Topeka Collegiate School

Topeka Collegiate School is an independent K-8 college preparatory school serving the 501 district in Topeka, Kansas.

History

Topeka Collegiate School was first founded in 1982 when a coalition of parents wanted a new school . It was originally called Shawnee County Day School and was located outside of Topeka. The first year of class saw 7 faculty and AbOUT 40 students. Susan and Kent Garlinghouse are often credited as the founders of the school, although it was joint venture.

Curriculum

Topeka Collegiate School offers junior Pre-K and K-8 classes. The junior Pre-K offers morning and afternoon classes while all other grades are from 8:15 am to 3:30 am. Grades 6 through 8 are junior high school (sometimes called middle school). Topeka Collegiate has been known for having special field trips and extracurricular activities. For example, the 5th grade travels to Kansas City, Missouri to learn about managing a job and business. The 3rd graders recreate the Amazon Rain forest using paper mache and cardboard. The 7th graders travel to Heifer International in Arkansas and learn about 3rd world countries. The 8th graders travel to the Florida Keys and learn about marine wildlife.

There are 9 total classes in middle school. They are: social studies, mathematics, science, English, music, art, computer, physical education, and study skills. Latin is optional. There are 5 different math classes in middle school: EveryDay Mathematics, Transition Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II. In lower school, the classes are mathematics, science, library, computer, music, physical education, English, history, and art.

Topeka Collegiate School requires middle school students to do two major project throughout the school year: National History Day and Science Day. National History Day takes place from September to April. Students choose a topic based on a annual theme. The student then researches the topic in depth and presenting their information in a exhibit, website, documentary, a performance, or a project paper. Science Day is fairly similar, but students don't choose their topic from a theme. Instead, students choose a scientific topic from three categories: experiment, engineering problem, or Historical Background of a scientific discovery. The school fair takes place in late January. Students may choose to move on district level competition. The students then move on to state if they qualify and eventually the national competition.

Every grade at Topeka Collegiate participates in a school play. Each student has a part and lines with a costume. They must memorize the line and play the in front of the school. Along with school plays, students also participate in MusicAL assembles for major dates including Halloween, VIP/Grandparents Day, Sometimes Holiday Break, and Spring Break. o D

Extracurricular Activities

Topeka Collegiate schools offers a few sports, an AfterCare program, BeforeCare program, and a Summer Adventures Program. Sports are only available in middle school, but they can be a AfterCare meaning they can be available to lower school. Sports in middle include girls' volleyball, coed soccer, boys' basketball, and coed track and field. Along with sports, middle school students have electives. Anyone adult can create an elective and teach it to a group of students during 7th period (which is the last period of the school day) Monday and Friday.

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