Parent and Guardian Resources
Welcome, Pre-College Parents and Guardians!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our Pre-College community! As a vital part of your student’s educational journey, we are dedicated to providing you with the resources, support, and connections you need to help them thrive. Here, you’ll find everything from inspiring parent testimonials and exclusive faculty lectures, to engaging workshops designed just for you. Our goal is to create a meaningful partnership with parents and guardians, offering valuable insights and practical tools to guide your student’s success. Explore our resources, stay connected, and join us in making this pre-college experience enriching and memorable for both you and your student.
Parent Offerings
Parent Faculty Lecture Series
During Columbia University’s Pre-College Program, students have the opportunity to learn from exceptional instructors who go beyond traditional classroom teaching. Through our Parent Faculty Lecture Series, parents are invited to explore a wide range of engaging topics led by our expert faculty. These lectures offer valuable insights into the diverse fields of knowledge our instructors bring to the program, allowing parents to actively engage in their student’s academic journey. This unique experience not only broadens parents' own understanding but also helps them better support and connect with their student’s growth and interests.
Parent Workshop Series
Our Parent Workshop Series offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage meaningfully in their student’s academic journey while benefiting from valuable adult learning experiences. These workshops provide insight into the student experience, equipping parents with strategies to support their child's growth and fostering a stronger connection to our Pre-College community. Topics range from college readiness to adolescent development, empowering parents to be active partners in their student’s education. This series not only strengthens parent engagement but also encourages lifelong learning and a sense of community.
Resources
- The 8 Most Important Pre-College Conversations To Have With Your Teen
- Must Have Conversations with your Future College Student
- Essential Conversations for Parents and Students Entering College: A Comprehensive Guide
- Here Are the 33 Life Skills Your Teen Needs to Know to “Adult”
- 5 Life Skills Students Should Learn From Parents Before College
- 15 Things Kids Should Know to Prepare Them for College
Testimonials
"Participation in Columbia’s Pre-College Program was an eye-opener for our entire family. The program offered rigorous academic courses that challenged my daughter in ways high school never had. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in mentoring the students, providing a taste of the intellectual vibrancy that Columbia is known for.
Beyond academics, the program encouraged students to engage in extracurricular activities and explore New York City, fostering a sense of independence and self-discovery. This holistic approach to education, which balanced intellectual growth with personal development, was incredibly beneficial. It helped my teenager build a network of like-minded peers, some of whom remain close friends today. As a parent, seeing my child thrive in such an environment was reassuring and gratifying.
In conclusion, Columbia University’s Pre-College Program was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a critical stepping stone in our journey toward college. It allowed us to prepare emotionally for sending our child off to university, provided them with a taste of the academic rigor and independence they would soon experience, and ultimately, it strengthened our confidence in their readiness for the next stage of their education."
"Sending our child to the Columbia Pre-College Summer program provided a preview of our expected experience next fall. The communication from the staff exceeded our expectations—always thorough and expertly delivered. The care to detail was second-to-none. Director Vynessa and her staff were meticulously organized and ensured a world-class experience for all participants. As parents we were fully immersed in the program experience, from the pre-session security and healthcare presentations, to the parent mixer with the staff and faculty and the after-session pickup. We enjoyed the frequent email updates—they made us feel as if we were there with our children. The whole program had clear boundaries and limitations, but allowed enough freedom for our child to grow and experience independence. We would highly recommend this program to anybody looking for gold-medal experience."
"I thought the Pre-College program was great. It really did seem to replicate a college experience and that is exactly what we were looking for. We rarely heard from our daughter which we thought was a good thing and she enjoyed each aspect of the program. She really enjoyed her Psychology class and noted that it was nice to be in class with people who were all interested in the topic. Her professor was great and appeared to take the time to get to know each student. We also liked that there were students from all over the world and it allowed her to get a big city experience while simulating what college will be like. All in all, it was a great program and a great experience."