Principal's Corner

Growing Together at Columbia Academy

Dear Columbia Academy Families,

Welcome to Columbia Academy! It’s an honor to serve as principal of such an exceptional community of students, staff, and families. Every day, I see our school living out what it means to be a Hylander at CA…to RISE UP with Respect, Integrity, Strength, Excellence, Understanding, and Pride.

Middle school is an incredible time of growth and self-discovery. At CA, we work hard to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to reach their potential. Our teachers are deeply committed to creating classrooms where students think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and take ownership of their learning.

Just as importantly, we believe school is a place where relationships matter. Whether it’s greeting students at the door, celebrating their successes, or helping them through challenges, our goal is to make Columbia Academy a place where every child belongs.

To our families… we thank you for your partnership. Your involvement, communication, and care make all the difference. We are at our best when we work together to support our students.

Let’s continue to grow, learn, and lead together.

#HylanderPride

Warmly,
Leslee Sherk
Principal, Columbia Academy

Columbia Academy consists of a community of learners where every student knows they belong and each student helps to create a culture of academics. Our school is serious about academics including the arts; we like to say we have our heads in academics and our hearts in the arts! With strong core academics and vibrant performing and visual arts programs, we are part of the Columbia Heights Public Schools mission to provide worlds of opportunity for all students.

The middle years are an amazing time of development for our children. Adolescent brains grow rapidly just as students are changing quickly in their physical appearance and their sense of independence. We know it is essential that we work to support the whole child in middle school with the many social/emotional, physical, and intellectual changes that occur at this age. We stress three things as we provide this support to all students: First, that every child belongs to our Columbia Academy team; Second, that together we can RISE UP by paying attention to our core values of respect, integrity, strength, excellence, understanding and pride; Third, that our school will be defined as having a strong culture of academics where we believe in ourselves and the power of persistent effort to learn.

Columbia Academy encourages students to participate in our after school activities including our excellent theater and robotics programs open to all grade levels. Grades 7 and 8 have many athletic activities our students can join throughout the school year. After school academic services are also available for students through Targeted Services. Leadership opportunities are available for all grades in Student Council and for 8^th graders through the Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) program that helps welcome new students to our school.

Columbia Academy has high expectations for academics and behavior because we know our students have the capacity to do great things. We believe in our students and help our students learn to believe in themselves as they develop skills that will prepare them for success in high school, college, and career. We are Columbia Academy and together we RISE UP!