Columbia Academy Preschool 4

Staff are friendly and hard working, but our experience here was not great. Our boy was sick just about every week with something and staffing was a constant struggle where they had to combine groups and move teachers around to make ratio. Also, staff are so busy preparing for the next activity or cleaning up and entering photos and updates into the iPad that they can't really spend much time really interacting with the kids. The space feels disorganized and staff aren't given much time to organize things the way that they'd like. Overall, we just did not feel we got the value for the high monthly cost we were paying.

I am deeply disappointed with our experience at Columbia Academy in Kendall Ridge and feel compelled to share our concerns. The director, Christina D., was consistently rude and inconsiderate toward the children and parents. On multiple occasions, children, including my daughter, were taken outside for over an hour in temperatures below 30 degrees with wind chill, despite staff shortages that should have prompted better judgment. When my daughter came home complaining of being cold after these extended outdoor periods, her teacher took no action. I raised this with Christina D., who dismissively responded, “If she’s not feeling 100%, maybe she should be home.” This was an unacceptable and insensitive remark, especially considering our long tenure with the school and the fact that keeping children outside for prolonged periods in sub-40-degree weather, multiple times a day, led to frequent illnesses. Additionally, a stomach bug circulated for over two weeks without any notification to parents, leaving us unaware and unable to take precautions. My daughter frequently came home with colds, runny noses, or minor injuries from other children, yet no proactive measures were taken to address these recurring issues. Her belongings would often go missing, only to mysteriously reappear the following week, pointing to poor organization. The lack of communication, accountability, and care was alarming. We have since moved our daughter to another school in the area and are thrilled with the difference in care and management. The new ownership of Columbia Academy must urgently address the mismanagement at Kendall Ridge. The director’s dismissive attitude, inadequate supervision, and failure to prioritize children’s well-being are unacceptable. Teachers also seem overburdened, likely due to the staffing issues and poor leadership. I strongly urge the ownership to investigate and take action to ensure no other children or families endure such a neglectful environment.

I am curious on the policy of teachers hanging out with parents on a non-professional level outside of working hours? I believe it is effecting how interactions are being conducted on a professional level.

Our daughter is very happy here. There are so many weekly high-quality activities included with tuition (Jump Bunch, yoga, Spanish, music) as well as lots of special seasonal events. Although we don't utilize the service, you can opt-in to hot lunches everyday which is super convenient. We've been to several other area daycares throughout the years between my two children and this has been the best experience so far.

The staff at Columbia Academy are dedicated to the growth of each child.