History

Columbia Academy began in 1967 in a wood frame house with 35 students. Due to increased enrollment, two other temporary locations were utilized. In 1970, 54 acres were purchased and a new school, the building as we know it today, was built. The period of time in which Columbia Academy opened marked a tumultuous time in education. Columbia Academy certainly was a product of many educational movements of that era. Today, Columbia Academy adheres to and promotes its policy of non-discrimination.

Grades 1-12 are presently housed in the main school building. Grades 1-6 have access to activity periods. During these periods, students attend computer, music, physical education, and art classes, as well as go to the library. Accelerated Reader (AR) is available to first through sixth grade classes. Two elementary musicals are held each year. Columbia Academy has an elementary and a high school computer lab. A Biology/Chemistry lab is accessible to high school classes. Columbia Academy has a fenced in playground for Preschool/Kindergarten and a large playground between the Kindergarten building and the choir room/band hall for elementary students.

The Preschool/Kindergarten program comprises of K3, K4, and K5 classes and is housed in a new building. Students have access to music and physical education classes and visit the library. K5 students also attend computer and art activity classes.

Columbia Academy employs a security guard throughout the school day and at athletic events. Buildings are secured using a magnetic locking system.

Columbia Academy offers Choir. Students in choir perform at community events and churches several times throughout the year and compete in choir competitions. Recently, CA added an Elementary Ensemble consisting of upper elementary students. This group sings at various school and community events and in local churches. 

Columbia Academy’s athletic facilities include: the James E. Pope Football Stadium, the G.G. “Bull” Flynt Gymnasium, the Rusty Moore Memorial Field House, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor Archery facility. Columbia Academy offers football (peewee, JV, HS), basketball (peewee, 5th/6th Travel, JV, HS), baseball (JV, HS), Cheer (peewee, JV, HS), Cougarettes (peewee dance team), track, tennis, cross country, golf, and archery.

Columbia Academy’s campus was enhanced in 2008 with the addition of its Fine Arts Center, which seats 750 patrons. The center is utilized for school productions, academic awards programs, graduation, weekly devotions, and a host of other school related purposes. The facility is available for rent by the community for events such as banquets, wedding receptions, and so forth.

Columbia Academy has consistently maintained, in elementary and secondary education, full accreditation status with the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). In addition, Columbia Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), which are two regional accreditation bodies with international connection.