Columbia Elementary School

I am so happy that my children attend Columbia Elementary School. The teachers and school staff are top notch. This school encourages parent involvement and that makes it feel like a school family.
—Submitted by a parent

Columbia Elementary has been a good school for our kids. This last year, a new principal came into place and he seems to be very kind and good at his job. I really don't have anything negative to say nor do I have anything glowing to say. Our children have GREAT friends, so that means alot to me that the kids are surrounded by other kids from nice families. It really is a great community. When shopping around for a house here, we would speak to various neighbors and we heard many times that when the schools were redistricting the Columbia parents demanded their kids be able to stay at Columbia. It's the community that makes Columbia great as well as the teachers. Just nice, every day people who love our country and community.
—Submitted by a parent

It was a bit of a shock to move my child from a private pre-school to a public school because she was well ahead of the kindergarden level, so the first year was challenging for her behavior wise. So, while she loves her school and teachers, so I disappointed that there is not more emphasis on helping kids continue to progress that come into kindergarden knowing how to read and write. She was often very bored and therefore got into a lot of trouble for talking and distracting other kids. The teacher communicated to me that she thought she was bored, but there didn't seem to be any actions taken to challenge her. So, she didn't really learn anything new in kindergarden. In fact, I think she regressed in her writing skills because they didn't practice as much as in her previous school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children attend this school and overall it is ok. However, my child was in 4th grade this year and his teacher J. Lanier was horrible. Her lack of communication about coursework was appalling. The students RARELY had home work so you never knew what was being taught in the class until graded papers were sent home. She never posted assignments or sent correspondance even if requested. Very negative, disappointing educational experience. My child learned very little if anything at school this year. My rating is based soley on this year's experience. My overall rating for the school would be 3 stars.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids at this school and we have had amazing teachers every time. Mr. james is an amazing, caring and progressive principal. The education and teachers are phenomenal. With the new zoning we may have to change schools and that saddens me to the point that we may move to another house in order to keep our kids at Columbia. I don't want them at any other elementary school. I have nothing but praise for all that they do for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall it's disappointing. The facilities and leadership from the principal standpoint are excellent. However, many of the teachers would rather be someone else. We've had a string of very below average teachers who have other priorities than what is best for the kids. There are some good teachers, though. We just don't seem to get them for our son. The system is not all they say they are. They submit the applications for all of the honors they get. But it generally has nothing to do with the quality of education. The cafeterial 'health food' policies are way over the top as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children currently attending Columbia Elementary. One is in 4th grade and has attended since Kindergarten. The other is in 1st grade. The teachers are, for the most part, very accepting of parent involvement, and all of our teachers so far (7 of them) have been interested in my kids' welfare and education. Of course not all teachers are the same, and some have been better than others. The principal is good-natured and understanding. He emails parents when busses are late, weather causes dismissal times to change, and to give out the weekly menu. We have had to have trailers this year for the first time since the school was built (in 2004), and with a new school on the way, should be back to normal by next year. The PTA for the past few years has been excellent, and volunteers are always welcome. It is a happy school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended kindergarten there and may return for 1st grade, if we don't have to move with her father's new job. But I love this school. At first, we thought the teacher wasn't that attentive, but by the end of the year everything was perfect. My daughter learned how to read and developed really great social skills in Mrs. K. Adams class. I strongly recommend this school and teacher. An added plus is that it is so technologically advanced with Smartboards in every room. We give Columbia 2 thumbs up.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! I'm very surprised to read the previous comment. I'm sorry that the other child had such a negative experience. I have a first grader and a preschooler(who has received speech services at Columbia) and have been completely impressed with the loving and professional staff. My first grader is reading way above grade level and her teacher keeps her excited about school and learning. Rahter than being bored, she loves coming to school! My other daughter had some speech defecits that we saw and started addressing at age 3, she was so sad when she 'graduated' because she couldn't come back to Columbia until kindergarten. I am very thankful that my children have such a strong educational and nurturing learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

HORRIBLE!! Yes, the teachers are rude and mean and more concerned about what they drive and wear than about the children. This school gave my child a complex and was a very bad introductory into education. When I visit at lunch there was never any laughter or smiles. We have moved and my child attends another school and can't wait to go everyday and the children can be children and have smiles and laughter. One of the teachers really did give my child an inferiority complex-the principal is the same.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers! Wonderful programs! Top notch education!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who is in the developmental delay classes and has thrived at this school. He loves his teachers and they really care for him. I couldn't ask for a better school for him. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. This is where to be.
—Submitted by a parent

I have often heard Columbia Elementary referred to as 'The Happy School.' I have two children that attend Columbia, their teachers have been very different--yet very affective. They actually seem happy to come to work. The principal allows for diverse teaching styles and is very positive and encouraging. The hands on approach to science and math is very evident and you can tell it is encouraged and/or mandatory. Curriculum is important, but environment and social atmosphere are even more so...this school has it all! No other Madison School compares.
—Submitted by a parent

Very nice environment for learning. My daughter is very timid, and she has flourished at this school. There is superior supervision, and structure, as well as a vigorous academic program. While there are not a lot of extracurricular activities directly tied to Columbia, Madison City offers a huge number and variety of activities for children.
—Submitted by a parent