School Characteristics

Columbia Academy is a independent school educating grades K3 - 12. Columbia Academy is a member of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). The MAIS provides its member schools with accreditation standards, as well as providing and regulating their athletics/extracurricular activities. The school entity is a chartered non-profit organization and has obtained 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS. Subject to standards regarding accreditation and activities as promulgated by the MAIS, all decisions and policies rest with each member school's board of directors and administration.

A twelve member board of directors develops the policy of the school. This board is elected at an annual meeting of the membership. The board members serve for 4 year terms. The board also assists in developing budgets, maintaining building and grounds, fundraising, membership and admissions evaluations, and hiring of the headmaster of the school. The headmaster hires all other faculty and staff members. The headmaster is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school.

Columbia Academy began in 1967 in a wood-frame house with 35 students. Due to  increase in enrollment, two other temporary locations were used before 1970. In 1970, 54 acres were purchased and a brand 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 K5 through 12 are presently housed in the main school building. There are two sections for each class in grades K5 through 6. There is a elementary computer lab and high school computer lab, a high school biology and chemistry lab, and library shared by all students. The K3 and K4 students are located in a separate building. There is also a separate music hall shared by all students. Athletic facilities include the gym, field house, football, baseball and softball fields that are all located on campus. In addition to a 750 seat Fine Arts Center was dedicated in 2008.

Columbia Academy has consistently maintained, in elementary and secondary education, an AA accreditation rating with the MAIS, which is the highest rating awarded.  In addition the school is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) which is a regional accreditation body with international connections. Presently, 31% of our teachers hold advanced degrees. Students can compete in Academic Betterment Competitions, science fairs, spelling bees, and quiz bowls. Elementary students are encouraged to compete in the Accelerated Reading Program.

Columbia Academy fields athletic teams in football. basketball, baseball, fast pitch softball, soccer, tennis, track, cross country and golf. Our elementary students are able to participate in football and basketball. In addition, there are cheerleading squads and dance teams in elementary, junior high and high school.

Columbia Academy is committed to exposing our students to the arts and allowing those who are gifted in these areas to express themselves through the arts. The elementary students take music and perform a program at least once a year. Junior high and high school students may elect to participate in our now award winning show choirs. There are  drama productions each year that include both elementary and secondary students. We also have a Christian Performing Arts Team that participates in a variety of artistic mediums. Elementary students participate weekly in a visual arts class and enter into an annual art competition.

There are other clubs and organizations available to our students. They include the Key Club, Honor Society, DECA, BETA Club and Student Counsel.

When ask what people liked best about Columbia Academy patrons answered, "the environment." Although not affiliated with any particular denomination, Columbia Academy was founded upon and continues to be guided by Christian values and Biblical doctrine. God has truly blessed Columbia Academy during its nearly 45 year existence. Being a smaller school, many people consider Columbia Academy a big family. Practically everyone knows each other, and many of the students are the 2nd generation "cougars". Parents and students consider our campus to be safe and that our school provides an excellent setting to learn and mature.

Second to God's blessings, what has made Columbia Academy successful? Certainly a history of good teachers and administrators has been helpful. However, the backbone of Columbia Academy has always been parental involvement and participation. Thousands of volunteer hours have made students' time at Columbia Academy more special. There is no way the school could have survived if these hours would have been compensated monetarily. The new generation of "Cougar" patrons are just as eager to work to make our school great.

Columbia Academy Mission Statement

The mission of Columbia Academy is to provide a safe, spiritual, family environment where teachers help students to grow physically, morally, socially, and intellectually in order that they may become productive citizens in today’s society. 

Our Beliefs:

• Students learning is the chief priority for the school.

• Student's learning should be the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.

• A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.

• The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to enable students to become confident self-directed, lifelong learners.

• Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.

• Students learn in different ways through a variety of instructional approaches.

• Teachers, administrators, parents and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school's mission.

• Students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process.

• A student's self esteem is enhanced by a positive relationship and mutual respect among and between students and staff.

• Schools need to function as a learning organization and promote opportunities for everyone in the school to work together as a community of learners.

School History Page