Principal's Message

Welcome to Columbia Crest A-STEM Academy! Columbia Crest has been a great place to attend school since 1951. It has gone through many changes over the years: building on, remodel, becoming a Kindergarten through sixth grade school, and most recently the revitalizing of a STEM school with an ART focus for preschool through eighth grade students. The rural setting provides a very unique feel as the school is surrounded by beauty and looked down on from Mt. Rainier - hence “The Home of the Columbia Crest Rainiers”.

The entire staff is on board with infusing STEM into the curriculum. They are also creating spaces for students to become involved in the environment. A greenhouse and school garden was built during the 2018 summer. This addition enhanced and created a focus on early educational opportunities for students in an outdoor, place-based campus incorporating outdoor lab and learning sites. One of the unique opportunities Columbia Crest students have is to take our "Hands on Health" class.  Students learn to enjoy the garden gifts as healthy daily snacks and gain an understanding of the importance of nutrition.

The incredible partnerships that have been forged over the years continue to grow and bring innovation to the school. These include DNR, Northwest Trek, Mt. Rainier, Elbe Train Station, RMI, Pack Forest, Mt. Rainier Lions, Ashford Creek Pottery, Ashford Lions, Environmental Education Program ~ Pierce County Public Works, and the Mt. Rainier Tahoma Lodge #190 Free & Accepted Masons of Washington.

The dedication of the entire classified and certified individuals who work together in this space is phenomenal. Going above and beyond to provide endless possibilities for student growth and achievement is standard for this school.

As the principal, it is my honor to meet the needs of students and work to create a place for families and the community to come together.

Sincerely,

Ms. Allison Burslem