Columbus Academy embraces the responsibility to teach students to navigate their lives in a time of constant change. As technology becomes increasingly integral to our lives, it is essential that children maintain both command over it and the ability to free themselves of it.
Technology in education
Academy’s investment in technology can be seen across campus and is facilitated by our technology department. Set up like an actual help desk, members of our tech team are available to assist students, faculty and staff with hardware, software and connectivity. The department also helps students pursue technology initiatives relating to projects and ideas for use on campus.
Rewarding risk-taking
QuestWorks is an innovative program for older students, modeled after the Skunk Works research and development labs at Lockheed Martin Company. In keeping with the Columbus Academy Strategic Vision, the program encourages creativity and a sense of exploration in Upper School students. QuestWorks provides grant money to students so that they can create, build or explore an area of personal interest that isn't tied to a specific timeline or grade. By not grading the work, students rely on intrinsic motivation that carries them through what might be several rounds of risk-taking, building, failing and regrouping. Past projects have included electronic skateboards to help cut down on automobile usage, an eco-friendly windmill and a fully operational picture-taking drone.