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C olumbia Independent SchoolA College PrePArAtory SChool ServIng grAdeS JunIor KIndergArten through 12th

inspiring past,bright futureIn 1998, its inaugural year, Columbia Independent School opened its doors to 55 students. Now home to 365 students and their families, CIS has become a vibrant community devoted to cultivating young minds.

The school’s energetic faculty and staff strive to create an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized instruction and guidance throughout their academic journeys.

Mission: To guide students in the pursuit of excellence through academic, physical, and creative achievement while exemplifying a commitment to integrity, trust, and responsibility; and to encourage students to realize the joy of living through personal achievement and service to others in preparation for higher learning and community life.

Each year, the students from CIS recreate famous artwork which is framed and auctioned off at the annual Gala. The creative process involves several steps and utilizes the artistic talents of each and every student. It exemplifies the collaborative and inclusive nature that makes CIS so special.

In this viewbook you will find details of some of the artwork created for the 2010 Gala. The art to the left was made by the eighth grade class and is a recreation of Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species: Siberian Tiger.

Brochure Design: Lynne Menefee

CIS is… visionary leadership.Dear Prospective CIS Family,

Thank you for your interest in Columbia Independent School. We are a co-educational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school grounded in a commitment to small class size, individual achievement, and community engagement. Our small class sizes enable our teachers to pay close attention to each student. While we emphasize the joy of living associated with individual achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts, we balance that emphasis with a promotion of character development that leads to a genuine concern for the welfare of others.

In addition to our core curriculum that prepares students for college and life beyond, our Global Perspectives Program sets us apart as a leader in providing overseas opportunities for our students, as well as in hosting foreign students on our campus. Thus far, our Global Perspectives Program has involved visits to and the hosting of students from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America.

Our recent comprehensive upgrade of our information technology allows us to issue an iPad to each student in the Middle and Upper Schools. Additionally, a robust bank of iMacs has been installed in the Media Center. Each teacher now has a new iMac or MacBook Pro for use in the classroom.

As an independent school, we charge tuition. We also offer financial aid. That aid enables us to serve families from a wide socio-economic spectrum, thereby enriching our community and widening our opportunities to offer a high-quality education to motivated students.

Enjoy this view of our school. Better yet, come visit us. You and your family are always welcome at Columbia Independent School.

Very respectfully,

Scott K. Gibson IIIHead of School

CIS is… curious kids and friendly faces.

lower SchoolIn addition to their core academic classes, students work with specialists in science, music, art and media, attending each enrichment class twice weekly. Lower School students may choose from a range of modern languages, including Spanish, French, or Mandarin. Because active kids are happy kids, students have two daily opportunities for physical movement, whether through recess or physical education.

Character education is also an important component of the Lower School curriculum. The school day begins with Morning Meeting, a time for children to read stories or act in skits about the two virtues being studied that month, such as gratitude and joy, or perseverance and courage.

Teachers eat lunch with students every day, bonding with them outside the classroom and also helping to maintain a peaceful and nurturing lunchroom dynamic.

Although the school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., CIS also offers before- and after-school programs. Breakfast

for Your Brain is a critical and creative thinking session available to Lower School children every school day

starting at 7:30 a.m. and is free of charge. Cub Quest, CIS’s after-school childcare program, is available Monday-Friday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. Every Friday, parents receive a printed newsletter from their child’s teacher, as

well as personalized comments about their child’s progress that week.

“It’s a warm environment, yet challenging and creative. It allows children to meet those challenges with success. Kids aren’t afraid to take risks with their learning because everyone’s always so supportive in the classroom. Our school instills children with a love of learning.”

Megan Pursifull Third Grade Teacher

(10th year at CIS)

Still Life with Blooming Red Tulips by Nicole Etienne, 4th and 5th Grades

CIS is… curious kids and friendly faces. “I go to CIS because it has an advanced curriculum and we start world languages at a young age. We also have specialists; my favorite classes are science and music/drama.”

hunter, 3rd grade (4th year at CIS)

“All the teachers at CIS take an interest in their students and help them when they need it. It is a great place for someone like me who loves to learn.”

Joanna, 5th grade(3rd year at CIS)

Middle School The Middle School division of CIS seeks to ensure the academic growth and well being of every student by providing foundational knowledge and skills in academics as well as social and physical development in preparation for attending CIS Upper School. In Middle School, students learn effective study and note-taking skills which serve them well as they advance to the Upper School. Because class sizes are small, students interact regularly with their teachers, forming strong working relationships that allow them to feel both engaged and supported.

Each Middle School student is part of a Pride, a small community of 6th, 7th or 8th grade students that meets daily with the same teacher. During Pride Time students can study, attend extracurricular meetings, or seek help from a teacher.

In addition to in-school learning opportunities, Middle Schoolers can also participate in an array of after-school activities and clubs, from sports and Science Olympiad to art.

“The kids here are kind. Kids are never mean to people. There’s no bullying. We’re all a big community because the school’s small. I’m not intimidated by older students because we’re

equals. The social dynamic of CIS is probably my favorite thing about school.”

Annie, 8th grade (3rd year at CIS)

CIS is… adventurous learning and passionate educators.

Flower Garden by Gustav Klimt, 7th Grade

“I am a new student here and I am loving it! I learn new things in every class and am actually excited to do my homework. I like Latin a lot because it helps me learn the roots of other languages. Everyone has welcomed me.”

veer, 6th grade (1st year at CIS)

“I think CIS is a great place for all kinds of people to learn. Teachers are flexible and help all kinds of different learners. New people who come to CIS fit in almost immediately. One thing I am sure of is that I have become a better student here. And stay tuned, there are always great changes happening at CIS!”

nathan, 7th grade (6th year at CIS)

“I became a teacher because of a mentoring experience I had while attending the University of Missouri. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I knew then that I had a passion for working with students. I decided to follow my passion.”

Jason Bricker Middle & Upper School Social Studies Teacher

(13th year at CIS)

CIS is… adventurous learning and passionate educators.

upper School The Upper School’s college preparatory curriculum is exhilarating and challenging. It incorporates Honors and Advanced Placement courses in English, history, mathematics, and science, as well as Latin, Spanish, and French. The school also offers engaging courses in performing arts, visual arts, band, and choir. At CIS, we encourage students to develop their minds and cultivate their passions.

We recognize and respond to multiple learning styles.Our recent adoption of the Apple iPad2 one-to-one program allows students to explore limitless academic resources. The Upper School faculty guide students as they explore different apps and programs that enhance learning using a variety of visual, audio, and tactile methods.

Students, families, and teachers come together each day with the common goal of supporting one another. CIS faculty members know each student as a whole person, not simply a member of his or her academic class.

“The relationships you build here are so much stronger than just, ‘There’s that kid from my science class.’ If you put me in a room with anyone in the whole Upper School, I could talk to him or her for at least two hours because we all know each other well.”

Alex, 12th grade (10th year at CIS)

“CIS gives you the feeling that even when you leave home in the morning, you’re just going to another home. You feel safe and secure here. If one of my best friends is absent one day, it’s OK because I’ve got twenty others. Over the summer, when everyone’s traveling, I miss being at school, I miss the environment. I feel like, when we get older and see each other again at a reunion, we aren’t going to have to try to remember who everyone is because we’ll have memories with every person we run into.”

Siri, 9th grade (9th year at CIS)

CIS is… inclusive and committed to excellence.

The Luncheon of the Boating Party by Auguste Renoir, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades

CIS is… inclusive and committed to excellence. “We brought our children to CIS seven years ago for the outstanding teachers, small class size, individual attention, and secular, virtuous culture. Since then our family has grown with CIS. We now have four children enrolled. The CIS experience is stronger than ever with a new campus, a burgeoning enrollment, an increased diversity of students and faculty, the extensive involvement of dedicated parents, and a strong, visionary and approachable leadership. It’s truly an exciting time to be part of CIS!”

Steve and Mari Ann Keithahn, Parents

the Arts When drafting the CIS mission statement, the school’s founders emphasized creative achievement as an important component of a complete education. Today, the halls of CIS resonate with melodies and rhythms from around the world, sung and played by musicians in all three divisions, including our award-winning concert choir. The walls are adorned with spectacular art created in our beautifully-designed art studios. Stories come to life as students explore new roles and gain stage presence in our performing arts program. Students are encouraged to live and think creatively throughout the school day.

The choral program provides students with an in-depth study of the performance and pedagogical aspects of the art. Six different choirs are offered to students in grades 4-12 in order to ensure the most ideal placement for our students.

Instrumental music studies offer two jazz ensembles for 8-12 graders, beginning band opportunities for grades six and seven, and orchestra is open to students in all three divisions. With independent studies including topics such as jazz history, students can choose from a wide array of music experiences.

The performing arts program emphasizes skills such as public performance and speaking proficiency. It demonstrates the school’s commitment to educating the whole student.

“Lower School music is a place where students can express themselves through song. In drama, they learn the art of improvisation and key elements that actors use when they step up on stage.”

eric BrinerLower School Music and

Drama Teacher, (7th year at CIS)

CIS is… freedom to imagine and explore.“Students who participate in orchestra exhibit a strong commitment to excellence and to the school community. Students of the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools develop a sense of unity by working together through music. “

Jeanne lambson Strings Instructor and

Orchestra Teacher(8th year at CIS)

“Creating art begins in Lower School and is an integral part of the overall educational experience of our students at CIS.”

Jeanne tassiLower School Art

Teacher (9th year at CIS)

Almond Blossom by Vincent Van Gogh, 6th Grade

CIS is… freedom to imagine and explore.

“The projects we do in mask-making, print-making, clay, wire sculpture, painting, and drawing help the student become a better communicator, investigator, problem-solver, and critical thinker.”

Anne JacobsonMiddle and Upper School Art Teacher

(11th year at CIS)

Athletics The CIS athletic program is growing rapidly. It is designed to develop a well-rounded scholar athlete who exhibits a solid work ethic and outstanding sportsmanship in practice and in competition. All Middle and Upper School students are encouraged to join a team, regardless of past experience. Coaches stress physical activity as a means to a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and students learn teamwork and integrity while competing.

Fall SportsUpper School Girls’ Tennis Middle and Upper School Boys’ Cross CountryMiddle and Upper Girls’ Cross CountryUpper School Boys’ SoccerUpper School Girls’ Soccer

Winter SportsMiddle School Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Upper School Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball

Spring SportsUpper School Boys’ Tennis Middle and Upper School Girls’ Track & FieldMiddle and Upper School Boys’ Track & Field

“Our goal as coaches is to share our love of the sport. We teach students habits of life-long fitness while promoting responsibility, sportsmanship and camaraderie. To see a student run a personal best and jump into the arms of his teammates—that is what it is all about. When we do send athletes to compete at the state level, the entire CIS community comes out to support them. ”

Kasye BezaCross Country and Track and Field Coach & English Teacher

(7th year at CIS)

CIS is… good sportsmanship.“Since CIS is a smaller school, everybody gets to play in every basketball game. As teammates, we know each other a lot better. We learn to have a great attitude and be good sports, even if we lose.”

rachel, 9th grade(10th year at CIS)

global Perspectives The Global Perspectives program spans all grade levels at CIS and is an integral part of the curriculum and school culture. As a school, we are committed to introducing students to the beauty and complexity of international cultures, and to raising awareness of the issues facing countries around the world.

The ways CIS offers its students a global perspective:

• Because CIS understands the value of exposing students to a foreign language at a young age, all Lower School students have the opportunity to learn French, Spanish, or Mandarin.

• Beginning in Middle School, students study Latin in addition to a modern language.

• Upper School students are encouraged to study abroad at selected schools around the world.

• Each Lower School grade adopts a continent and learns about its cultures and geography.

• All 11th grade students take a Global Issues course, and Current Events is offered to 9th and 10th grade students. Each year, all 11th and some 12th graders travel to two Model United Nations conferences to debate issues of

global importance.

•Teachers offer special travel abroad and service opportunities for students. Recent destinations include Italy, China, South Africa, India, the U.K.,

and Belarus.

•The school hosts an annual Cultural Arts Day devoted to celebrating other cultures through arts activities.

“There is a joy in the halls of CIS. There’s a comfort here, a familiarity and genuine happiness. We laugh a lot. There’s balance. It’s a close, stimulating environment. There’s no time wasted in the classroom; we’re there, we’re learning, it’s purposeful.”

Jennifer AndersonGlobal Perspectives Coordinator,

9th-12th Grade Social Studies (4th year at CIS)

CIS is… a window on the world.

“As new parents to CIS we were anxious, hoping our son would have a smooth adjustment to a new school. He has not only adjusted, but thrived. The teachers, administrators, and staff have been excellent in making us feel welcome. Their commitment to our child’s education is astounding. We are happy for his success and excited about his future.”

Sheri and John rentschlerParents

“The education I received at CIS was truly phenomenal. The challenging curriculum and the individual attention didn’t just allow me to get into a fantastic college, it also furnished me with the analytical skills and knowledge to succeed once I got there.”

Scottdartmouth College graduate

CIS Class of 2002

“Every year, alums are invited back to school to talk about what they’re doing in college, and I have learned so much from them. CIS students discuss college all the time, which helps us grow and discover where we want to go.”

Katherine, 11th grade

CIS is… preparation for college.

College Placement CIS offers personalized college counseling starting in ninth grade and culminating with college placement during the senior year. The program’s primary goal is to ensure that each graduate finds an academic home where he or she can flourish. The college counseling team works one-on-one with students to ensure that they are on the path to academic success. Students graduating from CIS are self-confident, responsible, curious young men and women who are well prepared to continue their education at the collegiate level.

The college counselors meet with students to:

•discuss and explore academic and career interests;

•reinforce the importance of grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, service, teacher recommendations, and quality essay writing; and

•guide and facilitate the college search and application process.

SAT 1 Averages: ACT Composite Average: Math 629 29 (range: 21-34)Writing 657Critical Reading 664

Colleges Attended by CIS Graduates:Baylor UniversityBrown UniversityClemson University Dartmouth CollegeElon UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGuilford College Loyola University New OrleansNew York UniversityNorthwestern University

Princeton UniversityRice UniversitySaint Louis UniversitySewanee, the University of the SouthSouthern Methodist UniversitySyracuse UniversityTruman State UniversityUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Missouri-ColumbiaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaWashington University-St. Louis

AdmissionsThe admissions process has been streamlined for ultimate ease of use. You may submit the application electronically via our Web site (www.cislions.org/admissions/ how-to-apply/online-application), via mail, or in person at the school. There is no application fee for domestic applicants. Once an application has been submitted, the Admissions Office will contact you with further instructions about the other necessary steps.

Lower School Admissions Checklist•ApplicationforAdmission • JKapplicationsdue3/15/12forApril2012 interviews • Kindergartenapplicationsdue2/15/12for March 2012 interviews • 1st-5thgradeapplicationsdue3/15/12for April 2012 interviews•SupplementalForm1:TranscriptRequest•SupplementalForm2:TeacherRecommendationTo schedule an interview, please call 573-777-9257 or 573-777-9256.

Middle and Upper School Admissions Checklist•ApplicationforAdmission•SupplementalForm1:TranscriptRequest•SupplementalForm2:TeacherRecommendation– English•SupplementalForm3:TeacherRecommendation– MathTo schedule an interview and entrance exam, or to set up a half-day visit, please call 573-777-9257 or 573-777-9256.

International Student AdmissionsIf your student is a prospective F-1 student who requires an I-20, be aware that the application requirements are different. Please visit the International Student Admissions section of our Web site for more information: www.cislions.org/admissions/international-students.

Director of Admissions: Keija Parssinen parssinenk@cislions.org, 573-777-9257

Admissions Coordinator: Barbara Savage savageb@cislions.org, 573-777-9256

Tuition/Financial Aid InformationFinancial aid is based on an objective assessment of a family’s household income and need. Aid packages range from several hundred dollars to 90% of total tuition and fees. Substantial resources are allotted to this program each year. Admissions decisions are made prior to, and separate from, decisions concerning financial aid.

All families applying for tuition assistance are required to submit a confidential Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) to School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). You may apply online at www.nais.org/go/sss. Please alert the Admissions Office once you have filed your online application, as you will be required to turn in a copy of the application, along with other supplemental forms, to the CIS Accountant.

2011-12 TUITIon InFoRMATIonLower School $11,400 Middle/Upper School $13,500

Cub Quest Cub Quest is an optional after-school child care program for Lower School students. It is available Monday-Friday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per hour. Discounts are available to families with students on financial aid.

Payment options1)FullpaymentonJuly1st2)Splitpayment:60%dueonJuly1st,40%dueon December 1st3)Nine-monthpaymentplan:paymentsdueJuly to March through an auto-debit program

administrationScott K. Gibson IIIHead of SchoolDeb SwansonAssistant Head of School/ OperationsLori ReeseAcademic DeanDoug SeptUpper School DirectorCarlynn TroutMiddle School DirectorBeth GardnerLower School DirectorKeija ParssinenDirector of AdmissionsBarbara SavageAdmissions Coordinator

Special thanks to the CIS Yearbook Staff and L.G. Patterson for the photography.

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Columbia Independent School1801 N. Stadium Boulevard

Columbia, MO 65202Telephone: 573-777-9257

Fax: 573-777-9251www.cislions.org