Pre-College

Find Your Future

Pre-College Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University

Experience college-level learning at an Ivy League that nurtures the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.

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Why Teachers College, Columbia University?

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Leaders in Education
For over a century, Teachers College has been at the forefront of educational innovation. Our pre-college students benefit from the same legacy of excellence that draws leading educators, researchers and students to our graduate school.

World-Class Faculty
Learn from renowned professors and scholars who bring exceptional professional experience, cutting-edge research, and a passion for teaching into every aspect of the pre-college experience.

The NYC Advantage
Located in New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, our in-person programs offer students the opportunity to engage with one of the most dynamic cultural and intellectual hubs in the world.

Flexible Format
For prospective students who are not easily able to commute to our NYC campus, we offer online and hybrid courses that offer an Ivy League experience virtually.

Explore our Pre-College Programs

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Young Minds: Early Childhood Education and Development

 

This program is for students who are interested in early childhood education and development and may be considering education, psychology, social work, or simply care deeply about children's futures.

 

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A street sign reading "Broadway" in New York City at night

Broadway and Beyond: Turn Your Love of Theater Into Powerful Writing

Love the theater and have opinions about what makes for a great production? Learn about three of the main ways writers respond to theatrical productions: through reviews, essays, and fan-fiction. You’ll attend live performances on Broadway, research the production and source material, and develop your writing skills through the guidance of expert writing teachers.

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What Makes a Great Teacher?

Are you planning on becoming a teacher? Are you interested in exploring what it takes to be an outstanding educator? Have you ever wondered what separates amazing teachers from boring ones? Discover the secrets behind effective teaching through fun, hands-on activities. You'll observe master teachers, practice mini-lessons with your peers, and develop your own teaching style.

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The Voice Lab

 

Through daily vocal work, students will gain knowledge of their own voices; experience diverse repertoire, including jazz, gospel, and singer-songwriter traditions; and build a sense of shared purpose through ensemble singing.

 

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The Psychological Impacts of Social Media: Culture, Identity, and Mental Health

 

This program explores the complex psychological forces behind our digital interactions with an opportunity to develop a critical, research-based understanding of social media’s psychological and cultural effects.

 

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Amanda Fellner Headshot on blue background

Through Young Minds, students gain a powerful introduction to the science and practice of early childhood development—equipping them to think critically, observe thoughtfully, and make meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.

Amanda Fellner

Kim Brooks Headshot on blue background

Broadway gives you so much to feel — and this program teaches you what to do with all of it. Whether you're writing a sharp review, a thoughtful essay, or diving into fan fiction, you're learning to take your instincts as a theatergoer and turn them into something that moves other people. That's what great writers do, and that's exactly what our students learn to do here.

Kim Brooks

Jamie Krenn Headshot on blue background

In a time when social media influences many aspects of daily life, this course challenges students to ask thoughtful questions, think analytically, and examine their digital experiences through a new lens.

Jamie Krenn

Jeanne Goffi-Fynn Headshot with blue background

In The Voice Lab, we help students discover that their voice is more than sound—it’s identity, expression, and connection. By building vocal skill alongside confidence and community, students learn not just how to sing, but how to be heard.

Jeanne Goffi-Fynn

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What Students Will Gain:

Critical Thinking Skills
Through guided group discussions and project-based learning, students learn to ask big questions and explore meaningful outcomes.

Research and Writing Tools
Our courses emphasize building a foundation in academic inquiry and analytical writing — skills essential for success in any college environment.

Real College Experience
Whether online or in-person, Teachers College pre-college students gain an early taste of college-level expectations, rigor, and independence.

A Lasting Network
Students in our pre-college program courses get a head start in developing relationships with other curious and motivated students from around the globe while developing lasting connections with our faculty mentors.

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Who Should Enroll?

Curious, motivated high school students who want to explore college-level topics and dive deeper into subjects they’re passionate about.

Future changemakers and leaders interested in fields like education, psychology, and the social sciences, who want to make a meaningful impact.

Students seeking a preview of the college experience, including engaging with expert instructors, collaborative learning, and a dynamic academic environment.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore our course catalog and find the program that matches your interests and goals — whether on campus or from the comfort of home.

Register today and secure your spot in one of our upcoming Pre-College Programs.

Join a community of motivated students from around the world on the campus of Teachers College, Columbia University or virtually from wherever you are.

Take the first step toward your college journey — registration is now open!

FAQ

This summer, our 12 pre-college summer programs cover a wide range of disciplines, including education, psychology, health & nutrition, neuroscience, arts & humanities, and leadership. Each program is designed to give high school students a rigorous college-level academic experience within one of the world's leading schools of education.

All programs are open to current high school students (grades 9–12), typically between the ages of 14 and 17.

In-person programs are held on the Teachers College campus in Morningside Heights, New York City—part of the larger Columbia University campus in Upper Manhattan. Students benefit not only from world-class facilities but also from the cultural and intellectual resources of New York City itself. The online programs will be hosted on Teachers College’s online platform.

The in-person and hybrid programs are commuter-based, allowing students to experience college life without the expense of residential housing.

No, students do not need to be present in New York City in order to participate in the online programs. Instruction will be conducted online, and students will have the opportunity to complete the program at their own pace. Each online program offers a weekly live session on Zoom, so check the program’s landing page on the TC Academy website for specific dates and times.

Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge, which can strengthen a student's college application and demonstrate academic initiative.  However, these programs are not eligible for college credit.

Exact dates differ by program format, so students should check the specific landing page for the program(s) they are interested in to ensure availability before applying. The in-person and hybrid programs run from July 6 - 17, 2026, while the online programs run on a more flexible schedule.

Tuition varies based on the program’s format—online, hybrid, or in-person.  At this time we are unable to offer scholarships or financial aid, however pricing decisions for pre-college programs at Teachers College were made with accessibility in mind.

Students engage in structured academic coursework, seminars, workshops, and hands-on projects led by Teachers College faculty and instructors. Depending on the program, students may also attend guest lectures, field experiences around New York City, and collaborative group activities.

Participation demonstrates intellectual curiosity, maturity, and the ability to thrive in a college environment—qualities that admissions officers value. Students gain exposure to college-level coursework, build relationships with peers from around the world, and develop a deeper understanding of their academic interests. Students can use their TC Pre-College experience as the basis for compelling college application essays.

Enroll online by visiting the program’s landing page on the TC Academy website. There is no application and enrollment takes place on a rolling basis. Because programs fill quickly, students are strongly encouraged to enroll early. 

All accepted students to the Summer Programs will be responsible to procure a PC or MAC and, if online, an internet connection will be required.

Contact Us

TC Academy

Address: 525 West 120th Street, Box 99 New York, New York 10027-6696

Phone: 212-678-4142 Email: tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu

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