Dear Columbus School Students, Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Columbus School!  Columbus School is a diverse community of approximately 600 students in grades PreK-4.  I am proud and honored to serve as your Principal and excited for a new school year! I look forward to collaborating with all of you in order to ensure that this school year is not only a fantastic one, but one to remember. 

The mission of Columbus School is aligned with the district’s mission: drawing on our cultural richness, Carteret Public Schools inspires and empowers students to be innovative, respectful, and confident leaders who will RISE to shape the world.  The staff, administration, and Parent Teacher organization is committed to create a collaborative learning community that educates the whole child.

All PreK- 4 students are immersed in a blended learning environment at Columbus School.  Prek and Kindergarten uses Tools of The Mind, while students in Grades 1-4, use Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, a balanced literacy approach, and the Ready and I-Ready Math program which provides all students access to rigorous Math instruction and personalized learning opportunities. Our school offers a S.P.A.R.K. program to provide opportunities for identified students to participate in varying units of study that incorporate humanities, independent investigation, and STEM. Students participate in Google Classroom, online programs that enrich the curriculum, and utilize technology to create multimedia presentations and STEM projects.  Response To Intervention (RTI) Model Program for Grades K-3 is fully implemented providing interventions including Orton Gillingham, iRead, & Fountas and Pinnell LLI and Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Sight Words.  (SIPPS)

Thank you in advance for partnering with us to ensure our students have a successful school year!  At Columbus School, we are committed to providing a high quality, rigorous, and personalized education to each one of our students.  It is truly my pleasure and privilege to work with such exceptional and inspiring educators and community members who give their all every single day! While we have much work to do to reach our goals, I am confident that with our hard working students, staff and supportive parents, we will continue to make Columbus School an outstanding place to learn and grow. My door is always open and ideas are welcomed.  I look forward to partnering with you.  Let’s have an extraordinary school year! Ramblers rise!

Educationally Yours,

Mayling Cardenas

Principal