation Science Standards (K5-12)
- C3 and Aero Standards for Social Studies in English and Spanish (K5-12)
- Common Core Standards for Math (K5-12) and Literacy in English (K5-12) and Spanish (K5-8)
- Shape America National Physical Education Standards (K4-12)
- National Association for Music Education Standards (K4-12)
- National Core Arts Standards (K4-12)
- Colombian standards from the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (K4-12)
Highly qualified teaching staff who:
- Engage in continuous job-embedded professional learning
- Are supported by Instructional Coaches and Learning Center support staff
- Can engage in a virtual Master’s degree or courses from SUNY Buffalo
Learning Infrastructure that promotes collaboration and creativity:
- Well-equipped classrooms with a variety of learning tools available to students and teachers
- Fab Lab and Maker Space
- Greenhouse
- 9 science labs
- Elementary and Secondary Libraries
- Outdoor learning spaces
- 3 Gymnasiums
- Theatre
- Art Gallery
- A variety of flexible seating and learner-centered classroom arrangements
- Primary and secondary libraries
Character Education, Values, and Social Emotional Learning approaches:
- Classroom without Walls trips for various grade levels 1-12
- Integration activities (“convivencia”) for different grade level group
- Character Counts (K4-12)
- Second Step Curriculum (K4-5)
- Advisory (6-8)
- VIDA–parent led lessons related to social emotional learning (K4-5)
- Relationship and community building strategies embedded into all curricular areas and supported through professional development (K-12)
Co-curriculars that support real world challenges and create an impact:
- Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM)
- Model United Nations (MUN)
- Student Curriculum Council
- Student Council
- Girl Up
- Our Minds Matter
- National Honor Society
- TCS Gay-Straight Alliance
- Robotics
Competitive sports activities to develop athleticism and teamwork offered through the polideportivo and extracurricular programs:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Cheerleading
- Yoga
- Gymnastics
- Skating
- Track
- Dance
- Taekwondo
- Mountain biking
- Baseball
Universal values and support for social and emotional learning:
- Character stories
- Second step curriculum
- Counseling curriculum and support in each section
- VIDA-Parent-led lesson on social and emotional learning