Columbia Independent School

CIS is invested in development of the total person, which is reflected in the school mission statement: "To guide students in the pursuit of excellence through academic, physical, and creative achievement while exemplifying a commitment to integrity, trust and responsibility. To encourage students to realize the joy of living through personal achievement and service to others in preparation for higher learning and community life." Every student, junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, is challenged daily to fulfill his or her potential. CIS emphasizes a classic curriculum, including art, drama, foreign languages, language arts, Latin (beginning in sixth grade), mathematics, music, physical education, science, and social studies. At the Lower School (K-5), students learn Spanish all six years. All academic courses at CIS are designated as honors courses. At the Upper School (6-12), ninth through twelfth grade students are able to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in art, foreign language, language arts, mathematics, and social studies. Small class size (typically 18 or less) maximizes student learning through increased personal attention and participation. Most importantly, all of our students learn from faculty members who believe in lifelong learning and model it by their own example. At CIS, students are active partners in the learning process.