Teachers College Community School

Teachers College Community School (TCCS) is a university-assisted Pre-K-8 demonstration school in Manhattan, established in partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University. It is recognized as a national model for community schools and university-public school collaboration, benefiting from significant expertise and resources from Teachers College, including rigorous professional development for staff and student support. The school prides itself on a rigorous, child-centered curriculum designed to foster independent thinkers and problem-solvers. Academically, the school's ELA proficiency is well above the citywide median, while math proficiency is near the median. A notable strength is the opportunity for 8th-grade students to take Living Environment, Algebra I, and ELA Regents exams, allowing them to earn high school credits early. The school also boasts a low suspension rate. Parents frequently praise the strong sense of community, dedicated teachers, and a welcoming, nurturing environment. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding leadership, the handling of bullying, and teacher turnover. TCCS offers a rich array of special features, including customized Math and Science curricula developed with Teachers College, fine arts programs through Studio in a School, and partnerships with Young Eisner Scholars and the NY Philharmonic for instrumental, vocal, and music composition. The school operates across two buildings, with a Lower School for younger students and an Upper School for grades 3-8.