Experience college-level learning at an Ivy League institution

TC Academy’s Pre-College Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University, give curious, motivated high school students a genuine taste of Ivy League academics — taught by the same expert faculty who teach graduate students at one of the nation’s most respected schools of education, psychology, health, and leadership. Whether on campus in Morningside Heights or online from anywhere in the world, students dive into college-level coursework, sharpen their research and writing skills, and build connections with peers and mentors who share their passions.

Founded as the pre-college arm of Teachers College — Columbia University’s storied graduate school of education, founded in 1887, TC Academy designs each program around a real-world question or discipline, from early childhood development to the psychology of social media to the craft of theatrical writing. Students leave with more than a transcript line: they leave with a clearer sense of what they want to study, who they want to become, and how to thrive in a college environment.

Why Teachers College, Columbia University?

• Leaders in education, psychology, and human development — Teachers College has shaped American education for more than 135 years and remains a top-ranked graduate school in its core fields.
• World-class faculty mentors — Programs are led by Teachers College faculty and instructors who are practicing scholars, researchers, and educators in their disciplines.
• The NYC Advantage — In-person students learn on Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus and tap into the cultural and intellectual resources of New York City itself, including Broadway theaters, museums, and field experiences across the city.
• Flexible Format — Choose from fully online, hybrid, or in-person commuter programs to match your schedule and learning style.

What Students Gain

Every TC Academy Pre-College student walks away with:

• Critical thinking skills developed through guided discussion and project-based learning
• Research and academic writing tools that translate directly to college coursework
• An authentic college-level experience, including the rigor, pace, and independence of Ivy League instruction
• A global peer network of motivated students plus lasting relationships with TC faculty mentors
• A verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge to share with college admissions officers and on professional profiles

Note: TC Academy Pre-College Programs do not award college credit, but successful completion is recognized through the Certificate of Participation and Digital Badge.

2026 Pre-College Programs

TC Academy’s 2026 Pre-College catalog includes twelve programs across education, psychology, philosophy, the arts, humanities, sustainability, technology, and leadership. All programs are taught by Teachers College faculty, lecturers, and affiliated instructors.

Young Minds: Early Childhood Education and Development

For students drawn to education, psychology, social work, or anyone who cares deeply about children’s futures. Participants explore the science and practice of early childhood development and learn to observe, analyze, and support young learners. Led by faculty member Amanda Fellner. In-person, July 6–17.

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

A New York–exclusive experience for theater lovers. Students attend live Broadway performances, research productions and source material, and learn the three main forms theater writers use to respond to a show: reviews, essays, and fan fiction. Taught by Kim Brooks. In-person, July 6–17.

What Makes a Great Teacher?

Designed for future educators and anyone curious about the craft of teaching. Students observe master teachers in TC’s lab schools, design and practice mini-lessons with peers, and develop their own teaching style through hands-on activities. In-person, July 6–17.

The Voice Lab

Daily vocal training that introduces students to jazz, gospel, and singer-songwriter traditions while building confidence, technique, and ensemble skills. Led by faculty member Jeanne Goffi-Fynn. In-person, July 6–17.

Introduction to Philosophy: Dialogue to Save the World

A discussion-driven program for students who love asking big questions. Participants explore justice, truth, beauty, identity, climate ethics, and other pressing topics through guided dialogue, and produce an original work of philosophy — a zine, piece of creative writing, or performance. Led by faculty member Sara Hardman. In-person, July 6–17.

Introduction to Psychology: Understanding Mind and Behavior

A university-style survey of modern psychology covering research methods, memory, child development, clinical psychology, and social behavior. Students design and conduct their own supervised research study and learn to apply psychological frameworks to everyday life — from headlines to their favorite films and shows. Ideal preparation for students considering psychology, neuroscience, social work, or medicine. In-person, July 6–17.

Future Leaders in Sustainability

An interdisciplinary program for students interested in global affairs, environmental science, education, business, or social entrepreneurship. Participants explore the global architecture of sustainability, analyze environmental and education policies, and develop the skills to lead sustainability initiatives. Led by Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy, founding Director of TC’s Center for Sustainable Futures. In-person, July 6–17.

Writing Your Way Into College: The Art and Strategy of College Essays

A hybrid two-week intensive for high school students preparing their college applications. Students receive personalized 1:1 coaching from expert writing instructors alongside small-group workshops covering prompt analysis, storytelling strategy, and revision. Instructors are drawn from Teachers College Advancing Literacy. Hybrid (online + optional in-person), July 6–17.

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

A research-driven look at how digital platforms shape identity, culture, and mental health. Students learn to analyze their own digital lives through a critical, evidence-based lens. Taught by Jamie Krenn. Online and asynchronous, July 6–August 14.

How to Transcend Yourself: The EPIC Experience

Offered by the Education for Persistence and Innovation Center (EPIC), this program helps students transform setbacks into stories of growth. Participants create a multimedia narrative under the mentorship of EPIC researchers and engage with cutting-edge psychology research on failure, motivation, and resilience. Led by Professor Xiaodong Lin-Siegler and EPIC faculty. Online, July 6–24.

AI and Tech Tools for Creativity: Seeing, Thinking, and Expressing with Technology

A six-week exploration of how creators use today’s intelligent tools — from AI image generation to video, design, and sound — not just to make things, but to make meaning. Students work across four hands-on modules (image, design, video, and sound), build a digital portfolio, and learn to see and think like a creator. Taught by Associate Professor Jin Kuwata, director of the COGMOS Design Lab. Online and asynchronous with optional weekly live sessions.

From Player to Leader: Mastering Sports Leadership

An online program built for high school athletes ready to grow into team captains and leaders. Students develop skills in ethical decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics through case studies, peer coaching, and hands-on leadership challenges. Taught by Ray Pappalardi. Online, August 4–27.

The full catalog is available at the TC Academy website.

Program Formats

In-Person and Hybrid Programs (July 6–17, 2026)

In-person and hybrid programs take place on the Teachers College campus in Morningside Heights — part of Columbia University’s main campus in Upper Manhattan. These programs are commuter-based, meaning students attend daily but do not stay in residential housing, allowing families to access an Ivy League summer experience without residential costs. A typical day combines structured coursework, faculty-led seminars, hands-on projects, guest lectures, and (for select programs) field experiences across New York City.

Online Programs

Online programs are hosted on the Teachers College digital learning platform and are open to students anywhere in the world — no travel to New York required. Online programs run on flexible schedules throughout the summer, from early July through late August. Each online program features asynchronous coursework that students can complete on a flexible schedule, plus live Zoom sessions with the instructor and classmates. Specific dates and meeting times are listed on each program’s landing page.

Faculty Mentors Who Make a Difference

TC Academy programs are led by Teachers College faculty, lecturers, and affiliated instructors — many of them researchers, published scholars, and practitioners in their disciplines. Students learn directly from the same kind of experts who shape graduate education at Columbia, in small-group settings designed for mentorship and individualized feedback.

Who Should Enroll?

• Curious, motivated high school students (grades 9–12) ready to explore college-level material
• Future educators, psychologists, leaders, and changemakers drawn to fields like education, child development, mental health, and the social sciences
• Students seeking a real preview of college, including faculty mentorship, collaborative learning, and the daily rhythms of an Ivy League campus

How to Enroll

There is no application for TC Academy Pre-College Programs — enrollment is rolling and handled directly through each program’s landing page on the TC Academy website. Because programs fill quickly, families are encouraged to register early. All accepted students will need a personal computer, and online students will need a reliable internet connection.