Message From Our Head of School and Board President
The finest schools in the nation are defined by a clear point of view – an unwavering understanding of who they are and what they aspire to be. At Columbus Academy, our point of view is grounded in relationships, shaped by excellence, and driven by the belief that education must evolve to meet the future.
As we look toward the horizon, we see tremendous opportunity for our school and our students. Columbus Academy has always been a place of exceptional teaching and learning, where deep connections between students and faculty create the foundation for growth. You feel this the moment you step onto our campus – in the conversations between students and teachers, the creative energy that fills our spaces and the genuine joy of learning embodied in our people.
Education stands at a transformative moment. As artificial intelligence and global connectivity reshape learning and work, Columbus Academy’s personalized, relationship-centered approach prepares students for their lives beyond our campus. Our graduates engage meaningfully with both an advanced curriculum and diverse people to make a real impact. They develop not only academic skills but also the social skills, character, ethical foundation and cultural competence essential for leadership in our complex global society.
Columbus itself is evolving rapidly, with new opportunities emerging in technology, healthcare, logistics and many other sectors. Our school must be connected to this dynamic city, preparing our students to contribute to its continued growth while benefiting from the richness of experiences available here.
In this document, we share our strategic vision for Columbus Academy. Rather than a traditional list of priorities, we offer five interconnected lenses through which we view our future. These lenses will guide our decisions, investments and innovations in the years ahead. They represent both what we value today and what we aspire to become tomorrow.
We are not starting from scratch. We’re building on Columbus Academy’s existing strengths – our tradition of academic excellence, our commitment to character formation, our pursuits in the arts and athletics, and our beautiful 231-acre campus. Our vision proposes thoughtful evolution, not revolution, ensuring we remain at the forefront of educational excellence while staying true to our core values.
The plan we present is both ambitious and adaptable. It provides clear direction while allowing for the flexibility needed in rapidly changing times. It calls for strategic investments in our people, programs and campus, ensuring we can deliver on our promise of exceptional education for generations to come.
With excitement for our future,
Melissa Soderberg P’18 ’20, Head of School
William G. Porter ’74, G’38, Board President
