Upper Columbia Academy

Upper Columbia Academy’s history began in the 1920s when Yakima Valley Academy was formed. That school had to close down because the young people were literally causing it to split at the seams. Walls were held together by metal cables mounted on both sides of the rooms. They had to find a bigger place.

Elder Mote, Upper Columbia Conference president at the time, was given permission by constituents to spend no more than $100,000 for a school. Surprisingly, Elder Mote’s was the only bid and YVA got it, along with 15 hogs that they sold for $1500 to provide operating capital for the first year of school. After the move, the academy was renamed Upper Columbia Academy. Core Values & Objectives are:

• Relationship With Christ: Upper Columbia Academy is a school where students actively seek a relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study, service and evangelism.
• Family Atmosphere: The staff and community at Upper Columbia Academy care deeply for youth and invest their time and resources to build Christ-centered relationships with students.
• Student Leadership: We equip students to serve mankind by empowering them with leadership responsibility today.
• Academic Diversity: We provide a high quality, diverse curriculum offering students many alternatives to meet their academic needs.

School Objectives are as:

• Relational
• Social growth consistent with Biblical standards
• Unselfish service to church family and community
• Appreciation of the worth of all people
• Personal mission to take the gospel to the World
• Preparation for the soon return of Jesus
• Physical
• Healthful living habits
• Appreciation of the value and dignity of labor
• Mental
• Strong academic foundations
• Intellectual curiosity
• Critical thinking
• Learning experiences that reflect Seventh-day Adventist values
• Self motivated life-long learning skills
• Aesthetic values and talents
• Challenge for educational excellence
• Spiritual
• Growing knowledge of God as Creator and Sustainer of life
• Development of a Christian Character
• Ethical Christian decision-making
• Utilization of Christian principles in the use of their God-given talents
• Appreciation for the Word of God
• Prayer, worship and faith experience
• Recognition of God’s complete ownership

Mission Statement: By the Grace of God, Upper Columbia Academy educates students to develop harmoniously the physical, mental and spiritual powers, inspiring a life-changing relationship with God and the highest service for others.

Upper Columbia Academy is a family of curious learners who believe that true education addresses the potential of a whole person in a balanced development of the physical, mental, spiritual and social dimensions. While we value the rigorous pursuit of knowledge, our main objective is to help students develop a solid Christian character, to realize their individual worth as children of God, embrace Christian values, and to learn to make principled choices. This goal is best reached in a context of responsible freedom and redemptive discipline. The curriculum reflects the world view and the values revealed in scripture. Students are educated to embrace service as a way of life, to be sensitive to the needs of people in the home and society, and to become active members in the church. Young people are encouraged to accept Jesus Christ as Creator, Savior, Lord and coming King, and to commit their lives to Him.