Defenders of Critical Race Theory (CRT) often describe it as an “academic framework.” Columbus Academy’s own defense of its curriculum describes CRT as a term used to “describe various historical and theoretical approaches to understanding the role of race in America” and one that refers to “the writings of specific scholars.” (Emphasis added). And yet, […]
Tag: Curriculum Overview
Lack of transparency and accountability ultimately hurts students
Although Columbus Academy publicly seeks nominations for prospective members of the Board of Trustees, new Board members are ultimately chosen in secret by existing members of the Board. As you might expect, this creates an environment that is conducive to neither independent thought nor effective oversight. Contrast this to the school board for your local […]
The new Columbus Academy discourages dissent and shuts down debate
Throughout its recently-released 10-page document, Columbus Academy repeatedly asserts that students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to “critically analyze” and “critique” the teachings of Critical Race Theory. Yet in practice, such dissent from authorized thought is discouraged and meaningful debate is made impossible. For example, Columbus Academy admits that it included materials from Ibram Kendi […]
Anti-Racism: It doesn’t mean what you think
On May 8, 2021, Columbus Academy published this statement, in which it repeatedly described its approach to anti-racism as “not partisan in nature.” Unfortunately, this does not align with what occurs in their classrooms every day. In the same statement, Columbus Academy admitted students are taught “the underlying concepts embedded in ‘critical race theory.’” It […]
What’s Behind the Decline in National Merit Recognitions?
As recently as 2018, Columbus Academy boasted that “30 percent of students in each graduating class at Columbus Academy earn recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.” That claim is no longer true. The four most recent years have seen the lowest levels of National Merit recognition since at least 2013 (Pro CA was not […]