Kings Contrivance

Columbia Academy Kings Contrivance Preschool & Daycare Alternative

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Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Ages we serve

Students from 6 weeks through 5 years old.

Full-time and part-time options

We provide full-time and part-time programs to meet your family's needs. We also provide after-school care for children up to age 10.

Is potty training required?

No, potty training isn't required for enrollment at our center.

What curriculum do you follow?

We use a project-based curriculum that encourages natural learning and development.

When should I enroll?

We recommend starting the enrollment process early, as spots fill quickly throughout the year.

What do parents say about us?

Read reviews for our Kings Contrivance location and see why families love us.

How Do I Start?

Contact our Kings Contrivance location directly or schedule a tour to begin your journey with us

Columbia Academy in Kings Contrivance has set the standard for excellent preschool education in Columbia, MD. We know that the time with have with the children in our care is a privilege and we strive to make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Our goal is to provide more than just a daycare alternative; we want to prepare these young minds for their future while providing exceptional child care and learning opportunities for families throughout Maryland.

Columbia Academy is recognized for its quality programs and educational excellence, earning a reputation that extends across the country and making it a nationally relevant choice for families.

What Makes Us Different at Columbia Academy in Kings Contrivance

Columbia Academy in Kings Contrivance stands out among Howard County child care centers through our commitment to creating an environment where every child thrives. Our shore theme features a lighthouse and boat that spark imagination during outdoor play. We design separate playgrounds for each age group, ensuring age-appropriate activities that support development. Our programs were thoughtfully created by experts to meet the needs of working parents and foster children's growth. When the weather keeps children inside, our multipurpose room provides ample space for active learning and play.

Our teachers bring expertise and genuine care to every interaction with students. They meet each child where they find them developmentally, building confidence through our project-based approach. Our curriculum is developed to enhance students' skills, talents, and critical thinking, preparing them for future success. Parents appreciate our key code entry system, which allows only authorized individuals access to our school, cultivating a secure learning environment for our students.

The Kings Contrivance location connects easily to Routes 32 and 29, making drop-off and pickup convenient for working parents. Families often combine school visits with errands at Kings Contrivance Village Center, where Harris Teeter and other shops provide everything you need for busy family life. Our goal is simple but important. We aim to help students develop a strong sense of self and community as they grow and learn. We encourage each student to find their own way in a complex world, fostering independence and self-direction as part of our educational philosophy.

Our Private School Programs in Kings Contrivance

Our caring teachers provide individualized attention for your youngest learners. The infant program focuses on building secure attachments while supporting early development through gentle, responsive care.

Learn more

Our Private School Programs in Kings Contrivance

Our caring teachers provide individualized attention for your youngest learners. The infant program focuses on building secure attachments while supporting early development through gentle, responsive care.

Learn more

Toddlers explore their world through hands-on learning experiences that build language skills, motor development, and social awareness in a safe, nurturing environment.

Learn more

Our preschool curriculum prepares children for kindergarten success through purposeful play, early literacy activities, and social skill development that builds confidence for future learning.
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We offer convenient before and after school care with transportation from your child's school to our Kings Contrivance campus, making your daily routine easier while keeping your child engaged in meaningful activities.

Learn more

Testimonials

J.S.

September 16, 2025

10/10

Everyone is so friendly and I can tell that the children are the top priority. I love it here it’s like leaving your child with family!!!

S.H.

September 9, 2025

9/10

The hours and ability to see the child’s updates throughout the day.

K.P.

September 2, 2025

10/10

My daughter has loved her before and after care experience. I am so happy you all helped so much with her transition to Kindergarten! Thank you!

L.W.

August 26, 2025

10/10

Convenience and friendly staff

A.A.A.

August 26, 2025

10/10

I have liked the ease with which registration was done online and also the friendliness and warmth of all the staff members meeting my child and myself for the first time.

P.A.

August 26, 2025

10/10

The relationship between the students and their teachers. How teachers care for the students and the teaching practices, the practical teaching skills.

A.G.

August 19, 2025

10/10

The staff are kind, caring, and thoughtful. We are confident that our boys are safe, loved, and engaged every day that we drop them off.

K.G.

August 19, 2025

8/10

Consistency with photos posted on tadpole

J.P.

July 29, 2025

10/10

Ever since Ashley took over as Director, teacher turnover slowed down and our kids have had more consistent teachers. We have appreciated how Columbia academy has helped so much with our kids’ development. Potty training has been going so much easier than we anticipated thanks to their help.

C.B.

June 24, 2025

10/10

Age-appropriate curriculum and well-rounded activities

A Private School Serving Howard County

Columbia Academy operates multiple locations serving the surrounding areas:

Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community.

Testimonials

Kahdijah D.

October 1, 2025

9/10

Being a single mom with a speech delayed child is challenging. Everyday when I drop my daughter off her teachers greet her and welcome her in a way that works best for her. They take extra time to comfort her and it gives me ease of mind while l at work that’s she’s well taking care of. Seeing her run to her teacher in the morning. We all don’t have a village but I feel like we’ve found ours in her teachers. I appreciate all of they hard work and support.

Kristi F.

August 20, 2025

10/10

I love our Teachers! They do such a good job keeping the atmosphere fun and have new and engaging activities each day. The best part is, is that when I leave, I know my son is safe and is in the hands of people that love and care about him. If I could give a higher score, I would!! I love this team of ladies!

A.D.

June 1, 2025

10/10

My son loves the Daycare and the teacher is there. This is the first time he’s ever spoken out loud and is happy to go to Daycare.

C.B.

May 6, 2025

10/10

The teachers are amazing, supportive, loving and caring

L.J.

April 8, 2025

10/10

The environment is tailored to learning which allows my daughter to freely explore and develop at her own pace.

Robertha G.

April 8, 2025

10/10

I kids been attending Step by Step for a weeks now and they love it there.

Annie C.

March 11, 2025

10/10

Friendly, respectful, caring, and resourceful

Lissa F.

February 18, 2025

10/10

The director and assistant director really listen to parents and are attentive to needs. I also am so grateful for their flexibility as my children are in the foster care system so they can come and go. I love having a center I can rely on. The teachers care and do their best and I see my kids thrive in the environment.

Jennifer J.

January 21, 2025

10/10

The teachers are very personable and they love the kiddos, you can tell. I love the app they use to keep you in the loop on what’s going on. They also occasionally send pics of what your child is doing in the app too.

H.K.

January 14, 2025

10/10

The school has great teachers and take immediate actions to protect our babies. The teachers are kind, they listen to our concerns, and want to help your child succeed outside of the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Columbia Academy different from other child care centers?

We combine the personal attention of a small school with the resources and curriculum of an established educational institution. Our project-based learning approach helps children develop naturally while preparing them for future academic success.

How do you prepare young learners for kindergarten?
What safety measures does your preschool in Howard County have in place?
Do you offer before and after care for school-age children?
How can parents stay involved in their child's education?
What should parents look for when touring preschools?

Awards & Distinctions

Columbia Academy has earned recognition as an American Heart Association Top 25 School, reflecting our commitment to promoting healthy habits in young students. We are also trusted by local companies to provide quality child care for their employees' families. Our accreditation demonstrates the quality standards we maintain across all programs and locations.

Schedule a Tour!

Experience firsthand why families throughout Howard County choose Columbia Academy in Kings Contrivance for their child care and early education needs. Our teachers look forward to meeting you and your child, showing you our facilities, and discussing how we can support your family's goals.

Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community.

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