St Columba School

1801 East 3rd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on June 08, 2017

At first I chose St. Columba because of its superior academics. About half of the 8th graders enroll in sophomore classes at the high school. But I came to realize that the true greatness of St. Columba is in the welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is made to feel special and part of things. The arts are also magical. The performance of Wizard of Oz would have been outstanding if a high school had performed it, but the actors were 6th and 7th graders. St. Columba is a caring Christian community.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2017

My son had a great experience at St. Columba. We are a conservative family and like that Christian values are instilled by the teachers and yet, children and parents from all walks of life and political viewpoints come together to create a place where everyone is treated fairly. When disciplinary action is required, the principal is great at making the student take responsibility for his/her actions and thus grow as a person. The school faculty uses common sense practices and doesn't allow the disrespectful behavior that I hear about from friends whose children are in public middle schools.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2017

I'm a former student of St. Columba and have a unique first hand experience when it come to the daily life at the school. To start I should point out that the academic material is average and presented in dull way, the arts programs (especially visual arts) are average and provide little opportunity for self expression, and student are always under pressure to make to school look good. The level of bullying at the school is also unacceptable. Teachers are expected to report any incidents of bullying to the principle who does nothing, NOTHING. To make matters worse the principle is also a rude and volatile individual who simply cares about making the school and himself look better, while blatantly disregarding parent, student, and staff complaints or concerns. Many of the teachers have important concerns that have gone unheard by the principle. This leads to conflict and a general negativity in the classroom. Many of my fellow classmates harbor similar animosity toward the school and feel a need for change. In the six years I attended the school I only had three decent teachers who had a positive impact on my time at the school. Please look into other private school alternatives in the area such as the Liberty School, Columbine Christian School, and Durango Montessori School.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2016

Both of my sons attended middle school at St. Columba and I can honestly say that it is one of the best parenting decisions I ever made. As a teacher in the public schools, I know both sides of the coin. It's obvious that their education was more comprehensive and rigorous. They were held to a very high standard and tutoring was offered, free of charge, if needed. The material and curriculum was much more 'classical' and offered a depth and breadth that spanned subjects. They educate creatively and it's obvious that the teachers are passionate about their work and ways to share lessons that are dynamic and engaging. My boys LOVED their teachers and often said that they felt loved. I would not classify either of my boys as Catholic School types, yet they both recognize what they were given in their time at St. Columba and are thankful. They absolutely loved it. The music and drama program is the best in town, as is the band. They are not an afterthought, but a passion! The sports programs are awesome and St. Columba always dominates history and science fairs. There is no bullying. There is simply no room for it. There is a very high standard for strong personal values. My son marches to the beat of his own drum and was embraced. St. Columba did two things. They passed on a superior body of knowledge founded in the classics and they worked everyday to cultivate a certain kind of person.... to equip them with the skills, habits, and aptitudes necessary to embrace truth and to become the person they were truly created to be. No small thing!And the food in the cafeteria is shear magic! I didn't have to make a lunch for three years, because Ms. Gina is, to quote my son, 'the best cook in the world". Thank you St. Columba!
Submitted by teacher on May 16, 2015

It is hard for me to compare the greatness of St. Columba to public school. I worked in public schools and tried for years to get a job at St. Columba. I stumbled upon something so much more than a job. St. Columba is a community of learners, from the students to the teachers. There is a huge emphasis on the parents being the primary educators of the students, and it is a method that works! Students are constantly achieving and working hard alongside their peers. Students learn what a functioning, positive, supportive community is through their school experience. I observe the students making life-long, meaningful connections with their learning, through their peers, teachers, and educational experiences. Education could not get more individualized. The teachers work closely together to know every student s educational background, strengths, weaknesses, and what motivates them. Technology is used successfully, on a daily basis, as an enrichment tool for students. From the after-school teacher to the principal, we educate the whole child. If I had a school-aged student, there would be no question of where to send them for the top educational experience.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2015

We have a second grader who began in preschool, continued into Kindergarden and is doing great both academically and socially at St. Columba. He consistently scores above his grade level on standardized tests. He loves his teacher. He consistently loves going to school and we have yet to have a day when we were challenged to get him 'out the door' in the morning because he did not want to be in school. The faith formation, values, and academics are top notch. As a parent we have an open door to his teachers and the school's administrative staff. Communication between school and family is both welcomed and encouraged. We are thankful to have such a great school in Durango!
Submitted by other on February 11, 2015

I am a student at St. Columba and I think that it is a great school. It efficiently prepares students for high school and has chosen very constructive curriculum. I have been going to this school for about two years and I don't have any complaints other than the fact that there is no St. Columba High School! If you are looking for a school then I would strongly encourage you to choose St. Columba. It has helped me in ways that will stay with me throughout the rest of my life.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2015

I have two children at St. Columba and we could not be happier. St Columba has challenged my children academically and has helped them achieve in ways they never expected. The students there are held to a high moral standard and are learning the skills of life to stand out in the crowd because of their manners, their respect for others, and their love of God. The teachers are the best and combine new technology with tried and true traditional techniques. Leadership is clear, consistent, and administered with compassion. There has been much transition over the past few years; but, the school has improved in many ways. I would highly recommend St. Columba to any family. At St. Columba you will find a community of love, service, acceptance and forgiveness. St. Columba is family.
Submitted by teacher on May 06, 2014

I am a former teacher and parent. Before the nuns retired, the academic and moral expectations were high. There was organization and structure which were beneficial for teachers because we could plan our curriculum based on a tried and true pedagogical model. Teachers were required to rise to such standards. Sister Edith had spent many years in the classroom prior to being a principal. Through her experience, she could make helpful suggestions that were valued because they were applicable. As a leader she was efficient, calm, and fair. She surrounded herself with talented staff members because she understood the importance of a Catholic School education. Unfortunately, the current principal does not understand what a Catholic School is, or, for that matter education in general. He is a businessman and the school is run by businessmen for a profit. Children are disrespectful and academic standards have fallen below previous standards. Why pay tuition when the local public schools are available? In summation, St. Columba is not the school it once was. I would not recommend this school unless new leadership is established.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2014

We have been quite pleased with St. Columba School. The education has been excellent and the moral and spiritual development is much needed in today's society. It sounds as though the nuns were well liked but we have appreciated the fresh perspective of the current principal who brought up to date technology to the school and clearly communicates expectations. Last year we had an issue with a student in our child's class and when we discussed it with the principle he dealt with it immediately and in a professional manner. I do wish there were more accelerated academic opportunities but we have been reassured that with two certified teachers as well as an aide each student is receiving individualized attention. Our child's teacher communicates with us regularly re classroom activities and subject matter. This is much appreciated. Overall the parents seem interested in the quality of their children's education and I hope the teachers feel well supported. It seems that the children in our child's class are respectful and the classroom seems well managed and quite organized. I love that uniforms are required.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2013

My daughter has attended st columba since kindergarten. It is unfortunate that I have watched the leadership of this school go down hill greatly. Academically, socially, and overall. My daughter is bullied daily, she is excels I. Her academics but is not being challenged to her full abilities and is bored. The school is teaching to an average with I find personally below our standards. There is no AP classes offered for children who excel. It doesn't even seem to be noticed. Teachers are unhappy, turn over is large. There are few of the original staff there since we started this school. The cliques and favoritism that occurs is unconscionable!! It appalls me that bullying is acceptable at a catholic school. Many families have left. Others have moved in? The options for private schools in the area is limited, but one would think that manners, behavior, social acceptance would be exceptional at this school, I find the opposite, it is preached, but not practiced!
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2011

We began our children's Catholic education in San Diego before moving to Durango. Our four children attended St. Columba from 1st grade through 6th before we relocated to St. Louis. It was an absolutely fantastic school and all of our children would have attended through 8th grade had we not relocated as a career move. Sister Edith was the principal while we were there, but I understand she and Sister Kevin have since retired.
Submitted by student on September 13, 2009

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Submitted by parent on August 31, 2009

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