Private School
Columbia Independent School
- grade A+Overall Grade
- Private
- PK, K-12
- Columbia, MO
- Rating 4.15 out of 5 33 reviews
Columbia Independent School Reviews
Rating 4.15 out of 5 33 reviews
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Small but mighty. CIS changed my daughter's life for the better. The academics are rigorous, but the teachers truly care about every student. They go above and beyond everyday to make sure the students are both learning and happy. No school is safer. No school has a more positive culture. If you want a state championship football or basketball team, this isn't the place for you. But, if you want a world-class education CIS couldn't be a better pick. And, besides, their always a threat to win the state championship in academic bowl.
I was a middle schooler at the school. I say "was" because my family was forced to switch to online school after CIS refused to continue online learning in a state where COVID-19 cases are rising. I rate the school itself "very good", but the fact is this school's administration has displayed a blatant lack of morality in their pursuit of doner dollars and their neglect of students. Another point, this school is exorbitantly expensive to attend and massively understaffed. The teachers genuinely care about their students' learning, and will put a ton of effort into teaching them, but they are simply overworked. The facilities are nonexistent (aside from a small gym). If you are looking for strong after-school programs, you won't find them here, except for the excellent Academic Bowl team. The library is small. The food is ok, but I would bring my own lunch if I could. The bottom line is, good school, bad administration.
great academics and teachers, great kids. obviously there will be the occasional snob, but overall the other kids feel like my family, i've known them for practically my whole life.
Bullying is an EXTREMELY SERIOUS problem. Teachers and administration do NOTHING about bullying, except say they will 'deal with it.' My daughter went to this school from second to sixth grade, and had friends until they found out we were somewhat poor (we lived in a poor neighborhood at the time, and I was still in school). Ever since then, she was bullied very extremely. There were times where she would come home from school and say, "No one talked to me today. I ate lunch in the bathroom because no one would let me sit at their table." She was very shy and kids singled her out because she was poor, had autism, and kind of obsessed with My Little Pony. As for my son, he had many friends, but a group of girls often ganged up on him. When he was in Pre-K, this group of girls called him names, stole his things, and, on one occasion, one girl actually bit him, and he needed stitches. My daughter continues to be harassed by students in this school in group chats and social medias.
I'm a former student, and I have to say that my experience was fairly positive, all things considered. I mean, the academic work was super easy, but other than that, it was amazing. P.S. the quiz bowl team is legendary.
CIS has helped me open doors that I never knew were available to me. The community is very tight-knit and everyone is always looking out for each other. It's really a great place to be!
Columbia Independent School is a great school. I think it prepares students for college by academically challenging students. Additionally, all of the teachers are very approachable and easy to talk to. The social atmosphere could improve a little.
It’s a pretty good school, but I’ve been going here for 10 years and want a change. It has really good teachers and academics, but there is a lot of homework.
I have been a student at CIS since I was in kindergarten, and although there are definitely some things that could be changed, it is overall an incredibly inclusive and growth-oriented environment. The opportunities presented are incredible, especially considering the size of the school. The class sizes are small, especially in the high school, but the teachers are always there for you, and the interaction between faculty and staff is unique and completely worth the tuition!
My experience this year in CIS was absolutely phenomenal. At the start of the year, I was feeling unaccepted and goal-less, and I made a huge mistake. But the teachers in the school helped me see with a new perspective though, instead of trying to punish me harshly they really tried to understand what I was going through and tried to help. I can say it confidently that through their kindness and willingness to help, and the fact that they genuinely care about you, I am a changed person. The teachers care about every single one of the student, and wishes the best for them. Besides the amazing faculty, I feel like this year's extracurricular activity has definitely picked up the pace, everyone is excited to do them, and the sports program has improved, players really feel like they belong on a team and is working towards the same goal. One thing that I think CIS can improve on is a better variety of course selection.
Q: What do you get when you pay teachers below their public school counterparts, and make sure non of them have access to the same benifits union teachers do?
A: A school where paying tuition and making sure higher up staff members continue to drive nice cars to own big homes takes precedence over hiering competent top of the line staff. Either pick a better school or save yourself the 15 grand and send them to the notourisly good Columbia public school system.
A: A school where paying tuition and making sure higher up staff members continue to drive nice cars to own big homes takes precedence over hiering competent top of the line staff. Either pick a better school or save yourself the 15 grand and send them to the notourisly good Columbia public school system.
Columbia Independent School is very rigorous and academically challenging, and I am beginning to feel like there is sometimes too much focus on academic success over a student's well being. For me, this had not been a problem until this/my junior year. But also, junior year has been known to be a rough one. Otherwise, CIS is an excellent school with teachers who are interested in more than just your academics. They strive to get to know you and put in the time and effort in order to see you succeed. I have been at CIS for almost 12 years now and would not want to have gone anywhere else. Columbia Independent School has set me up for great success in college and beyond!
Columbia Independent School is a college preparatory school that focuses on doing everything to prepare their students for college. The teachers here are always willing to do whatever their students need to excel. I have attended CIS since kindergarten and can't imagine going to school anywhere else.
Except for the slight faculty issue I experienced, CIS was a wonderful school that I guarantee will be one of the safest environment for learning. When one walks down the hallway, they will notice that the lockers do not have locks on them. This is telling of the trusting foundation of the school. During the 8 years I have spent as a student at the school, I have never felt that my safety was jeopardized. Furthermore, the school is small large enough to bring out a sense of diversity but small enough that students experience that intimate connection with their faculty members as well as their peers. My classmates become equivalent to my family. They may not agree with my ideas but they will never disrespect or degrade my ideas/opinions. It is an environment of uninhibited learning.
Not as many options as larger schools, but something for everyone.
Very pleased with our experience so far!
Because of the class sizes and the commitment of teachers, we have complete confidence that our children are never slipping through the cracks. When they need additional challenge because they get a concept quickly and are ready to move, they receive that challenge; when they need additional support because they are struggling with new material, that support is there each and every day.
Our school nurse used to work in a doctors office, so she knows how to deal with all sorts of things. She is very knowledgable and helpful. Our school is in a good area where there are no outside threats. I always feel safe and comfortable at school.
Our teachers aren't required to have a teaching degree, they have to actually know what they are teaching and have a passion for it. They get to know us and how we learn and that's very important.