Ethics

Ethical behavior and responsibility for one's own actions are at the heart of the Columbia Academy program. 

It is a common misgiving that one cannot broach this subject without religious influence.  Our students have fun exploring a variety of common-sense guidelines for better living, from The Way to Happiness® — a nonreligious moral code written by author and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard.  It is the ideal way for a multi-denominational student body to learn and practice good behavior together.

Group discussion, skits and comic strips are favorite ways to examine values such as Do Not Steal, Honor and Help Your Parents, and Do Not Tell Harmful Lies. Others, like Help Take Care of the Planet and Try to Treat Others as You Would Want Them to Treat You, are often demonstrated by involving the children in community service.

Food drives, raising money for rainforest conservation, planting trees for Earth Day, and collecting teddy bears for children in emergency situations are just a few past projects.  Set a Good Example and Love and Help Children, which encourage older students to mentor younger ones, are practiced here everyday.

Our November/December 2008 Newsletter features some wonderful stories written by our upperclassmen after spending time as friends and mentors to younger students.  The January/February 2007 Newsletter discusses Columbia's approach to ethics.

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