City Garden School — Local services in Columbia

I cannot imagine my daughter attending any other program or school, as she has absolutely thrived at City Garden. She is embraced for who she is and encouraged to be her full self here. This school places a high importance on meeting children where they are while simultaneously pushing them to learn, to love learning, and to grow into the best version of themselves. There is a focus on the whole child- their heart, their hands, and their minds, which really allows them to fully immerse themselves in their lessons. City Garden does an incredible job of teaching a strong educational curriculum while also spending time helping children become good stewards of society and the earth. There is also the element of nature that weaves itself into the school day through outdoor play and learning, which I believe is imperative for young children, as they are designed to move and explore, rather than be stuck at a desk all day. The community at CGS at large is welcoming and warm; we have attended a number of school-wide events and they have all been incredibly wholesome and make you feel like part of a family. The classrooms are also warm and welcoming, full of artwork, natural materials, and ample space for children to learn and create. The teachers spend so much time and effort to get to know the children and my daughter looks forward to school every day (and has even gotten sad on the weekends that she doesn’t have class!). I truly wish I had been able to attend a school like this when I was a child, and am forever grateful that my own children have the opportunity to attend and learn in this environment. Anyone who is looking for an alternative to traditional schooling while still retaining the basis of a strong education, exceptional teachers, and a welcoming community, can find...

My granddaughter has gone to CGS since second grade. She is now in 7th and doing amazing. The holistic educational approach is a fantastic alternative to our struggling and broken public education. The staff and teachers approach challenges with creativity, kindness, and wisdom. Kids are taught to practice techniques such as mindfulness, communication, truthfulness, and inclusivity. I honestly believe that if we could turn back time and have all children from boomers forward educated by City Garden School and its equivalents around the world, we would have a very different...

From the moment we first visited City Garden with our oldest son, my wife and I have felt the love and support that that goes into this school community. Now many months into the kindergarten year, our lofty expectations have been far exceeded. We love that he gets to play outside, is intentionally educated in love and kindness, is allowed to mix with the older kids at school so often, is welcomed by name by so many kids and staff, etc. He is eager to tell us what he did at school and the share the art he creates there. It is a truly special place. Thank you...