Columbia Christian Schools

What Columbia Christian Schools does

Columbia Christian Schools is a private, nonprofit PreK-12 Christian school operating from a single campus at 9101 E Burnside Street in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1947 as Columbia Bible School and relocated to its current East Portland campus in 1956, the institution enrolled approximately 320 students across elementary, middle, and high school divisions at the time of reporting, supported by 51-100 employees. It holds dual accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and AdvancED, most recently renewed in 2023, and serves families seeking a faith-integrated academic pathway including international students and a small dual college credit partnership with George Fox University.

The academic product is delivered through conventional K-12 educational technology rather than proprietary platforms: RenWeb (PowerSchool) for the parent/student portal, Hot Lunch Online for meal ordering, NeonCRM for donations and event registration, Auctria for the annual auction, and Google Workspace for operations. Curriculum is built around a biblical worldview framework developed through a three-year faculty professional development program and includes MAP testing, AP coursework, dual-enrollment options, fine and performing arts, and a competitive athletics program in the Metro Christian League / OSAA 2A classification. Auxiliary revenue and programming span extended day childcare, summer sports and STEAM camps (Animation Studio, Mad Science, Patent Pending: Inventions, Ready for Takeoff: Air & Space), an annual auction fundraiser that distributes over $300,000 in tuition assistance each year, a hot lunch program run by partner Boma Foods, merchandise sales through the Knights Spirit Store, and donations via the Legacy of Stewardship campaign.

The business model is tuition-driven with a portfolio of ancillary revenue streams. Core academic programs use annual subscription billing, summer camps are unit-priced ($80-$250 per session), the lunch program is pay-as-you-go ($7 youth, $9 adult), and after-school clubs run between $90-$150 per multi-session block. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer: Educational Success Consultations, weekly Walk-In Wednesdays with the President, open houses, free playground play days, church partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals from enrolled families and the local Churches of Christ network. Marketing reaches prospective families through the school website, the Knightly News newsletter, social media, YouTube event streams, and earned media coverage from KGW8, Portland Tribune, and the Christian Chronicle.

Name

Columbia Christian Schools

Legal name

Columbia Christian Schools

Website

https://columbiachristian.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Columbia Christian Schools is a nonprofit, ACSI- and AdvancED-accredited private PreK-12 Christian school in East Portland, Oregon, serving approximately 320 students through faith-integrated academics, athletics, and fine arts, with tuition-driven revenue supplemented by summer camps, donations, and ancillary programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 Christian Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Christian k-12 education
• Private school tuition
• College preparatory curriculum
• Summer enrichment camps
• Athletics and fine arts

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue from tuition payments for students in PreK through 12th grade. Additional fees for various programs and activities.
2. Summer Camps and Athletic Programs: Revenue from sports camps including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and strength/explosiveness camps; summer day camp programs; after-school enrichment clubs
3. Lunch Program: Hot lunch program partnership with Boma Foods offering meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Youth portions priced at $7, adult portions at $9.
4. Annual Auction Fundraiser: Major annual fundraiser supporting tuition assistance and campus programs. Provides over $300,000 in tuition assistance annually.
5. Donations and Giving: Legacy of Stewardship campaign, End of Year Campaign, Giving Tuesday, and general donations supporting scholarships and curriculum adoption.
6. Merchandise Sales: Knights Spirit Store selling school merchandise including hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and drink tumblers through online catalog.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Columbia Christian Schools provides a Christ-centered PreK through 12th grade education focused on faith, character, and academics, delivered through elementary, middle school, and high school divisions on its East Portland campus. Core academics are supplemented by dual college credit courses, athletics, fine and performing arts, extended day care, summer STEAM and sports camps, and an international student enrollment program. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition and fees, with supporting income from summer programs, lunch program sales, an annual auction, donations, and branded merchandise.

Product overview

Columbia Christian Schools operates as a Pre-K through 12th grade Christian education institution offering a comprehensive academic program built around Christ-centered values. The school provides core educational services across three divisions (elementary, middle school, high school) supplemented by athletics, fine and performing arts, and college preparation programs. Additional services include extended day care, summer camps with STEAM focus, international student enrollment, and a branded merchandise store. The school is dually accredited by ACSI and AdvancED and maintains partnerships with various technology platforms for school management, donor relations, and academic operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• K-12 Christian Education Program Christ-centered education for students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, organized into elementary, middle school, and high school divisions, with biblical worldview integration across all subjects, dual college credit through George Fox University, AP courses, MAP testing, and character development programs. Delivered on the East Portland campus to families in the Portland metropolitan area and to international students.
• Summer Camps and Athletic Programs Standalone summer offerings including STEAM camps (Animation Studio, Mad Science, Patent Pending: Inventions, Ready for Takeoff: Air & Space), sports camps (basketball, volleyball, soccer, strength/speed), and an elementary summer day camp. Open to community children beyond current enrollment, with pricing of $250 per 2-week session, $150 weekly, and $40 daily.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% AP English Literature pass rate compared to 60% global average
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• George Fox UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Dual College Credit partnership offering Columbia high school students the opportunity to earn college credits through courses in math, science, psychology, literature, and other subjects. Students benefit from having transcripted college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college education.
• Boma FoodssupportingOthersOn-site lunch provider located in the school cafeteria kitchen, preparing and serving hot meals to students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Youth portions at $7, adult portions at $9, with meals including main entrée, seasonal fruit or veggie, and 100% fruit juice.
• The ProtectorssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternationally recognized anti-bullying organization that provided training for students, faculty, and parents to address bullying through the 'Protectors Program.' Sessions held during school day for students, after school for faculty, and evening for parents and community.
• Montavilla InitiativeminorOthersLocal community partnership for neighborhood events including Easter egg hunt sponsorship and community engagement activities.
• SOLVEminorOthersEnvironmental organization partnering with school for neighborhood cleanup service projects. 34 volunteers collected 38 bags of litter around campus.
• Agape VillageminorOthersTiny home community project to combat homelessness in Portland. Columbia middle and high school students participated in service projects including building and grounds work during summer mission week.
• Local Churches of ChristcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Metro Church of Christ, Oregon City Church of Christ, and other local Churches of Christ. These partnerships support student recruitment, provide Bible teachers, and foster community connections. Includes alumni connections from Cascade College tradition.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LETSGO_KNIGHTS

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Columbia Christian Schools