An Overview of the Academy

Steeped in history and academic excellence, CA is also founded on a strong value system. This combination provides our students with a well-rounded education program designed for the future.

The campus of Columbia Academy covers 67 beautiful acres in the heart of Columbia, Tennessee, a community located approximately 45 minutes south of Nashville, Tennessee. The campus was first known as CMA (Columbia Military Academy) in 1905, and became CA (Columbia Academy) in the fall of 1979. Some of the buildings on campus were built in 1890.

Columbia Academy provides educational opportunities for students ages three years to High School graduation. Columbia Academy is a day school and therefore have no boarding students. Enrollment continues to grow and draws students from most religious and cultural backgrounds.

The real strength of CA lies in her dedicated faculty and staff made up of godly men and women who love children and give many extra hours to provide them the help and guidance needed. All teachers are certified by the State of Tennessee and the school has been a member of the prestigious Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1911! The student/teacher ratio is 17 - 1 which allows for more personal attention. Columbia Academy students customarily score higher on the local, state and national testing programs and they have been welcomed at major universities and colleges across this country.

Each grade level is limited to 60 students so it is important that you enroll as soon as possible; several classes close each year.

Please visit other sections of CA's web site for more information on the Academy.  Please feel free to visit our campus at anytime. Columbia Academy's Admissions Office  (931-490-4302) will be glad to set this up for you.

Columbia Academy's Mission

Faith and learning is integrated throughout the curriculum.  The Academy was established in 1979 by members of churches of Christ and continues this affliation. CA welcomes all students of character and ability to come grow with us. While 60 percent of our students are members of churches of Christ, we have over 18 different religious groups represented on campus. Columbia Academy continues to create a friendly and inclusive environment for students from a variety of religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds. This will continue to be an important focus.

Columbia Academy admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school.  Columbia Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its' policies.

Columbia Academy is committed to serving its students so they master skills, knowledge, and character appropriate for them and their future while becoming Christ like in attitude and behavior.

Columbia Academy is dedicated to provide "A Christian Education in a Tradition of Excellence." Each child deserves to have a quality education in a safe and positive environment. CA strives to be a school that is accepting and encouraging to each child and helps to cultivate each student's full potential.

Dr. James Thomas

President

Dr. James Thomas became Columbia Academy's twelfth president  June 1, 2009.  As a graduate of CA (Class of 1992), Dr. Thomas was salutatorian of his class and was a National Merit Finalist.  He received his BA in Bible and Psychology from Freed-Hardeman University, graduating summa cum laude.  He earned his Masters degree in Psychology and his Ed.D. in Higher Education from the University of Memphis.  Dr. Thomas began his teaching career at Jackson Christian School in Jackson, TN and spent seven years at Freed-Hardeman University as the Director of Institutional Research.  Dr. Thomas joined the administration team at Columbia Academy in 2008 as the Vice President for Development.

Dr. Thomas and his wife, Jennifer, are members of the West 7th Street church of Christ.  During his time working at Freed-Hardeman, James served 7 years as the college age minister for the Campbell Street church of Christ. They have three sons, Andrew, Luke, and Caleb.