CGA Community Meets in New York City

Crimson Global Academy (CGA) students, families, and staff gathered in New York City earlier this month for a weekend of connection, discovery, and shared experiences. For many, it was the first time meeting classmates and teachers in person after months of learning together online. The energy was infectious, and the city made the perfect backdrop for our vibrant global community.

Day One: From Rockefeller Plaza to Times Square

The morning began at Rockefeller Plaza, where families arrived to friendly faces and a buzz of excitement. After a quick welcome and group photo, the group headed up to the Top of the Rock to take in the sweeping views of Manhattan.

Lunch followed at Radio Park, an airy rooftop space where everyone had a chance to relax and get to know one another. Conversations quickly turned to shared experiences, comparing time zones, talking about favourite subjects, and trading stories about life as a CGA student.

The afternoon was spent exploring Rockefeller Center and then the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where students wandered through galleries filled with some of the world’s most famous works. The highlight for many was simply having time to connect, discussing art, ideas, and their dreams for the future.

The evening wrapped up with dinner at Angelo’s Pizza 57th, joined by alumna Jade Sceats (now studying at Princeton), and alumna Soyun Kim (now at NYU). Between pizza slices and stories of university life, students had the chance to hear first-hand how their CGA education had set these alumni up for success.

Day Two: Exploring NYU and the High Line

Saturday began in Washington Square Park beneath the NYU arch, before setting off on a walking tour of the NYU campus. For many students, it was the first time visiting an American university, and seeing the campus life sparked plenty of conversation about future goals and study plans.

Afterwards, the group walked along the High Line, taking in Chelsea Market, the gardens, and the views over the Hudson River. Lunch was relaxed and unhurried, giving everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. By this point, the bonds between students felt effortless.

Connection, Community, and Conversation

What stood out most across the weekend was how naturally everyone connected. Within minutes, students were chatting and laughing as though they’d known each other for years. Parents spoke warmly about meeting the CGA staff and seeing the relationships their children had formed online come to life in person.

One staff member summed it up perfectly, saying how special it was to watch the students interact so comfortably and confidently. For many parents, the highlight was finally meeting other families who share the same belief in flexible, high-quality education.

Students echoed this sentiment, saying things like:

It’s so great to finally meet everyone in person — it feels like such a positive environment.

I love how supportive the teachers are and how everyone at CGA wants to help you learn what you’re passionate about.

Bringing Our Global Community to Life

New York reminded us that while CGA students may study from different corners of the world, they share a common spirit of curiosity, friendship, and ambition. The city that never sleeps was the perfect place to celebrate it.

Our NYC meetup was a whirlwind weekend from the top of Rockefeller Center to exploring MoMA, touring NYU with a CGA alum, walking the High Line, and sharing meals at Radio City Music Hall and Angelo’s Pizza. What struck me most was that when our official meet-up ended, students didn’t want to leave. They opted for dessert together at Hudson Yards and kept the conversations going. More than one parent told me they were amazed by the warmth of our community and how quickly the students connected. 

Watching students who met online forge genuine friendships face-to-face reminded me that online learning doesn’t limit connection, it creates a foundation for it. These meetups bring our virtual hallways to life, and we can’t wait to plan more opportunities for our CGA families to come together.- Brittanie Bates, US Principal CGA