Schools > Private > The Columbus Academy

The Columbus Academy in Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Academy Detail

(614) 475-2311
P.O. Box 30745
Gahanna, OH 43230
Levels: PK-12
District: Private


The Columbus Academy Census Data

Census InfoValueYear

The Columbus Academy Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

The Columbus Academy Reviews

My son has been a student at CA for 4 years, loves it, and is thriving. He is a bright child and it is very important to us that he be pushed and encouraged to work to his potential. His teachers support our desires and have helped him achieve well beyond grade level. The parents are very friendly and supportive of one another and the school, it's like a large family. The students are all very bright and I have no worries about my son ever being teased because he excels academically. On a non-academic note, early on I loved the fact that school spirit is fostered from an early age...even the pre-k are invited and encouraged to attend pep-rally's, and sporting events.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is by far the best school in ohio, if you can afford the $19,000 a year. None of the negative reviews on this site have anything to do with the school's education because it is beyond what every other school in state currently has. I do not know who some of the people posting about snobby people are talking about. All of the parents of children I have met have been very friendly, and you don't have to send your kid here from Kindergarten, I just sent my 9th grade son there his first year and we both love it. The high tuition definitely has its advantages though, as the school has just bought new 21.5' iMacs for their computer labs, something that no other school can come close to competing with.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great, great, great. We have been there over 10 years and I appreciate it more with each passing year. These teachers lead by example and engage the children in learning in such creative ways. These children are so bright and supportive of each other. I have never seen anything like this. Most important, my daughter realizes how special her school is and is grateful for all the opportunities.
This review was posted by a parent.

I Attended Columbus Academy For 2 Years and the people there were very snobby and unfriendly. The 19,000 dollars a year was not well spent. I transferred back to Gahanna Lincoln High School and their academic programs were superior compared to The Columbus Academy. Also the extra curricular activities were great. I would choose Gahanna Lincoln High School Over TCA any day. I was on the swim team my freshman year, and I loved the swim coach, Craig Yakscoe. The only good thing about Columbus Academy were the lunches ;)
This review was posted by a parent.

Gay friendly school. Progressive, at least for Ohio. Administration is extremely receptive and sensitive to LGBTQ issues and is trying hard to bring Gay students out in a very progressive coastal way. Headmaster Mackenzie has raised awareness of LGBTQ concerns with his constant emphasis on hiring and promoting Gay teachers but out administrators are still too few. The trend may be changing, though, since there is a strong Gay presence much more visible lately. It is too bad that there is still so much emphasis on sports in every respect, and this very seriously detracts from Academy's main goal of reshaping social discourse.
This review was posted by a parent.

Hands down, without a doubt, the most well perceived college prep school in central Ohio. The only other comparable school academically is CSG. It is more expensive and it is more challenging than say a St. Charles or Wellington, but if your child can handle the schoolwork, they will have the skills to be successful at any of the most prestigious universities in the country. You will not find a better place for your child to grow. Not only will you have excellent networking contacts to be made here, but also long lasting memories. This coming from both an alumnus and parent who had nothing but good experiences.
This review was posted by a parent.

My youngest son was admitted tothe pre-k class this fall. We are a middle class family from Pickerington so we weren't sure how we would be accepted. I can honestly say it is the best environment for children I have ever seen or heard of. Everything from the staff involvement to the educational opportunities provided to the children is first rate. Financial aid is avialable for many of the students ours included.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school is more focused on their personal motives than the education they are providing to the kids. Disciplinary actions are inconsistent and sometimes irrational and unusual. The facilities are nice though, but after my sons attended the school for 13 years each I learned the real 'Columbus Academy'. Save your $19,000 per year.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am a Sophmore at the Columbus Academy. I have been there for twelve years and the school is nothing short of a second home for my piers and I whether they, or I, would like to admit it. Now in the Upper School the education has not only been grander than ever, but the teachers offer the students so much respect I feel confident talking to my teachers about anything. The foul comment made earlier is not only ignorant but arrogant. Personally attacking parents of the Columbus Academy for the sizes of their homes is childish. Also, with the small tight knit community The Columbus Academy offers I have met nearly every student that has attended in the last twelve years. I have never met a child transferring from any school view the academic load as anything less then extremely strenuous or a student who leaves because it is easy.
This review was posted by a student.

It's simply a superb learning environment. The teachers are top quality and very dedicated. The integrity, self-confidence and excellance are emphasized in every class and student.
This review was posted by a parent.

We are new to CA, with our daughter enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten. Honestly, I am over the top impressed with the quality of curriculum. However, what impresses me most is the student/teacher ratio (something like (20:2), and the fact that my daughter's teachers know her so well. They send parents email messages more days than not updating us on goings on. They maintain a class 'blog' and post descriptions and pictures of class activities. And once in awhile, I'll get an email message describing something my daughter did in class. These people are totally invested in her progress, and nothing could be more satisfying to a parent than sending her here. It's an expensive proposition to send a child to a school like CA. I'm not confident that we'll be able to keep up with the cost - but doing so is my greatest hope.
This review was posted by a parent.

I have 3 sons who have attended The Academy since K or PreK. The school is an incredible place. My sons are quite different: one quite good and interested in athletics, one more dramatic and 'artsy,' and one who is just an interested, hard-working kid. The faculty has met their individual needs and really done a wonderful job of challenging each of them. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our choice to educate our sons at Academy.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter came to Columbus Academy as a freshman and has flourished in the C/A enviornment. Every teacher takes a personal interest in their students. If a child needs help, they always find the time to give them the attention they need. The faculty attend extra curricular activites, if your child is absent from school, they are kind enough to call and check to make sure they are okay. Academy offers and wonderful, family oriented learning enviornment in which the students flourish and it reflects itself in the solid reputation they have with Universities through out the US. Being in the process of college app's I have to say, the college counselors are phenomenal. My child always says shes glad she started in public school so she could understand and apprieciate the quality education shes getting at Academy.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am an 8th grade student at Columbus Academy and I love it their. The students are friendly in a non-clique environment. The teachers are determined to not only educate the students but also to prepare us for college and further. The atmosphere at the academy is unbelievable and the campus is breath taking. The Academy offers an education to children unmatched by any other school. This year we had a record for national merit finalists and semi-finalists for our graduating class. Because of the size of the classes (most around 20), each student gets the attention that they need to succeed, but also do not get singled out. Teachers are contactable by e-mail and reply very quickly unlike at other schools. The academy is a school that can not be beat.
This review was posted by a student.

I do not know the circumstances of this parent's situation, but as a parent at Columbus Academy for over 10 years, this is not the school that I know. Yes, there are some very well-off parents, but they are far from stuffy. Moreover, the person complains about people being inhospitable, and then inconsistently goes on to complain about their big houses. Well, unless you are obsessed with where people live, you must know about their homes by having been invited into them. Finally, and most importantly, the education. This year's graduating class of 90 students had 15 National Merit Semifinalists, the most of any high school in Central Ohio. Is Academy perfect? Absolutely not, but it is the closest thing to perfection among Columbus high schools with which I am familiar.
This review was posted by a parent.

My child transferred to this school from Wellington (In Upper Arlington) because we though that he could excel there. We were very disappointed. The parents were unfriendly and were very snobby, not to mention the numerous parties at their fancy houses to encourage us to donate money to the school. When we decided we had had enough, we transferred my son back to Wellington, and he had to take remedial classes because Academy's academics were not up to par. Would not recommend unless you are entering at a very early age where you will be accepted by other parents in your child's grade.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter is a African american 7th grader who absolutely loves her school. The teachers push the students to be brilliant in and out of the box, The work is hard but the kids love it!
This review was posted by a parent.

The school has excellent academic programs. The music and drama departments are excellent. Most students participate in at least one sport each year. Parents are very involved in their children's education.
This review was posted by a parent.

We have two children in the CA Lower School. We have been impressed and 100% satisfied with the quality of the education, the dedication of the administrators, and the general feel of the school. Parents are very involved yet we never feel pressue to do more than we are able. Assessments are comprehensive and in-depth. The specialists are incredible (Spanish, swimming, art, music, pe, and assembly). All lower school children particpate in assembly. Compared to other private schools across the country, The CA is a bargain. The campus is beautiful and many local school districts provide bus transportation. John McKenzie, the Head Master, is an amazing leader who has not only been an effective fund raiser but also takes the time to get to know (literally) every family at the school. We will be leaving Columbus Ohio and leaving the Academy is the hardest part.
This review was posted by a parent.

Being first year parents of 2 children lower & middle school and coming from another great school in Dallas, TX we have been incredibly pleased. The teachers are fantastic, the campus is incredible, the students & parents have been helpful & inclusive and the focus is pretty balanced. Primary focus is education and college prep. with arts & athletics being very important too. We could not imagine finding another school similar to Greenhill in Dallas but we may even prefer Columbus Academy.
This review was posted by a parent.