About Us

 

 

Dear Columbus School Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Welcome to Columbus School! It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Principal. I am excited to begin another school year and look forward to working together to ensure a successful, memorable, and enriching experience for all.

Columbus School is a vibrant and diverse learning community, serving approximately 650 students in grades PreK–4. Aligned with the Carteret Public School 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—we are committed to fostering a collaborative environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child.

At Columbus School, we take pride in offering a rigorous, high-quality, and personalized education. Our PreK students learn through the Tools of the Mind curriculum, while students in Grades K–4 engage in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop through the Being a Reader and Being a Writer programs, as well as a Math Workshop model. A key component of both our literacy and math instruction is small group instruction, which allows teachers to meet students at their individual levels, provide targeted support, and promote academic growth for all learners. This approach ensures that instruction is data-driven, differentiated, and responsive to student needs.

Our S.P.A.R.K. enrichment program offers selected students the opportunity to explore advanced content through engaging units of study that integrate humanities, STEM, and independent inquiry. Students also utilize Google Classroom, create multimedia projects, and access a variety of online platforms that extend and enrich the curriculum.

Additionally, we have fully implemented a robust Response to Intervention (RTI) model in Grades K–3, providing targeted support through evidence-based programs such as Orton-Gillingham and SIPPS, further supporting early literacy development and foundational skills.

Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support. At Columbus School, we are proud to work alongside dedicated educators, engaged families, and a committed Parent Teacher Organization—all united by a shared goal: to help our students thrive. Together, I am confident that we will continue to make Columbus School an exceptional place to learn and grow.

My door is always open, and I welcome your ideas, questions, and collaboration. Let’s make this school year extraordinary—Ramblers Rise!

Warm regards,
Mayling Cardenas
Principal