Cougar Connect Library
Student Handbook
The policies every Cougar family should know — attendance, dress code, academics, technology, athletics eligibility, and health & safety — all in one place.
Available offline in Cougar ConnectMission & Statement of Faith
Columbia Academy exists to partner with Christian families in developing students of strong character, sound scholarship, and lasting faith. We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word and the foundation for truth in every subject we teach — from mathematics to literature to athletics.
Every member of our faculty and staff affirms this mission, and chapel, Bible classes, and Christian community are part of daily campus life for every student, in every grade.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential to academic success. Students are expected to be present and on time for every class. Parents should report an absence to the front office before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence, either by phone or through the Family Portal.
Excused absences include illness, medical appointments, bereavement, and pre-approved family trips. Students accumulating more than eight unexcused absences in a semester may be required to meet with the administration to develop an attendance plan. Make-up work is the student’s responsibility and is due within the number of days missed, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.
Dress Code
Our dress code supports a distraction-free learning environment and a sense of shared identity as Cougars. Students in grades K–12 wear approved uniform tops (polos or oxford shirts in school colors) with khaki, navy, or plaid bottoms of an appropriate length. Closed-toe shoes are required for P.E. and recess.
Spirit wear may be worn on designated spirit days. Hats, hoods, and non-uniform outerwear should be removed indoors during instructional time. Faculty and staff use good judgment on borderline cases and will always work with families rather than against them.
Academic Integrity
Columbia Academy students are expected to do their own work and to represent that work honestly. Cheating, plagiarism (including the unattributed use of AI-generated text), and unauthorized collaboration are treated as serious violations of trust, not just academic errors.
A first violation typically results in a zero on the assignment and parent notification; repeated or severe violations are referred to the administration and may affect a student’s standing in honor societies, leadership positions, or athletics.
Technology & Phones
Personal phones and smartwatches are to be silenced and kept out of sight during the instructional day, including in the cafeteria, unless a teacher grants specific permission for classroom use. School-issued devices and platforms should be used only for schoolwork and approved communication.
Students are responsible for anything sent, posted, or accessed under their own account, on or off campus, if it affects the school community. Repeated phone violations may result in the device being held in the office until a parent picks it up.
Athletics Eligibility
Student-athletes represent Columbia Academy on and off the field, and eligibility is tied to both academics and conduct. Athletes must maintain passing grades in all courses, checked weekly during their season, and must attend a full school day to practice or compete that same day, except for excused medical or family absences.
Coaches and the athletic director communicate eligibility concerns directly with families as early as possible so that a student has every opportunity to correct course before missing playing time.
Health & Safety
Students who are running a fever, vomiting, or showing symptoms of a contagious illness should stay home and are welcome back once symptom-free, without medication, for at least 24 hours. Medication administered at school must be delivered to the front office in its original container with written parent authorization.
Campus safety drills (fire, severe weather, and lockdown) are practiced regularly throughout the year. Visitors must check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge at all times while on campus.