Overview

Columbia Academy's Elementary and Middle School Program (Kindergarten through Eighth Grade) features activities designed to stimulate the student's intellectual development. Our small class size, 16 or fewer students per class, allows for the individual needs of each student to be considered. The programs and activities are designed to challenge the children at the appropriate levels.

We offer a comprehensive curriculum which includes: reading and language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, including geography and history. Instruction in foreign language and culture is provided. The components of our educational program include: strong academics, creativity, physical education, information technology, music, art and self-expression.

In keeping with our philosophy, each student's needs are considered when tailoring our instruction. We provide an Enrichment Program, which enables the faculty to challenge the students at their appropriate levels. We find it essential to evaluate student progress on a continual basis, so programs may be implemented and tailored as needed.

We currently incorporate the Silver-Burdett-Ginn, Open Court, MacMillan/McGraw Hill and Saxon text series in major subject areas. Common threads throughout the subject areas reinforce the natural progression of learning. The Academy's talented faculty also provides meaningful experiences through the use of teacher-created units that further stimulate learning and enthusiasm. Guest speakers and field trips provide our students with first-hand experiences.

We recognize the importance of continued structure in the after-school hours. Students enrolled in the after-school program will be able to participate in many activities, which include: study hall, intramurals, technology, arts/crafts, science.

The Academy's goal is to provide an enjoyable educational experience that students will value throughout their lives.

Columbia Academy is a private State-licensed school. Our policies and procedures contained in this packet have been developed to assure a safe environment and an enriching and rewarding experience for your child.
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Philosophy

Our goal is to teach children how to learn. The Academy's philosophy is to provide students with educational tools and experiences that will stimulate their desire to become well informed in the fundamental subject matters and foster respect for human values, which will help them as they become productive citizens.
We encourage students to recognize the importance of making appropriate social choices and having and demonstrating respect for individuals. Good communication skills are the foundation for solid relationships with peers, teachers, and family.

Educational success begins with the building blocks of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Columbia Academy enhances these basics with opportunities for creativity in critical thinking and problem solving. We are dedicated to challenging the students with subject matter tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Additional instruction in athletics, information technology, the fine arts, music, computer technology and foreign language are important components of developing a well-rounded student.

Columbia Academy does not discriminate based on race, color or national origin in the admission of students and the employment of faculty and staff.
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Mission Statement

The mission of Columbia Academy is to provide our students with successful learning opportunities. These opportunities are designed to meet the individual needs of our students as we prepare them to be responsible citizens and valued members of the community.

To achieve this we:

Include our families and the community in the educational process.
Provide challenging curricula and individualized attention that encourage our student's creativity and love of learning.

Code of Behavior

Parents should review the Code of Student Behavior with their children. This policy will be discussed with students on a continual basis throughout the year.

Student will respect themselves, other students, teachers, staff, and the personal property of others as well as school property.
Students will obey school rules and follow school policies.
Students will be honest.
Students will be on time.
Students will be prepared for class.
Students will not be physically or verbally abusive of others.
Students will not willfully disrupt class or school activities.
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Student Assembly Standards and Practices

Purpose: The purpose of an all-school assembly, held on a regular schedule, is to build the sense of school spirit and community, enhance the communication between administration, staff and students, recognize student achievement, and provide learning and enrichment opportunities for our students.

Topics for Assemblies:

Recognition: Student birthdays, special achievement awards, and student achievement outside of the school environment.
Communication/Motivation: Upcoming school events, fundraising projects, community projects, new staff and new students.
Educational Activities: Guest speakers, visiting author, artist, musician, and scientists (parents can be very helpful in this area), grade-wide or school-wide spelling bee, math bee, geography jeopardy, student talent show.
Character Education: Each year we study character-building traits pertinent to the entire student body. Building strong character and self-esteem is a very important component of our mission. Along with the Code of Student Behavior we strive to provide the students with a strong base in life skills.
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The Student's Day

Columbia Academy offers the following programs for children Kindergarten through Eighth Grade:
Academic Day - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (mandatory for grades Pre-K Enrichment - 4)
Academic Day - 8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (mandatory for grades 5 - 8)
After Care Program - 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (fee added to base tuition for academic day)
Extended day scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Columbia Academy is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday year round, with the exception of some holidays and most inclement weather days. Please note the school calendar for a listing of holiday closings.
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Homework Policy

The purpose of the homework policy is to provide meaningful practice and review of the child's academic day. It will reinforce the child's study skills and personal responsibility to learning. It will develop the child's organizational skills and ability to work independently. It will provide parents with an overview of the curriculum.
The teacher will assign homework from the following subject areas: reading, spelling, math, social studies, science and English. The teacher will select the areas to be reviewed on a daily basis. Homework will not be assigned from every subject area each evening.
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Progress Reports

Progress reports will be issued on a quarterly basis for students for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. Third through eighth grades will be issued progress reports on a trimester basis. The calendar includes the dates that marking period's end and progress reports are issued.
Parents are encouraged to attend conferences during the scheduled weeks. We also encourage parents to schedule conferences at other times during the year, as needed. Open communication is imperative to the student's progress and success.
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Honor Roll

Columbia Academy implements a High Honor and Honors Program for academic achievement.
Announcement Standards:

Honor Roll Assembly ? whereby students are acknowledged for their efforts and achievements.
Certificates are awarded to each participant.
Name and grade level of each honors student posted in school.
Director's breakfast for all participants and their guests.
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Uniform Policies

All students are expected to wear their regular uniform on a daily basis. The uniform policy must be adhered to at all times. A copy of the policy is available in the administrative office.
Physical Education Clothes and Changing - The Physical Education uniform may be purchased from the school office. Please note that T-shirts, gym shorts and sweats are not a part of the normal uniform and should not be worn as such. These items are acceptable for Physical Education only. Students in grades kindergarten through fourth may wear the P.E. uniform on the days that P.E. is scheduled. Students in grades five through eight must wear their regular uniform to school everyday and bring P.E. clothes to change in to on designated P.E. days.
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Snacks and Lunch Program

Daily, Columbia Academy serves nutritious morning snacks for kindergarten students and afternoon snacks for all students. Afternoon snacks for all grades are served during the After School Program.
Columbia Academy offers a hot lunch program to interested students. A monthly menu is available for your child to make his/her selection. Students may select to purchase lunch or bring their lunches. The cafeteria is equipped to heat up lunch items if needed.
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Field Trips

We select field trips that stimulate students and enhance their academics. Prior to a field trip, all parents will receive a permission slip with detailed information. Grade level schedules are available in the monthly newsletter.
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School Bus Route

Columbia Academy has a morning and afternoon bus route. We are able to serve most areas in Columbia. Pick-up and drop off times depend on where you reside in relation to the established route. Details of the routes are published in the summer. Please inquire in the office for additional details.
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Before/After Care Program

Columbia Academy's Before and After School Care program is licensed by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) under current state child care regulations. Our goal for this program is to provide for each child a variety of materials and resources to compliment their academic day. Scheduled activities will consist of study hall/homework time (grade appropriate), snack, gym/outside time, art projects, and games.

The hours of this program are:

Before Care: 6:30-9:00 a.m.
After Care: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
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Volunteer Policy

We appreciate parents and family members who wish to volunteer their time and services. If you would like to volunteer at Columbia Academy, please pre-arrange the visit with the classroom teacher or the administration. We welcome your support and appreciate the time that parents share with the school as volunteers.