Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School

Posted: September 24, 2024

My daughter went to summer camp over the summer at Columbia Academy and it was truly an awesome experience for her. She loved meeting new friends, making play dates and most of all, she enjoyed all the cool outings Ms. Lexi planned for the kids to have an amazing summer. There was a situation or two that was addressed immediately. And as a parent I appreciate knowing that things will be addressed and not swept under the carpet. All of the summer staff were super friendly and were great with the kids. The pool 3 days a week and then a field trip every Friday. I don’t know if any other camp where kids will have as much fun as the kids that went to CA camp this summer. As a result of my daughter having such a good summer with CA camp, she asked me about going to the elementary School in fall. I inquired about it, and let’s just say, my daughter is now a student at Columbia Academy.
Her teacher, Mrs. Calloway, has been awesome so far and I have witnessed her being caring and attentive to her students even when she didn’t know I was watching. That’s the type of teacher I want for my child and all the other kiddos. The Receptionist, Brittany- Omg! She is super sweet and attentive to parents and students. The before and after care staff are amazing as well. Mr. Swider, The head of the School is very kind and helpful. I was having an issue with a situation and I talked to him and in that moment it was handled. I often see him walking around the school as I do my drop offs and pick ups and I like that because that because it gives me a feeling that he is checking to make sure things are running smoothly and making sure his building is safe. The Dean of student, Mr. Stovall is very kind and helpful as well. He can often be seen outside with the kids during after care playing basketball with the kids. I love to walk up to pick my daughter up and see that engagement. My daughter and I are very grateful for this experience and we hope to be able to be part of the CA family for years to come.
If you are thinking about a private school for your kid, please schedule a tour. Don’t let the reviews be the reason you decide not to. In my opinion, the School year is off to an amazing Start. Praying for all the kiddos and hero’s at that school that this year will be a safe and productive year.
Thank you so much Columbia Academy!!!

Posted: September 24, 2024

Posted: August 30, 2023

This school was a nightmare. When we switched our child to public school he was drastically behind his peers (he has no learning disabilities). We are now paying for a tutor for catch up this year. This school does not do anything about bullying either. Our child was physically and verbally bullied to the point he was in tears at pick up day after day begging not to go back. His teacher was absurdly bad (and I try to give teachers a lot of grace because of how tough their jobs are!). The administration will act like it's listening and attentive to concerns but they are only acting to placate parents. Enrolling our child at this school is a massive mistake we will regret for years to come.

Posted: August 30, 2023

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Posted: May 2, 2023

In the last few years this school has really taken a turn for the worse.

Posted: May 2, 2023

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Posted: February 10, 2022

Terrible staff, the students leave trash everywhere and one made a racial joke to another kid. The teachers aren’t any better. They don’t say anything to the students bad behavior and pick up behind them as if they’re slaves. They don’t have a gym teacher, the science teacher doesn’t know what STEM fair is yet he assigned it to the students, and forgot about it completely. The reading teacher has to take over STEM fair and the students aren’t even done with the questions yet.

Posted: February 10, 2022

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Posted: December 31, 2020

School does not have the staff and resources necessary to effectively support all of the students/classrooms they expanded to this year. Some teachers are not trained/experienced and they do not have the training or staff development infrastructure to support them. Leadership is minimal and hands off, very poor communication with parents (often not timely or inaccurate).
Experiences between different teachers/classrooms is significant and students with more intense needs don´t receive any specialized/additional support so teachers are stretched thin trying to support them and the rest of the class.

Posted: December 31, 2020

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Posted: November 11, 2020

My child was neglected and not given the attention and care promised.

Posted: November 11, 2020

Five year olds getting packets of homework. Completely inappropriate, spend your money elsewhere.

Posted: November 11, 2020

Posted: November 11, 2020

Posted: November 11, 2020

Lack of effective communication with parents and families.

Posted: November 11, 2020

Students with learning disabilities are not supported, it is impossible for one teacher to effectively handle an entire class and mange students with disabilities. CA needs to hire more specialized assistants for the teachers.

Posted: November 11, 2020

Posted: May 7, 2020

They can not deal with a childs learn difficulties at all ... teachers in summer are also neglectful. My son broke a finger and they didnt even give him a ice pack or me a call

Posted: May 7, 2020

Posted: May 7, 2020

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Posted: May 7, 2020

Find another school because this one is not it . There are so many other schools to put your money in

Posted: December 27, 2019

My son has been going since 2 and transitioned into elementary school. His teachears gives him tools she uses in school and sends it home to help him learn to read. I love.it

Posted: December 27, 2019

They work with the kids to ensure success

Posted: December 27, 2019

They teach them to Express their feelings and I appreciate that

Posted: December 27, 2019

Super nice and very involved with the kids

Posted: December 27, 2019

They have a holistic approach to learning

Posted: December 27, 2019

They do not allow bullying at the school

Posted: December 27, 2019

I like the school and I think they are very attentive, involved, and caring. They have instilled confidence in my childs academic abilities and I couldn't be happier. We will continue her till 8th grade.

Posted: March 9, 2017

Our daughter Tori just finished 10 years at Columbia Academy (PreK-8th grade) and we were overall very happy with the school. All classrooms have smart boards. Middle school which is 5th-8th grade used tablets although issues with connection at times. Biography project presentations as early as 1st grade to help with fear of public speaking. Science fair projects 3rd-8th which students had to individually discuss with the judges to ensure they actually did the project. Kids get exposed to foreign language, PE (gym) and the arts (art, music, drama) through rotational daily schedules which our daughter enjoyed. All students get 30 minute daily recess after lunch to reenergize or use as study period. Lots of educational field trips. Could use a more structured math program in middle school so kids are learning Algebra I in 8th grade vs math 8 with some Algebra to better prepare for high school. School offers awards for student of the month in each grade as well as virtue of the month. Finally got a good Spanish teacher the last year we were there so hopefully that will help better prepare kids for HS. Also did enhancements to their computer technology curriculum and now involve ways to research. Logistics are great ~ great for working parents. Options of 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. School rarely closes ~ non-academic days for snow days. Very small class sizes. Our daughter's class size ranged 8-15 kids mostly on the low end. Her 2016 graduating class was 8 kids. Great teachers who care not only as education professionals but who help prepare the kids for life (organization, study habits, behaviorally, etc). Great administration ~ always willing to hear feedback and implement what works. Head of admin really cares about making improvements and spends a great deal of time communicating with parents. CA offers great camps during winter and spring breaks as well as 10 weeks during the summer although they need to pro-rate the week of 4th of July. Summer camps broken down by grade and each week involves structured schedule of activities, 3 days of pool at different locations and a field trip. Our daughter is now at Chapelgate Christian Academy and has a 96-100 in all 8 of her classes for the first 3 quarters ~ Thank you Columbia Academy for preparing her for success. Head of admin has my email if you would like additional info. Val W-H

Posted: March 9, 2017

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Posted: December 14, 2016

Posted: December 14, 2016

Posted: December 14, 2016

Posted: December 14, 2016

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Posted: December 14, 2016

This is our first year at the school and we have been so impressed with all the teachers and administrators. Our child's confidence has grown so much this year. We are excited for many more years at the school.

Posted: August 10, 2016

Posted: August 10, 2016

Posted: August 10, 2016

My son has been attending Summer Camp at Columbia Academy over the past two years (entering grades 1 and 2). It is a great all around camp. Kids are divided into classrooms based on their grade. They do about 2 hours of schoolwork, followed by afternoons at various Columbia Association pools and amazing field trips. My son says the students and teachers are so nice. He's never been bored, and is always eager to get there in the morning, and is in a great mood when I pick him up. Highly recommend for camp. I'm sure the school itself is wonderful, based on our camp experience.

Posted: April 20, 2016

My daughter started Columbia Academy as a kindergartner and has been there for the past 3 years. I am so grateful for the quality of education she has received. Her second grade teacher has made learning fun and challenging for Sophia this year. We also couldn't be happier with the specials teachers (Spanish, art, music, ELM) and after care program. The teaching staff and administration staff instill values in the students and require the kids respect their teachers and peers. The smaller class size is also a plus. My daughter's confidence and self-esteem has grown significantly over the past three years and I think that is a direct reflection of the supportive environment at Columbia Academy.

Posted: April 11, 2016

My son is very energetic, curious, and outgoing so in looking for a school it was important to me that I found a place where he could grow not only socially but academically as well. I felt that in public school my five year old was labeled, and possibly neglected in such big class of 23 children causing him to fall behind. I have to say I am extremely impressed at how his teacher and staff at Columbia Academy have been able to channel all his energy in such wonderful, productive and positive manner. I appreciate the patience, understanding and efforts form the staff to communicate even what some would consider trivial.
Mrs. Hostkamp has been awesome in nurturing the excitement in him to read and learn, which is a miracle in my eyes. His academic progress has been extraordinary in such short period of time. I know that academically he will be prepared for high school and a competent college student. As a mother also working on my professional development and a more fulfilling career path, I go about my day at work fully confident that my son is getting the best education, with people that care about him as if he was family.

Posted: February 14, 2016

Posted: February 14, 2016

Posted: February 14, 2016

Posted: February 14, 2016

My son attends Columbia Academy. It has been an incredible year for him. His teacher really loves him for who he is. All of the teachers are actually amazing and the class sizes is very small. They have after care after school and clubs for the students. Misbehavior effecting others is not tolerated by the teachers or the administrative leaders, and the character education program supports a positive environment. My son was having a problem and the school stepped in and helped him day one. The school administration is really helpful and they have a strong team of people. The school has excellent diversity in the kids but in the staff and this is something that my family and I were looking for. The school works with our schedule and I know that he will have a good day at school and don't have to worry about the phone ringing. He is learning to love school. He is learning to form positive feelings about going to school. He can write leaps and bounds above children his age because of his teacher. We also like that the school allows the parents to walk the kids to morning homeroom and to even walk to the class to pick up at after care. I am allowed to meet with his teacher every day. We are very thankful for Columbia Academy. It is the best school and offers a sense of community, caring, safety, and diversity, that no other school can match. You can feel the sense of caring and family that the school creates at events like Movie Night. We are more than happy with our choice and we feel that this school is very worth the money because our son will not be able to do school over again once he is grown. Check out Columbia Academy in Columbia!

Posted: January 28, 2016

We have been with the Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School close 2 years now. First year, I was extremely happy with the teacher. However, second year, I started to get very upset with the school director and some teachers, the way how they handle the situations between kids. They are taking small issues and make it as a big issue. I think the reason is that they do not have the proper education for teaching small kids (K and 1st grade). They are 5-6 years old and not all the teachers know how to educate/teach these kids since they do not have a degree on early kid education. This is a big disappointment for me. I would not recommend this school to any of my friends.

Posted: January 26, 2016

We have been a Columbia Academy family for 13+ years and have been extremely happy with the school. Our daughter, now a freshman in college attended CA from K-8. Her transition into high school honors & AP classes was academically very smooth. Our son is currently in 6th grade and has been there since K. The classes sizes are small enough that each child gets necessary attention; in our experience the staff are willing (and have time) to 'stretch' a child academically as needed. Teachers seem to enjoy coming up with creative ways to help the kids learn. It's obvious that the teachers & directors care about the kids. But it's not just about straight academics. The school holds an outdoor day at a local park each spring & fall, including students and families, each grade has ~1 field trip each month. The whole school participates in a Culture Fair, Science Fair and Biography Bash (research, come dressed as and report on a 'real' person for Hallowe'en). The PTSA sponsors several events each year, like Family Bingo night, movie night and the school engages in volunteer activities like drives for the Maryland Food Bank. The school is open from 6:30 a to 6:30 p, without most of the weather related school closings with the public schools. The school population offers a rich diversity and a great overall experience for the kids. If you live in this area, you should check it out!

Posted: September 3, 2015

Our son attended Columbia Academy for kindergarten last year and now started first grade. We've been extremely happy with the school and staff. The class sizes are small and the kids get a lot of individual attention and care. The teachers are truly amazing and are able to get the kids excited about learning. Our son loves going there every day! We highly recommend this school to everyone!

Posted: August 31, 2015

My daughter attended Columbia Academy for four years. She loved her teachers and really got a solid foundation that will last forever. When we had to move her to another school she was above grade level.
I recommend Columbia for an alternative over Howard County's extremely over-crowded schools.

Posted: August 2, 2015

Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School is the elite private school in Howard County Maryland. This is a school that has definitely evolved. This is a true bully-free school that is accessible to parents year round, open from 6:30 to 6:30 daily. The students here are great kids, there are a lot of extracurricular things for the children/parents, the curriculum is excellent, and I never worry about safety. Further, the teachers are unparalleled & are really caring with class sizes under 16 students in every room so every child gets personal attention. And "bad teachers" are simply not allowed there...period! The school is run better than any school I have ever known with a fabulous & creative Head of School and an amazing and tireless long-time lead Director - who both could never be replaced. The new camps Director is better than ever too and the school was so lucky to bring her on. Hot lunch program, tablets for all students, smart boards in all rooms, full range of specials, and monthly field trips. Facility could use updates but it seems that is starting to happen. Parents are treated like family and after gaining electronic access we are welcome to take our child to homeroom!...unlike in the public school. In Howard County anyone can get "average for free"...but for kids who go through the whole Columbia Academy experience (tuition help options exist btw), it is well worth the money for your child's long term success in life. There are so many reasons we are paying for Columbia Academy EMS! Where else will the Headmaster call everyone on Sunday night so he can remind you of everything you need to know for the next week!? Truly a well-oiled machine with phenomenal and caring team leadership that is affecting what matters most - the teaching and the kids.

Posted: July 21, 2015

Posted: July 21, 2015

Posted: July 21, 2015

Posted: April 10, 2015

We have been with Columbia Academy EMS for two years. It's been a great experience with all of the teachers being very caring, hard working, and dedicated. Every teacher has bent over backwards to help. The administration is approachable and friendly. The director has been there for a long time and knows all the kids by face where that is really rare. The school's head is very dynamic and insures that there's no bullying and that every staff member is accountable and evaluated and the instruction is sound. The communication is the best with newsletters or phone calls and a big Friday email that tells everyone everything that needs to be known. There are never any secrets at CA. It's a great family-like school for kids who need a comfortable atmosphere, no bullying, small class size where the kids needs are known and met, a place to go when other schools won't open for working parents...and they even give every child a tablet. Cost is reasonable instead of paying out 30 grand for a large school where your kid won't be given as much 1 to 1 attention...and then you can't save up money for a high school. It has been a much better option than the public school.

Posted: April 7, 2015

Columbia Academy Elementary & Middle School (CA-EMS) is a hidden treasure in Howard County conveniently located off of Route 32 near 29 & 95. The staff is motivated and committed under the leadership of a fabulous principal. Ratios are low Average 1-10, monthly fieldtrip experience, and an inclusive Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) that offers many school community activities. Not to mention the tuition is very fair and you get every penny worth. This school doesn't follow the inclement weather schedule of HCPSS and offers non-academic days when there are teacher planning days since your child doesn't have to find alternate childcare on such days. Definately worth a tour if you are considering private school!

Posted: April 6, 2015

My son has been at Columbia Academy EMS since pre-k. The school has fostered his development of both academic and social skills. Not only is he provided with a firm academic setting, the school also encourages community service projects that benefit the community as a whole. The school has small class sizes that allow students to receive the individual attention that is so important in today's academic environment.

Posted: March 22, 2015

Columbia Academy strives for excellence. My daughter has been at Columbia Academy for 4 years and it seems that it gets better every year. Students feel respected and are treated with their well-being in mind. Columbia Academy provides a clear routine for students and a high level of commitment from teachers. The school creates an environment where students are challenged and want to learn. I highly recommend Columbia Academy. I believe CAs education program builds a solid love of learning that will carry into later grades.

Posted: March 17, 2015

The Columbia Academy preschool locations all feed into one elementary / middle school. Its a nice place, and they have a lot of good resources: library, computer lab, science lab, art studio, music studio, etc. Highly recommended.

Posted: January 3, 2015

After reading the brochures for their summer camps, I enrolled my 6th grader in a week-long science camp - advertised as hands on and collaborative. After the first day, she reported that she spent an hour outside on the playground "hanging out" - no organized games. Then they went to the gym for some organized games. Then they spent over an hour in a classroom doing worksheets that had nothing to do with science and hanging out in the classroom for "free time." She didn't go to this school during the school year, and nothing was done in the way of ice breaking, etc, in a group of middle schoolers). This camp is not cheap and I expected a little less babysitting and a little more science - as advertised. When we withdrew our child after the 2nd day and asked for a refund because this was not the camp that was advertised, I got channeled to the black hole that is the school ownership. It took 6 weeks for the owner to get back to me; he left a voice mail and when I returned his call, I never heard back from him. The ownership of this school clearly values profit over the welfare of the children - and following through on what was advertised to the public.

Posted: March 14, 2014

My child has attended Columbia Academy - Ellicott City (toddler room) for almost 2 years. I must admit that I was extremely happy with this program when he first started. Well currently there has been entirely too much staff turn over. I am aware that inevitably you cannot control who stays and goes, but the people who are leaving are the ones who seem to be the most vested in the students, and the replacements just lack the same compassion, love and structure that was once there. The staff/teachers make a the environment. When my child first attended here, hands down I would have rated this school a five, but today I am giving it 3 stars, and barely. Honestly for the cost I would expect more.

Posted: August 17, 2013

Look the other way. Go public and save money, sanity, and your child's frustration/self-esteem! My daughter was in the Jr. K program and the curriculum was too advanced... Beyond what would be appropriate for challenging children this age. The fact that the class sizes are small did not lead the teacher my child had to differentiate whatsoever. They focused on worksheets and old-school academics. The administration "listens" but not much is ever done. They gave the JR. K (4-5 year olds) a standardized test!!! They expected these children to sit for 4 days for 40 min time periods of no talking! When I asked my child to be exempt, the principal said no... Unless we wanted to keep her home all week. I'm quite pleased to put my child in the HCPSS.

Posted: July 17, 2013

This School is the best, My little girl is grown up and going to high school, she went from being a b student to straight as:) Thank You Columbia Academy:)

Posted: August 19, 2012

I highly recommend Columbia Academy's Pre-school program. My son attended both the 3 year and 4 year old programs. Initially, he attended the Goddard school in Hanover where I found the program to be very rigid. The biggest difference I found between both schools was that at Columbia Academy my son was learning at a very high rate while having fun. My son enjoys the academic programs and really loves his teachers. He was a 2012 graduate of the 4 year old program (Pre-K) at the Kendall Ridge location. Additionally, the administrators are hands on and also involve themselves in fun classroom activities. Staff is very creative and finds numerous ways to keep the kids stimulated. My son attended the George Washington University Reading Program this summer at the 1st grade Reading level. He just turned 5 (June 2012). I credit his teacher at Columbia Academy Kendall Ridge for his achievements.

Posted: July 31, 2012

My son attended Jr. K and K at Columbia Academy, and we had nothing but positive experiences. The teachers and staff are wonderful, a great balance of young enthusiastic teachers, and older experienced ones. The before and after care was a lifesaver! They are open until 6:30pm, and stayed open for non-academic days on snow days and holiday breaks so parents are still able to get to work. They were able to provide a lot of individualized instruction and fantastic field trips. I was able to spend time in the classroom, the children were happy, well behaved and respectful. If we had not moved across the country I would have loved to have kept my son there for first grade.

Posted: March 14, 2012

It is simply by luck that my son is only 5 years old and I began to realize how horrible this Columbia Academy school is! My son has been in the Columbia Academy preschool for more than 2 year. The teachers are OK, but the management is plain horrible! They are arrogant, have no idea how to run a school, and just blame on others to cover their own incompetence. Especially for the 2012 new management, they messed up their billing system and said that I should pay my son's tuition by week and lunch by week! seperately! We never had this type of problem before! we never know this change and they want us to pay the so called late fee no matter how hard we tried to explain to them it is not our fault! I mean, I understand that maybe one or two teachers might not be good enough, but if the management is this incompetent and arrogant, this school has simply lost my trust and respect becase you cannot trust they will make any good adjustment! I have transfered my son out of this school immediately and my family and friends will stay away from Columbia Academy as far as possible1

Posted: April 7, 2007

Good school for working parents. Very accommodating but you will pay for it! Too frequent fundraisers. Parking Lot is a nightmare, especially in a.m. Several teachers quit this year and replacements were just band-aids for the amount of money paid.