WHY CA?
Children enrolled in Columbia Academy Preschool learn in a safe and nurturing environment where Godly character is promoted and the wholeness of every child is addressed. As children absorb ideals early, we feel strongly that a values-driven environment is essential during the early education process and beyond.
STRONG FOUNDATION
We believe young children need and desire social interaction with peers and that they are ready to learn both academically and spiritually. Our curriculum prepares preschoolers for Kindergarten. We provide the love of learning and build a strong foundation in the heart and mind of the child.
BEST PRESCHOOL
Columbia Daily Herald Community Choice Awards 2024
TUITION & FEES
2024 – 2025
Jr. Kindergarten – $9,130 (Full time only)
Grimes Building (3,4 & 5 – year olds) – Full Potty Trained Only
Two days (T/TH) – $4,360
Three days (M/W/F) – $6,360
Five days (FT) – $9,130
Miss Cathy’s House (2-year olds) – Columbia campus only
Two days (T/TH) – $4,800
Three days (M/W/F) – $7,000
Five days (FT) – $10,040
If accepted and space is available, you will receive an online contract, which you will be required to return with a $400 enrollment deposit ($200 of which goes toward your tuition payments) to secure your child’s enrollment.
* Students must be 2 years old old by August 15th.
*CA Summer Preschool Program is open to Columbia campus students only from the end of May – end of July. There is a mandatory $100 contract fee plus additional pricing. Inquire for current rates.
LUNCH & EXTENDED CARE
A daily snack is included in tuition. An optional annual LUNCH PLAN is also available that can be added to your tuition payments – see fee schedule below:
Two days – $100
Three days – $150
Five days – $250
Preschool hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
In Jr. Kindergarten, we specialize in introducing the Kindergarten experience to children of Kindergarten age who would benefit from the extra “gift of time” to adapt and emphasize readiness skills. Jr. Kindergarten is open to all students who will celebrate their fourth birthday by August 15 and have successfully demonstrated emotional, social and academic readiness for the program. Jr. Kindergarten is a full-time program and students must be enrolled five days a week. The program is located at both our Lower School on the Columbia campus and our Spring Hill satellite campus.
Jr. Kindergarten is designed as a year-long halfway step between four-year-old preschool and Kindergarten, combining the structure and social skills associated with Kindergarten with the cognitive content that is between Pre-K and Kindergarten. The program will take a developmental approach with the academic standards, daily structure and resources seen in regular Kindergarten class, but at a slower pace. For a curriculum guide, CLICK HERE.
Students who complete a year of Jr. Kindergarten are then eligible to move on to Kindergarten the following year. Our Jr. Kindergarten is a special program where students can begin the exciting process of building a foundation for learning that will stay with them throughout their lifetime.
In addition to exploring all the objectives outlined in the regular Pre-K program, the Jr. Kindergarten class is introduced to a more formalized reading and math readiness program. Also, each week the children have classes with some of the specialists from our elementary division. These classes include instruction in Spanish, physical education and music. iPads are used to further enhance their academic skills as well as beginning their journey towards technological knowledge and experience.
During the early part of the day, the children meet together in a group setting. The balance of the morning is then spent working in smaller groups and learning centers. The use of manipulatives enhances their understanding of basic mathematical concepts, and an exciting phonics program that sets them on the road to reading.
Our Jr. Kindergarteners are a very busy group of children and will enthusiastically share with you that learning is fun!