Columbus Magnet School

21 Hunters Lane

School District

Norwalk
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 16, 2020

Columbus is a positive, nurturing, and challenging environment.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2018

This was a very weird and traumatic experience for my son and my family when he was in kindergarten. The staff were afraid of my 5 year old, this was back in 2011 and from my understanding the administration has since changed, hopefully for the better.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2015

Blending basic elementary school subjects with society & social awareness with great family involvement, makes for happy involved students, who confident as they move on to middle school. Each yr each class creates and runs a fund raising project, learning fairness in monetary values and fairness and cooperation working with their classmates. The students and families have made lifelong friends. Totally positive, thumbs up experience.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2014

I have mixed feedback of this school. My daughter attends this school, after being selected via a lottery system, two years ago. She is now entering second grade, and even after daily reading session and working on various after school scholastic activity books to improve her math and reading, I feel she is still behind. I generally agree with the earlier feedback from the other parents, the schools works hard to create a positive learning environment, and the principle is also a positive influence trying to make a difference. As I compare this school to the schools in surrounding towns, it's clear that funding is an issue. Also the location of the school is not good at all. It's surrounded by low income housing and other less than ideal neighbors. In the two years since our daughter has attended there have been school lock downs because of surrounding neighborhood problems. Overall Norwalk schools are far from ideal, if you compare to Westport, Wilton or Darian. I hopeful the school can get some funding to help provide the additional help they need to succeed. I think given needed resources the school can really thrive.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

This is the school I have been looking for, for my daughter's entire childhood. Fantastic place - excellent arts-infused curriculum; skilled, professional, very high-quality and kind teachers; great programming and facilities. A beautiful, beautiful place. The principal is amazing - she greets every child by name by about the second day!
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2013

We love the enrichment programs Columbus offers and the hands-on creative methods they use for teaching. The parent community as well as the teachers make this school a great place to learn.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

Iam new to this school, but I am very happy with my kindergarteners progress. The teachers and staff and GREAT!
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2013

After very careful consideration I selected Columbus for my academically and artistically gifted, but socially awkward child. It was one of the best parenting decisions I have made. The Bank Street approach allows for open ended learning so that my child remains engaged and challenged. The fact that Columbus is a Hot School encourages creative thinking and supports her love of the arts. The school community embraces the "Tribes Agreements" so that the voice of each child is heard and respected and each student is valued as an important member of the group and is celebrated for their uniqueness. Columbus follows the Comer principal where parents are a welcome and respected part of the educational process. This is a wonderful school, and the staff are amazing. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

My children had a great beginning at this school, caring and devoted teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

Columbus Magnet isn't just a school, it is a community. A close knit community of very involved parents and teachers who care about our kids and their education. We couldn't be happier with our experience here.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

Columbus provides a nurturing atmosphere where learners of all backgrounds and levels can achieve to their highest potential. Creative and fun classrooms motivate and excite the students. My son has blossomed at Columbus Magnet School.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

CMS is a wonderful school! They stay true to the Bank Street Curriculum. Parents and teachers are very engaged and active in all aspects of the children's' education.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

Columbus Magnet School is a fantastic place for kids to learn, grow, be creative, develop autonomy and have fun! We have been very happy with the staff and the community of parents. The education is top notch. Lessons are very much hands-on and many times lessons are supplemented with a field trip or special speaker. Go CMS!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

Excellent school! The staff is amazing. I could not ask for a better school for my children.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

Columbus is a wonderful school where my son loves to go to school everyday! He actually wishes there was class over the weekend! I love the way the teachers find a way to inter grate everything they learn about into math science reading and social studies! I think it makes it so much more interesting for the kids to learn about things they want to know and all the other just happens without them even knowing! Entering the lottery for CMS was the best decision my husband and I have ever made!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

This school has a strong and diverse community. My child (despite small grumbles typical for most kids) really likes her school, classmates and teachers. There is a respect for Experiential Learning which is still alive in this school. The Leader is enthusiatic for providing many experiences for the children well beyond test prep and skill building. Although these teachers work hard to learn the latest technology, and methods to hone in on developing a child's academic skills, the respect for a child's well being and the power of their imagination still exists.
Submitted by teacher on October 08, 2013

Columbus is a vibrant, thriving school that has the feel of a community school and everyone is welcome. The teachers and staff have created a nurturing learning environment where they meet each child where they are and help them to learn at their own pace and develop into contributing members of the community. The families of CMS are there because they want to be, they have made a conscious decision for their child(ren) to attend the school and it shows.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2013

Columbus Magnet School is an inspiration! The school's curriculum meets children where they are, engages them, and fosters their love of learning. The Bank Street, experiential approach to learning, is one that encourages children to find learning opportunities in everything they do. In 1st grade, the children begin to learn about how plants, animals and people interact. They begin with bees pollenating apple blossoms, and progress to a study about farms, growing produce, and the food supply chain. These lessons culminate in a First Grade Market - where the children actually run a produce market in the halls of the school. They procure the produce, design signage, handle inventory, prepare samples and sell the produce to their classmates, teachers, parents and community members. It is truly a sight to be seen! This type of learning sticks with the children - on a weekly basis, I hear something from my 2nd grader that she learned during her 1st grade study. Columbus' teachers care deeply about their children and the school - taking interest in each individual child. Columbus is a model for elementary schools. I'm so grateful that my children are CMS kids!
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2013

Columbus Magnet School is a gem in Norwalk. A special place unlike any other school. The teachers and staff are caring, loving, and supportive. The bank street/HOT school philosophy is intertwined through all lessons and the teachers truly teach to the whole child. Our school is a rainbow, a wonderful place!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

CMS is truly a special place within the Norwalk school district. The Bank Street method and Hot School approach shows clearly how the students benefit, not only on academic level, but also on social-emotional and creative level. The students LOVE their teachers, they know them, they know the majority of the parent body and the community spirit brings out the best in the kids. The integration of art, movement, math- language arts and social studies/science within one unit/theme shows how each of the students contribute and thrive. One could ask, "what can improve?" And yes, there is always room for improvement. Having witnessed my children for the last 6 years from K-5th, I believe CMS would benefit from a more in depth, child friendly WRITING PROGRAM. Integrating all areas of learning within one unit and the strong involvement of parents and PTA body, creates the unique opportunity of the many interesting field trips throughout the year (3rd thru 5th grade travels nationwide - PA- MA - CT - DC - NY). A unique experience, more common to private schools than to public schools.