Why Columbus Elementary School?

Columbus

Columbus Elementary is located in the Historic Central Neighborhood of Appleton. It is a very culturally and ethnically diverse school with an approximate student body of 150 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. 

Columbus Elementary was built in 1892 and was previously known as the "6th Ward School". The school bell is rung every year on Columbus Day in honor of its namesake.


Columbus is honored with both state and national academic achievement awards

2017-18 Wisconsin RtI Center Recognized School: Bronze for Behavior

2015 Wisconsin RtI Center School of Distinction

2014 Beating the Odds School

2009 National Blue Ribbon School

Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition (formerly New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition)
Since 2003, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has recognized Title I schools that have demonstrated success in educating students. To be eligible, schools must receive federal Title I funding to provide services to large numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged children and meet other achievement criteria. 

These awards recognize the work of students and their parents along with teachers, school administrators, and school staff members to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement. Their efforts help us ensure that every student graduates college and career ready.

07-08 08-09 09-10 14-15


Focus on Health and Sustainability

Columbus uses Farm-to-School nutrition education and has an active outdoor garden with participation from local Master Gardener volunteers

Read more about Goodwill Grows

Area students learn about good nutrition and physical activity through ThedaCare’s new Good to Go initiative

Columbus Elementary also participates in Walk to School Day


Links to the Community

At Columbus Elementary in the Historic Central Neighborhood of Appleton, neighbors are regularly coming in during the after-school program to teach short classes on things they themselves love to do – yoga, zentangle, wood working, singing, geology, finger knitting, and more. The students love learning these new skills and interacting with adult neighbors who have their best interests at heart.

A Rotary-funded playground renovation strengthens the Fox Valley's core neighborhoods. This is critical for residents' health and well-being, as well as to the overall vitality of our region. Neighborhood Partners brings neighbors together to build the social capital necessary to address community challenges, partnering with nonprofit, corporate and government organizations as needed for maximum impact.