Happy holidays! Our "Experience Academy" series returns to provide reminders to those in our school community about upcoming events to which you are encouraged to attend. We hope these invitations will inspire you to become more engaged in the activities that are such an important part of the Academy experience.

December 11 | 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments and community time will begin at 6:30 p.m. in our dining hall followed by the presentation on reducing stress and managing anxiety by international speaker and psychotherapist Lynn Lyons. Also, the Viking Corner store will offer a special sale from 6:00-7:00 and right after the discussion concludes as well.

December 13 | 8:00 a.m.

Our parents' association's final monthly meeting of 2023 will focus on mental health awareness. The school's counselors will be discussing how CA helps students keep healthy and ways caregivers can support their children's mental health as well. As a special bonus, parents will also get to meet Nelson, our community dog. We hope you can join us on the fireside of the dining hall for coffee and great information!

December 14 | 7:00 p.m.

"Finding Nemo KIDS" is being performed on Thursday, December 14, in Academy's theatre as this year's annual fourth grade musical. "We are so proud of the hard work, determination and effort displayed by our students," stated co-directors Amy McLaughlin and Michelle Schroeder-Lowrey. "We can't wait to see how they swim together on stage!"

December 14-15 | Morning Dropoff

PACA needs your help in providing everyone who works at the school with a dozen festive cookies or sweet treats. Sign up to bake by clicking here (everything can easily be dropped off during morning carpool on December 14-15) or you can donate via Venmo or Zelle. If you're interested in volunteering to help pull it all together on the 14th and 15th, click here.

December 15 | 9:00 a.m.

Parents of students in our Explorers Program are invited to meet their children for an outdoor adventure that will include having a snack at the Crane Outdoor Learning Center, decorating gingerbread houses and then music class around the campfire.

December 19 | 8:15 a.m.

According to Orchestra Director Nathan Greenwood, this will be a short performance by our Level 1, 2 and 3 strings musicians to showcase the work that they have been doing. All are welcome to this concert in the theatre.

December 22 | 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.

On the final school day before winter break, our swimming pool will host the 19th edition of the Sixth Grade Naval Project, where students will sail their Greek triremes through a series of challenges including maneuverability, cargo and crew transfer, naval race and a naval battle.

December 22 | 2:00 p.m.

Every lower-schooler will perform during the Winter Closing Concert in our Mackenzie Gymnasium ("The Mack") on the Friday afternoon heading into the holiday break. In addition to winter-themed songs by each grade level, students will sing traditional favorites such as "Just One Candle" and "Auld Lang Syne."

December 27-29 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Gahanna Parks & Recreation invites Columbus Academy students between the ages of 6-12 to register for its Winter Break Camp. Each day will be a unique experience of traditional camp activities that include arts & creativity, sports & games, team-building and more. Registration is recommended by December 20.

Below are a few opportunities to cheer for our varsity sports teams between now and the end of winter break (click here for daily schedules):

December 14 | 4:00 p.m.

Bowling hosts Bishop Ready at HP Lanes

December 14 | 5:00 p.m.

Wrestling hosts Logan & Mifflin in the Barton Room

December 15 | 5:30 p.m.

Swimming hosts Bexley & Pickerington North in Academy's pool

December 22 | 6:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball hosts Horizon Science in The Mack

December 27-28

Boys Basketball plays in Holiday Tournament at Briggs High School

January 7 | 6:00 p.m.

Ice Hockey hosts Thomas Worthington at Chiller Easton