PACA was formed in 1973 as the “Mother’s Association of Columbus Academy” and is now run by parents and guardians of Columbus Academy students. If you are a parent or guardian of a student enrolled at Columbus Academy, you are a member of PACA! We invite you to be involved!
PACA’s impact on the school to provide funding for non-core operational expenses has significantly enriched the CA community throughout its nearly 50 year history. Funds raised are used for faculty grants, athletic team needs, events for students, faculty appreciation, parent education, and more.
PACA is organized with a board that has parent representation across all CA Divisions. The general Board consists of Executive Board members and Board members who lead various initiatives and events hosted by PACA throughout the year. For more information, click here to review the PACA Bylaws approved May 13, 2020.
Parent Forums are held on the first or second Wednesday of each month during the academic year. These are open to all parents and guardians of CA students and are held at 8 a.m. in the Dining Hall, just after morning drop-off. Forums are wonderful opportunities to learn about different aspects of the school, from Forest Fridays in the youngest grades in the LS, to Makerspace in the MS, to internships in the US, etc.
Attending Parent Forums also allows parents and guardians to hear PACA updates on events, such as the Charlie David Dinner, Spring Gala, Faculty Appreciation, etc., and to learn how to get involved in different aspects of PACA. Coffee and great conversation are provided, as well as the chance to meet parents and guardians from all divisions.
2022-23 Parent Forums (All in the Dining Hall at 8 a.m. after morning drop-off):
The PACA Full Board meets two times per year. The PACA Executive Board meets the third Wednesday of each month unless there is a conflict with a holiday or CA in-service day. Meetings for both begin just after drop-off at 8 am.
If you would like to attend a PACA Full Board or Executive Board meeting, please email us here.
PACA organizes various events and programs throughout the year, some of which raise funds and some foster parent/guardian involvement and education about issues that are important to the CA school environment. Fundraising Events include the Charlie David Dinner, the Spring Gala, the Book Fair and Viking Corner Sidewalk Sale at the LS Ice Cream Social. Programs include but are not limited to diversity groups, community service projects, parent education and youth sports (3rd/4th/5th/6th grades).
PACA Division (Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School) Parents work with CA Division Heads to identify room parent volunteers and facilitate communication between the staff and parents, while also meeting with the Division Heads to send important information to parents. Multiple communication channels are used (email, Facebook, etc). See how the three main PACA communications positions are structured.
An important part of the CA community is developing relationships between parents at the grade level. Grade parents organize opportunities for parents of a given grade to get out and socialize with one another in a relaxed atmosphere.
PACA leads a number of parent groups focused on exploring diversity opportunities and issues at CA while also providing structured affinity groups that highlight the diverse representation of people at CA and provide a space to share common experiences. We encourage you to learn more about diversity at Columbus Academy.