The original Columbia Academy began in 1967 at 904 Park Avenue in this little "schoolhouse."

On September 8, 1967, Columbia Academy opened its doors to grades first through sixth. Students registered the last week of August and the first week of September.  The 1967 school session began with a completely remodeled and refurnished building.  The school bought library books, maps, globes, state-approved textbooks, and playground equipment.

The first faculty members included Miss Jessie Ball, Headmistress and fifth- and sixth-grade teacher; Mrs. W. A. Philips, third- and fourth-grade teacher; and Mrs. O. C. Ellzey, first- and second-grade teachers.  Mrs. Elmo Harrison also taught Spanish to grades three through six. 

The students selected red and blue as their school colors, “Faith and Courage as their motto, and named themselves the Rebels.  The first Parent-Teacher Club was organized.  The club set and reached its main goal during that first year: to have the school accredited by the Mississippi State Accrediting Commission. 

It was decided that CA would add a grade each consecutive school year.  So, in 1968, CA offered educational courses in grades one through seven and hired Mrs. Bess McLean to teach third and fourth grades – and Mrs. Minnie Brister to teach seventh grade.  During that second year, CA purchased its first school bus and bought a piano so that music could be taught.                                         

In the fall of 1969, CA had outgrown its Park Avenue building. The newly-elected board members, Dr. Richard Campbell (chairman), Mr. Charles Wilkinson, Mr. Frank Miano, Mr. Randolph Barnes, Mrs. Alfred Whitaker, Mr. Jack Forbes, Mr. Richard Price, Mr. O.K. Magee, Mr. Liston Morris, Dr. J. H. Haney, Mr. James R. Davis (legal advisor), and Mr. Robert Carter, got to work to find a new facility.   The Ball family in Hopewell donated the use of the Hopewell School facility.  CA completely renovated it, added four new classrooms, cleared land to provide more playground area – and bought furniture, more library books, a science laboratory, additional playground equipment, and two more buses.  In January of 1970, grades one through eight moved into the new facility.

The Hopewell Building, used by CA for the 1969-1970 school year.

Many new faculty members came on board: Mr. T. H. Blackeny, Headmaster and Director of Choral music; Mrs. Dorthea Murray, first grade; Mrs. Ellen Bobo, second grade; Mrs. Frank Sinclair, third grade; Mrs. Bess McLean, fourth grade; Mrs. Nora Anderson, fifth grade; Mrs. Lela Carraway, English; Mr. James LaFever, social studies; Mr. E. C. McNeil, mathematics; Mr. Chester Moore, science; Mrs. Sally Fortenberry, physical education.  Mrs. Jane Miano was the secretary for the school. 

The following activities were added to raise funds and boost school spirit: educational trips, a Halloween carnival, a Halloween play, a donkey ball game, a science club, library club, and the school newspaper – The Rebel – went into publication. A newly-formed basketball team, coached by Mr. LaFever was cheered on by the Rebelettes, to second place in the South Mississippi Private School Tournament.  The school’s Christmas parade float, Christmas in America, took first place that year.  In the spring the first school annual, Memories of Columbia Academy, was published.

By January of 1970 enrollment had increased to a level which caused Columbia High Academy, grades 9 – 12, to convene in a temporary location on Highway 13 North at an automobile agency building.  A board of directors was elected to govern this group: Mr. Jimmy Shaw, Mr. Burley Moree, Mr. Floyd Moore, Mr. James L. Watts, Mr. Austin Wilks, Mr. J. L. Watts, and Mr. Charles Ball.  The following teachers were hired: Miss Marsh Coman, English; Mrs. Paul Morris, social studies; Mr. Forest Ball, science; Mr. Tommy Bass, mathematics; Mrs. Willie Simmons, home economics; and Mrs. Carmell Harvey, business education.  Mrs. N. L. Watts was named Headmaster.

The students chose orange and white as their school colors and named themselves the Columbia High Academy Cougars.

During the summer of 1970, Improve Academy, Good Hope Academy, Columbia Academy, and Columbia High Academy merged into one school.   The board members combined to act as one board.  In the fall of 1970, Mr. Joe Courtney and Mr. Marvin Polk filled the vacancies created on the board when Dr. J. H. Haney and Mr. Randolph Barnes resigned.  A new building had to be located.  The membership purchased a fifty-four acre tract of land on Highway 98 East at Lakeview.  Plans were drawn for a plant that would house grades one through twelve, a library, headmaster’s offices, and additional classroom space for future expansion.  A gymnasium, music room, and lunchroom facilities were added in a separate building.

Columbia Academy, fully accredited, with 390 students in grades one through twelve, now occupying the new school on Highway 98 East, launched into its fourth year of operation in September, 1970.