Posts by Doug Schwartz
“ALL IN” – “HOW YOU DO ANYTHING IS HOW YOU DO EVERYTHING”
From Caps to Gowns: A Heartwarming Rite of Passage at Columbia Academy’s Preschool Graduation
On a perfect May morning, scores of children were dressed in caps and gowns. They stood nervously in line while waiting for their chance to stand on the stage. A sea of white and blue flooded the gymnasium of Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School, while parents watched, excitedly, for one reason: graduation. It’s that…
Read More“Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?” Transitional Kindergarten May Be the Answer
The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten years can be a time of uncertainty for parents who often wonder what is best for their child academically and socially, especially for children who miss the September 1st cut-off date for kindergarten. Many parents ask, “Do I keep my child in preschool for one more year?” “If I test…
Read MoreAnnouncing “Adventures Through Time” 2023 Summer Camp
There’s no more thrilling adventure than traveling through time with Columbia Academy’s “Adventures Through Time” 2023 Summer Camp! From June 12th to August 18th, campers will embark on an unforgettable journey, exploring captivating weekly themes that spark their imagination and provide healthy exercise. With the help of our talented and professional staff, this extraordinary summer…
Read MoreWhy Private School Education is More Important Than Ever Before
The results are in. The Maryland State Department of Education’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) from the 2021-2022 school year show that only 40% of Maryland’s kindergarteners demonstrated readiness and entered classrooms prepared to fully participate in kindergarten. This is a 7-point decrease from the 2019–2020 (47%) school year. 33% of kindergarteners are approaching readiness and…
Read More4 Ways to Help Your Student Adjust to a New School Year
As the new school year is underway, children are developing new routines and starting to settle in to them. After a long day at school, they may be full of big emotions and look to you for reassurance and support. You, as parents, are more important to them than anyone else, especially during those times…
Read MoreResources for Families Following the Tragedy in Uvalde
May 26, 2022 Dear Columbia Academy Families, We are shocked and saddened by the horrific act of violence that unfolded Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. These events weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. The trust you place in us each day for the safety and care of your children is not…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Unique Struggles of a Middle Schooler
November 19, 2021 Middle school is an exciting time filled with change, self-discovery, wild hormones, and ever-changing self-identities. With one foot in childhood and the other in adolescence, we know that children at this age begin to connect more with their peers and less with their parents. Middle schoolers gain more independence with each passing…
Read MorePractical Life Skills in the K-Prep Classroom
November 3, 2021 At Columbia Academy preschools, our K-Prep children acquire many practical life skills in the classroom. Preschool children have so much untapped potential. We help them develop and sharpen the skills that can empower them to bring out the best in themselves. Each day, children discuss the weather and the date on the…
Read MoreLooking Back on our 30-Year History
September 3, 2021 September 3, 1991 was a momentous day. It was a pleasant 81° outside, the sun was shining, and the first classes of 3- and 4-year-olds and Kindergarteners joined us as Columbia Academy opened its doors for the first time. What started with only our preschool and Kindergarten at Thunder Hill has since grown…
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