Atholton Adventist Academy opened its doors on September 8, 1958. The school was founded by a group of dedicated parents and church members who wanted to provide a Christian education for their children. Its initial 1 teacher and 13 students have grown to 16 full-time teachers, many part-time instructors and staff, and more than 200 students. Today, Atholton Adventist Academy continues to provide Christian educational opportunities for students in the Columbia and Howard County areas.
Atholton Adventist Academy is accredited by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, the National Council of Private School Accreditation, and Middle States Association.
Atholton's Mission: CROWN
To provide a Christ-centered, safe, and purposeful learning environment where students are equipped and supported to grow in:
C – Christlike Character
Students live out their faith through worship, service, and daily actions that reflect the love and teachings of Jesus.
R – Responsibility to Community
Students act with integrity, empathy, and accountability as they contribute meaningfully to their school, home, and broader communities.
O – Ownership of Learning
Students take initiative in their education, demonstrating curiosity, goal-setting, and a desire to grow as lifelong learners.
W – Wisdom in Thinking
Students develop critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems, evaluate information, and make thoughtful decisions.
N – Noble Excellence
Students pursue excellence in character and academics, not for comparison, but as a response to God’s calling to grow and serve.
Diversity
Diversity – promoting and nurturing respect for the diversity found in God’s creation including differences in ethnicity, economic status, capabilities, social backgrounds, physical attributes, gender, and religion.
Relationships – developing positive relationships with all members of God’s family by living a caring, loving lifestyle.
Service – following Christ’s example – administrators, teachers, students and the larger school family – to model a pattern of lifelong service to God and humanity.
Holistic – providing students an education that emphasizes development of spiritual, mental, physical, and social abilities in preparation for living a positive, happy life on this earth and throughout eternity.
Core Values
Driving the mission of Atholton Adventist Academy are these values by which we operate:
Christ-Centered – having the life and teachings of Jesus Christ permeate every aspect of the school program.
Character – having teachers and students that reflect a Christ-like character including love, self-sacrifice, compassion, grace, honesty, and integrity.
Commitment – having a school community that accepts and demonstrates commitment to Jesus Christ, the church, and humanity.
Excellence – having the highest levels of quality instilled into every aspect of the school program.
Knowledge – having educators committed to infusing spiritual development with knowledge to allow students to reach their maximum potential.
Accessibility – being accessible and affordable to all who are willing to make Christian education a sacrificial priority.
