The curriculum taught at CA is a college-preparatory curriculum. The Lower School curriculum is designed to teach all the basics necessary to continue a student’s education on the Upper School level. The Upper School curriculum is designed to meet the state of Tennessee’s university requirements for entrance to any college or university.

The SAT and ACT tests at one time had very different formats. They are more similar now. The SAT test is now more like the ACT. The SAT does include writing an essay as part of the test. With the ACT, it is still optional. Colleges and universities generally accept either test. They will take the highest composite score the student has from any of the testing. I advise students to try both.

The ACT test has an English test, reading test, mathematics test, and science reasoning test. You might want to check with any college your student plans to attend to see if they require the writing test. Most do not at this point—but that may change. Check out the deadlines for registration.

The ACT is given in Columbia at Central High School and Columbia State Community College in the following months: October, December, February, April, and June.

Your student may pick up a packet from the CA Guidance Office or register on-line at ww.actstudent.org

The SAT Reasoning test is given in Columbia here at CA in October, May, and June. It is given at Centennial High School in Franklin on additional dates. Students receive scores in critical reading, math, and writing. Your student may get a packet from the CA Guidance Office or register on line at www.collegeboard.com

THE ACT AND SAT CODE FOR COLUMBIA ACADEMY IS:  430430

Q What type of testing is used for admission to Columbia Academy?

A The Ottis-Lennon Mental Ability Test is given to each student before being admitted to CA in grades 1-12. This test is a mental ability test that gives a general screening of the grade level. Kindergarten testing is done by the Kindergarten teachers prior to admission.

Q Does Columbia Academy offer boarding school options?

A No, Columbia Academy is not a boarding school. It is a day school for preschoolers through twelfth grade.

Q How long has Columbia Academy been in existence?

A In 1979, the Columbia Military Academy was purchased by a group of Christian men to provide education in a Christian environment. The original campus of CMA was opened n 1905 as a military school, accepting only male cadets. The school continued as a military school until 1979.

Q Is Columbia Academy accredited and what memberships has it obtained?

A Columbia Academy has continued its membership in the highly acclaimed “Southern Association of Colleges and Schools” since 1911. The school is also a member of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, Independent Schools of the Nashville Area, National Christian Schools Association, Tennessee Advancement Resources Council, and Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.

Q Does Columbia Academy have a strong sports program?

A Yes! Winning local and state honors, Columbia Academy has over 21 sport teams including football, golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball, soccer, cheerleading, cross country, track, and bowling.  CA has consistently been represented in athletics at the state level.

Q How does Columbia Academy rank scholastically when compared to other schools?

A CA students consistently score higher than the state, local and national averages on achievement test.

Q Are CA students accepted at colleges and universities across the USA?

A Yes!  CA graduates have been accepted at over 45 colleges and universities since 1979. 

Q Will my child understand what is being taught in Bible class if we are not members of the church of Christ?

A Yes! Sixty percent of our students’ families are members of the church of Christ. The other forty percent is made up of seventeen different religious groups. Our text is the Bible. We do not bring in any other type of curriculum for our daily bible classes.