REVIEW OF Columbia Academy BY Alum, Aaron Guo

(5) Overall Experience

Columbia Academy gave me everything I needed to get to where I am today, and I truly believe that without their guidance and support, I wouldn't have been accepted to UC Berkeley. This school taught me confidence and purpose, and built a strong foundation for me to grow as a person. I felt fully prepared to go to university and the real world, and that is thanks to everyone at the school who helped me along the way. The teachers genuinely care about your well-being and are always willing to help, whether it’s with schoolwork, personal challenges, or future goals. The staff is incredibly supportive and responsible, and it always felt like everyone was fully invested in helping students succeed. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities Columbia Academy gave me, and I carry the lessons I learned there with me every day.

(5) School Leadership

The administration of Columbia Academy was one of the most notable aspects of the school. Councillors and principals were always accessible before, during, and after school hours, and they always knew exactly how to help me achieve my goals. The students, myself included, always respected the school admins, and that is built from a mutual respect and understanding that they want the best for us. They handled issues quickly and effectively, and that was also reflected in their communication with us.

(5) Teaching

I was more than happy with the quality of instruction I received at Columbia Academy. The teachers were not only knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, but also approachable and genuinely invested in their students' success. They challenged me to think critically and pushed me to understand the material beyond surface-level, which helped me grow academically and personally. The classroom environment was definitely more formal than casual, but never in a way that felt intimidating. The environment encouraged respect and focus while still allowing for meaningful discussion and one-on-one support. Teachers regularly offered thoughtful feedback, guided me through areas where I could improve, and celebrated my progress along the way. I am incredibly grateful for how much Columbia Academy helped shape my academic foundation and mindset.

(5) Academics

The academic program at Columbia Academy prepared me exceptionally well for university life. The school used a semester-based curriculum, which mirrored the structure of most universities, so I was able to transition smoothly without needing to adjust to a new academic schedule. The learning environment was rigorous but not overly competitive. Students were motivated and hardworking, with many of us aiming for top universities, but there was also a strong sense of collaboration. We frequently held study sessions both during and outside of school, supporting each other along the way. The only area I felt could have been improved was the variety of AP courses. At the time, only AP Calculus AB and AP Microeconomics were offered, though this may have changed in recent years.

(5) Extracurriculars

Columbia Academy offered a wide range of extracurricular activities, with especially strong support for student volunteering. There was even an after-school club specifically dedicated to helping students find volunteer opportunities in the community. In addition to that, the school had a vibrant club scene, with both student-run and teacher-led groups covering a variety of interests. The atmosphere in these clubs was fun and welcoming, providing a great balance to the academic environment. More importantly, they offered valuable opportunities to develop non-academic skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork.

(5) Students

When I was a student at Columbia Academy, the student body was relatively small, with my graduating class having around 50 people. This close-knit environment was incredibly valuable, as it allowed for a closer connection with everyone and more one-on-one time with teachers and administrators. The community was warm and welcoming, and I felt a strong sense of belonging almost immediately, even though I had just transferred from another school and didn’t know anyone. The transition was smooth because students were genuinely kind, supportive, and inclusive. A typical Columbia Academy student is hardworking, motivated, and compassionate. While many of us had our sights set on attending top universities, the atmosphere was never competitive in a negative way. Instead, students frequently helped one another through study sessions and shared resources. The school also fosters a diverse environment, with students from a wide range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

(5) School Life

I truly loved my time at Columbia Academy, and I am grateful for everything I gained from the experience. The classes were consistently engaging and taught in a way that made learning enjoyable and meaningful. There were countless opportunities to grow both academically and personally, whether through extracurriculars, volunteering, or leadership roles. I always felt supported by the staff, who were not only responsive and understanding but also genuinely committed to helping each student succeed. The school was also very accommodating of individual needs, and I appreciated how flexible and open the administration was whenever I had a request or concern. The student body was equally positive; most of us were motivated and passionate about our goals, and while we all experienced the usual stress and fatigue that comes with school life, there was a shared sense of purpose that made the journey feel lighter.

(5) Community

I think my willingness to write this review speaks for the community of Columbia Academy itself. It has been four years since I graduated, and I am still happy to be involved and help the school in any way I can. Columbia Academy left a lasting impact on me, and I truly value the sense of community it fostered. I made many close friends during my time there, and I still keep in touch with several of them today. The broader school community is incredibly warm and inclusive. Parents have always been welcomed and encouraged to be involved, whether through school events, volunteering, or parent-teacher meetings. From what I’ve seen, family involvement plays a key role in shaping the supportive culture Columbia Academy is known for. As an alumnus, I still feel a strong connection to the school, and I’m proud to see how it continues to grow.

(5) School Location

The school has since moved to a new location after I graduated, but it remains in downtown Vancouver. Being in such a central area makes it well-integrated into the surrounding community. Students often venture beyond campus to explore and grab food from the many restaurants nearby. The downtown setting offers convenience, variety, and a dynamic environment that adds to the overall student experience.

(5) Admissions

Columbia Academy’s admissions process was very smooth and easy. When I applied, the admissions officers worked closely with me to ensure everything was in order and that the school would be a good fit for me. They were incredibly responsive and supportive throughout the process. I was especially impressed by how quickly they were able to pull up my academic records from the system, which made everything feel organized and efficient. Overall, the process felt very personal, and I appreciated how much effort they put into making me feel welcomed right from the start.

(5) University placement and counselling

I truly believe that without Columbia Academy’s university counseling program, I wouldn’t have been accepted to UC Berkeley. Most students from the school go on to attend top universities in Canada, such as UBC and the University of Toronto, but I was aiming to go a step further. The school supported me every step of the way, offering guidance, resources, and encouragement to help me reach my goals. The counselors not only helped me explore universities that matched my interests but also motivated me to strengthen my application through extracurricular involvement. They encouraged me to pursue leadership opportunities—most notably, they were the ones who pushed me to run for student council president, a role I was honored to win. Their support made all the difference.