To Our Columbia Families,
Today, the California School Dashboard has been publicly released, and we are delighted to share the results that are a testament to the dedication and care of all of you and our students and staff. This year’s Dashboard reflects Columbia’s best performance since the Dashboard began with measurable gains across all academic indicators and closure of achievement gaps. Key highlights include:
75% of our students demonstrated year-over-year growth in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, returning solidly to pre-pandemic performance levels.
The district saw its best performance ever in ELA with its highest number of students having either the Standard Met or Exceeded and its lowest number yet in those seeing the Standard Not Met. Similarly in Math, Columbia has returned to pre-pandemic levels to its best showing since 2017.
In Science for Grade 8, 98% of students saw the Standard Met, Exceeded, or Nearly Met. Grade 5 was nearly 80%. While Science is not being held for accountability reasons this year, this is still an incredibly strong showing, even surpassing the rest of the state.
After nearly hitting 50% a few years back, our Chronic Absenteeism Rate dropped to its lowest percentage yet at 22%.
Across the Dashboard color indicators for each category (ELA, Math, Suspensions, Chronic Absenteeism, and Science), this is the first time on district record we do not have a red category.
Across the Dashboard color indicators for student subgroups, we reduced red/orange-level areas and increased in yellow (with a hint of green), which means fewer large gaps and more classrooms showing steady improvement.
This is all especially impressive for our school considering how our demographics have changed to where the school now qualifies for more subgroups despite a relatively consistent student enrollment number.
We are seeing these numbers because of consistent and focused offerings and support. Teachers and staff have implemented restorative practices, formed focused intervention groups guided by data, expanded family outreach to support attendance, and engaged in meaningful professional learning. These daily practices are what drive student learning, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff for their tireless work on behalf of our students.
In the last few years, the district has invested in personnel and programs to have Columbia Elementary School be at the forefront of what an engaging and impactful learning environment should be. This includes, but is not limited to, adopting newly aligned curriculum programs, serving the Whole Child by offering Related Arts (Art, Music, and Physical Education), implementing restorative practices and conscious discipline, promoting student and staff wellness initiatives, offering Enrichment to all students and having Literacy and Math Interventionists available, supporting behavioral health and discipline with a Behavioral Specialist, and exposing students to new experiences through the middle school course catalog, The Opportunity Hub, acceleration opportunities and Columbia’s Discoveries.
At the same time, we remain clear-eyed about the work ahead. While Math has improved, it remains below state standards and requires continued, targeted attention. Our suspension rate rose modestly this year, and we are implementing supports to reduce the prospect of exclusions and improve student behavior and engagement. We will continue to align resources, refine instruction, and expand support so every student can meet and exceed standards.
Anyone who is a part of Columbia should be proud of what our students and staff have accomplished. These results show what sustained effort in the classroom, strong family partnerships, and focused systems can do, and we will build on this momentum.
Thank you for entrusting your children to us and for partnering with the district as we continue to grow. We look forward to sharing more of our progress and to working with our community to keep this momentum moving forward.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nicolas Wade, Superintendent
Ms. Rebekah Wood, Principal