Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School

10350 Old Columbia Rd.

Columbia, MD 21046

32 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 24, 2024

My daughter went to summer camp over the summer at Columbia Academy and it was truly an awesome experience for her. She loved meeting new friends, making play dates and most of all, she enjoyed all the cool outings Ms. Lexi planned for the kids to have an amazing summer. There was a situation or two that was addressed immediately. And as a parent I appreciate knowing that things will be addressed and not swept under the carpet. All of the summer staff were super friendly and were great with the kids. The pool 3 days a week and then a field trip every Friday. I don’t know if any other camp where kids will have as much fun as the kids that went to CA camp this summer. As a result of my daughter having such a good summer with CA camp, she asked me about going to the elementary School in fall. I inquired about it, and let’s just say, my daughter is now a student at Columbia Academy.Her teacher, Mrs. Calloway, has been awesome so far and I have witnessed her being caring and attentive to her students even when she didn’t know I was watching. That’s the type of teacher I want for my child and all the other kiddos. The Receptionist, Brittany- Omg! She is super sweet and attentive to parents and students. The before and after care staff are amazing as well. Mr. Swider, The head of the School is very kind and helpful. I was having an issue with a situation and I talked to him and in that moment it was handled. I often see him walking around the school as I do my drop offs and pick ups and I like that because that because it gives me a feeling that he is checking to make sure things are running smoothly and making sure his building is safe. The Dean of student, Mr. Stovall is very kind and helpful as well. He can often be seen outside with the kids during after care playing basketball with the kids. I love to walk up to pick my daughter up and see that engagement. My daughter and I are very grateful for this experience and we hope to be able to be part of the CA family for years to come.If you are thinking about a private school for your kid, please schedule a tour. Don’t let the reviews be the reason you decide not to. In my opinion, the School year is off to an amazing Start. Praying for all the kiddos and hero’s at that school that this year will be a safe and productive year.Thank you so much Columbia Academy!!!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2023

This school was a nightmare. When we switched our child to public school he was drastically behind his peers (he has no learning disabilities). We are now paying for a tutor for catch up this year. This school does not do anything about bullying either. Our child was physically and verbally bullied to the point he was in tears at pick up day after day begging not to go back. His teacher was absurdly bad (and I try to give teachers a lot of grace because of how tough their jobs are!). The administration will act like it's listening and attentive to concerns but they are only acting to placate parents. Enrolling our child at this school is a massive mistake we will regret for years to come.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2023

In the last few years this school has really taken a turn for the worse.
Submitted by student on February 10, 2022

Terrible staff, the students leave trash everywhere and one made a racial joke to another kid. The teachers aren’t any better. They don’t say anything to the students bad behavior and pick up behind them as if they’re slaves. They don’t have a gym teacher, the science teacher doesn’t know what STEM fair is yet he assigned it to the students, and forgot about it completely. The reading teacher has to take over STEM fair and the students aren’t even done with the questions yet.
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2020

School does not have the staff and resources necessary to effectively support all of the students/classrooms they expanded to this year. Some teachers are not trained/experienced and they do not have the training or staff development infrastructure to support them. Leadership is minimal and hands off, very poor communication with parents (often not timely or inaccurate). Experiences between different teachers/classrooms is significant and students with more intense needs don´t receive any specialized/additional support so teachers are stretched thin trying to support them and the rest of the class.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2020

My child was neglected and not given the attention and care promised.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2020

Find another school because this one is not it . There are so many other schools to put your money in
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2019

I like the school and I think they are very attentive, involved, and caring. They have instilled confidence in my childs academic abilities and I couldn't be happier. We will continue her till 8th grade.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2017

Our daughter Tori just finished 10 years at Columbia Academy (PreK-8th grade) and we were overall very happy with the school. All classrooms have smart boards. Middle school which is 5th-8th grade used tablets although issues with connection at times. Biography project presentations as early as 1st grade to help with fear of public speaking. Science fair projects 3rd-8th which students had to individually discuss with the judges to ensure they actually did the project. Kids get exposed to foreign language, PE (gym) and the arts (art, music, drama) through rotational daily schedules which our daughter enjoyed. All students get 30 minute daily recess after lunch to reenergize or use as study period. Lots of educational field trips. Could use a more structured math program in middle school so kids are learning Algebra I in 8th grade vs math 8 with some Algebra to better prepare for high school. School offers awards for student of the month in each grade as well as virtue of the month. Finally got a good Spanish teacher the last year we were there so hopefully that will help better prepare kids for HS. Also did enhancements to their computer technology curriculum and now involve ways to research. Logistics are great ~ great for working parents. Options of 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. School rarely closes ~ non-academic days for snow days. Very small class sizes. Our daughter's class size ranged 8-15 kids mostly on the low end. Her 2016 graduating class was 8 kids. Great teachers who care not only as education professionals but who help prepare the kids for life (organization, study habits, behaviorally, etc). Great administration ~ always willing to hear feedback and implement what works. Head of admin really cares about making improvements and spends a great deal of time communicating with parents. CA offers great camps during winter and spring breaks as well as 10 weeks during the summer although they need to pro-rate the week of 4th of July. Summer camps broken down by grade and each week involves structured schedule of activities, 3 days of pool at different locations and a field trip. Our daughter is now at Chapelgate Christian Academy and has a 96-100 in all 8 of her classes for the first 3 quarters ~ Thank you Columbia Academy for preparing her for success. Head of admin has my email if you would like additional info. Val W-H
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2016

This is our first year at the school and we have been so impressed with all the teachers and administrators. Our child's confidence has grown so much this year. We are excited for many more years at the school.
Submitted by other on August 10, 2016

My son has been attending Summer Camp at Columbia Academy over the past two years (entering grades 1 and 2). It is a great all around camp. Kids are divided into classrooms based on their grade. They do about 2 hours of schoolwork, followed by afternoons at various Columbia Association pools and amazing field trips. My son says the students and teachers are so nice. He's never been bored, and is always eager to get there in the morning, and is in a great mood when I pick him up. Highly recommend for camp. I'm sure the school itself is wonderful, based on our camp experience.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2016

My daughter started Columbia Academy as a kindergartner and has been there for the past 3 years. I am so grateful for the quality of education she has received. Her second grade teacher has made learning fun and challenging for Sophia this year. We also couldn't be happier with the specials teachers (Spanish, art, music, ELM) and after care program. The teaching staff and administration staff instill values in the students and require the kids respect their teachers and peers. The smaller class size is also a plus. My daughter's confidence and self-esteem has grown significantly over the past three years and I think that is a direct reflection of the supportive environment at Columbia Academy.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2016

My son is very energetic, curious, and outgoing so in looking for a school it was important to me that I found a place where he could grow not only socially but academically as well. I felt that in public school my five year old was labeled, and possibly neglected in such big class of 23 children causing him to fall behind. I have to say I am extremely impressed at how his teacher and staff at Columbia Academy have been able to channel all his energy in such wonderful, productive and positive manner. I appreciate the patience, understanding and efforts form the staff to communicate even what some would consider trivial. Mrs. Hostkamp has been awesome in nurturing the excitement in him to read and learn, which is a miracle in my eyes. His academic progress has been extraordinary in such short period of time. I know that academically he will be prepared for high school and a competent college student. As a mother also working on my professional development and a more fulfilling career path, I go about my day at work fully confident that my son is getting the best education, with people that care about him as if he was family.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2016

My son attends Columbia Academy. It has been an incredible year for him. His teacher really loves him for who he is. All of the teachers are actually amazing and the class sizes is very small. They have after care after school and clubs for the students. Misbehavior effecting others is not tolerated by the teachers or the administrative leaders, and the character education program supports a positive environment. My son was having a problem and the school stepped in and helped him day one. The school administration is really helpful and they have a strong team of people. The school has excellent diversity in the kids but in the staff and this is something that my family and I were looking for. The school works with our schedule and I know that he will have a good day at school and don't have to worry about the phone ringing. He is learning to love school. He is learning to form positive feelings about going to school. He can write leaps and bounds above children his age because of his teacher. We also like that the school allows the parents to walk the kids to morning homeroom and to even walk to the class to pick up at after care. I am allowed to meet with his teacher every day. We are very thankful for Columbia Academy. It is the best school and offers a sense of community, caring, safety, and diversity, that no other school can match. You can feel the sense of caring and family that the school creates at events like Movie Night. We are more than happy with our choice and we feel that this school is very worth the money because our son will not be able to do school over again once he is grown. Check out Columbia Academy in Columbia!
Submitted by other on January 28, 2016

We have been with the Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School close 2 years now. First year, I was extremely happy with the teacher. However, second year, I started to get very upset with the school director and some teachers, the way how they handle the situations between kids. They are taking small issues and make it as a big issue. I think the reason is that they do not have the proper education for teaching small kids (K and 1st grade). They are 5-6 years old and not all the teachers know how to educate/teach these kids since they do not have a degree on early kid education. This is a big disappointment for me. I would not recommend this school to any of my friends.
Submitted by other on January 26, 2016

We have been a Columbia Academy family for 13+ years and have been extremely happy with the school. Our daughter, now a freshman in college attended CA from K-8. Her transition into high school honors & AP classes was academically very smooth. Our son is currently in 6th grade and has been there since K. The classes sizes are small enough that each child gets necessary attention; in our experience the staff are willing (and have time) to 'stretch' a child academically as needed. Teachers seem to enjoy coming up with creative ways to help the kids learn. It's obvious that the teachers & directors care about the kids. But it's not just about straight academics. The school holds an outdoor day at a local park each spring & fall, including students and families, each grade has ~1 field trip each month. The whole school participates in a Culture Fair, Science Fair and Biography Bash (research, come dressed as and report on a 'real' person for Hallowe'en). The PTSA sponsors several events each year, like Family Bingo night, movie night and the school engages in volunteer activities like drives for the Maryland Food Bank. The school is open from 6:30 a to 6:30 p, without most of the weather related school closings with the public schools. The school population offers a rich diversity and a great overall experience for the kids. If you live in this area, you should check it out!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2015

Our son attended Columbia Academy for kindergarten last year and now started first grade. We've been extremely happy with the school and staff. The class sizes are small and the kids get a lot of individual attention and care. The teachers are truly amazing and are able to get the kids excited about learning. Our son loves going there every day! We highly recommend this school to everyone!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

My daughter attended Columbia Academy for four years. She loved her teachers and really got a solid foundation that will last forever. When we had to move her to another school she was above grade level. I recommend Columbia for an alternative over Howard County's extremely over-crowded schools.
Submitted by other on August 02, 2015

Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School is the elite private school in Howard County Maryland. This is a school that has definitely evolved. This is a true bully-free school that is accessible to parents year round, open from 6:30 to 6:30 daily. The students here are great kids, there are a lot of extracurricular things for the children/parents, the curriculum is excellent, and I never worry about safety. Further, the teachers are unparalleled & are really caring with class sizes under 16 students in every room so every child gets personal attention. And "bad teachers" are simply not allowed there...period! The school is run better than any school I have ever known with a fabulous & creative Head of School and an amazing and tireless long-time lead Director - who both could never be replaced. The new camps Director is better than ever too and the school was so lucky to bring her on. Hot lunch program, tablets for all students, smart boards in all rooms, full range of specials, and monthly field trips. Facility could use updates but it seems that is starting to happen. Parents are treated like family and after gaining electronic access we are welcome to take our child to homeroom!...unlike in the public school. In Howard County anyone can get "average for free"...but for kids who go through the whole Columbia Academy experience (tuition help options exist btw), it is well worth the money for your child's long term success in life. There are so many reasons we are paying for Columbia Academy EMS! Where else will the Headmaster call everyone on Sunday night so he can remind you of everything you need to know for the next week!? Truly a well-oiled machine with phenomenal and caring team leadership that is affecting what matters most - the teaching and the kids.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2015

We have been with Columbia Academy EMS for two years. It's been a great experience with all of the teachers being very caring, hard working, and dedicated. Every teacher has bent over backwards to help. The administration is approachable and friendly. The director has been there for a long time and knows all the kids by face where that is really rare. The school's head is very dynamic and insures that there's no bullying and that every staff member is accountable and evaluated and the instruction is sound. The communication is the best with newsletters or phone calls and a big Friday email that tells everyone everything that needs to be known. There are never any secrets at CA. It's a great family-like school for kids who need a comfortable atmosphere, no bullying, small class size where the kids needs are known and met, a place to go when other schools won't open for working parents...and they even give every child a tablet. Cost is reasonable instead of paying out 30 grand for a large school where your kid won't be given as much 1 to 1 attention...and then you can't save up money for a high school. It has been a much better option than the public school.