At Columbus Academy, fostering community and nurturing character are not separate priorities—they are inseparable parts of daily life. We are committed to a community rooted in dignity, where relationships are guided by kindness and respect, and students learn to value the perspectives and experiences of others.
Our core values—respect, responsibility, fairness, compassion and honesty—shape how we teach, how we lead, and how we live together. These values guide our classrooms, our athletic fields, our performances, our service initiatives, and the countless everyday interactions that define life at Academy.
A Community Rooted in Respect
At Columbus Academy, community begins with the belief that every person matters. Students learn early that belonging is not simply about being present; it is about being known, valued, and cared for.
Belonging to each other asks us to act with generosity of spirit and a sense of shared success. The character with which we treat others anchors us in the most transformative aspects of an Academy education."
~ Melissa Soderberg, Head of School
Within a community enriched by many backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, students learn to listen thoughtfully, speak with courage and humility, and approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment. Faculty and staff model these habits daily, creating classrooms where thoughtful dialogue and mutual respect are the norm.
These lessons are often found in small, meaningful moments: students welcoming visitors with confidence and kindness, older students guiding younger buddies through the halls, teammates encouraging one another after a difficult game, or classmates supporting a new student as they find their place in the community.
Over time, these everyday interactions help students develop empathy, perspective, and a deep respect for others—qualities that will guide them long after they leave Academy.
Character at the Heart of Education
Character cannot be measured by grades or test scores, yet it lies at the heart of a meaningful education. At Columbus Academy, character development is woven throughout the student experience.
Students explore questions of ethics and responsibility in their coursework, practice fairness and sportsmanship in athletics, and reflect on the choices they make in their daily lives. Our teachers, coaches, and staff intentionally model the qualities we hope students will develop: honesty, accountability, empathy, humility, and moral courage.
Members of the Columbus Academy community are encouraged to ask themselves important questions:
- How can I make sure my words and actions align with Academy’s community values?
- Am I acting with integrity—even when no one is watching?
- How do I take responsibility for my actions?
These reflections, paired with real-life opportunities to practice leadership and responsibility, help students build the habits of character that will guide them throughout their lives.
Learning Through Service
Service is another important way students learn about responsibility, compassion, and community. At Academy, service is not simply about helping others—it is about building relationships, understanding our shared humanity, and recognizing that each of us has a role to play in strengthening the communities around us.
One of our most meaningful traditions is Kids 4 Kids, a schoolwide service-learning initiative that brings together students, families, faculty and staff each fall. Through this program, the Academy community collects food, clothing, toys and essential household items to support families connected with the Childhood League Center and other local partners.
Led by our student-run Service Board—the largest student organization on campus—this effort reflects the generosity and commitment of our entire community. Students take pride in organizing, collecting, sorting, and delivering items, learning firsthand the value of compassion and collective action.
Throughout the year, students also participate in additional service opportunities, including community partnerships, volunteer initiatives, and campus-wide drives. These experiences help students see themselves not only as learners, but as active contributors to the well-being of others.
Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Academy encourages students to grow through experiences that extend beyond traditional classrooms. Internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and summer enrichment experiences allow older students to explore their interests while building real-world skills in leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Through these opportunities, students deepen their understanding of the world around them and strengthen their connections to the broader community. They learn how their talents and passions can make a meaningful difference.
Preparing Students for Life
The ultimate goal of an Academy education is not only academic achievement, but the development of thoughtful, principled individuals who approach the world with confidence, humility and compassion.
Our graduates leave Academy prepared for success in college and beyond, but they carry with them something even more important: a deep respect for others, a commitment to integrity, and the confidence to stand up for what is right. They understand that character is revealed in everyday choices, that community is built through care and respect, and that leadership begins with how we treat the people around us.
In mind, body and character, our graduates embody the values that have long defined Columbus Academy—fostering community and nurturing character for generations to come.
Through thoughtful attention to both curriculum and culture, Columbus Academy deepens our students' fidelity to our values. The goal is to "close the gap" between professed values and daily actions. With encouragement to exercise moral courage, we grow in integrity as that gap closes.
If you are interested in learning more about Columbus Academy and would like to schedule a tour of campus, please click on the button below fill out our inquiry form. Once your inquiry form is submitted, you will receive an email with details on how to access our online portal and schedule a tour.