CAA History

Columbus Adventist Academy was founded with the goal of bringing quality Christian education to the Columbus community. As part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, the largest Protestant school system in the world, CAA has been committed to providing a Christ-centered education that transforms lives through evangelism, empowerment, and excellence.

Throughout its history, CAA has experienced growth and development in its educational offerings. The school has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of subjects while maintaining a strong biblical foundation. CAA’s dedication to academic rigor is evident in its high academic standards, which are based on the Common Core and those of the Adventist school system. The school’s growth is also reflected in its use of modern technology, intentionally integrated throughout the curriculum, and its emphasis on physical fitness through various athletic programs.

God’s provision is evident in the quality of CAA’s staff and faculty. The school is blessed with dedicated and experienced teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees and receive ongoing professional development. This commitment to excellence in education has allowed CAA to maintain a small teacher-to-student ratio, enabling caring educators to focus on each student’s success. As CAA continues to grow and serve students in Columbus, its history stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of Christ-centered education to positively impact young lives.

CAA Film Documentary

History Timeline

1940

Founding

Columbus Adventist Academy, formerly Ephesus Elementary School, was established in the mid-1940s in the basement of Ephesus Church in Columbus, Ohio. Adventist Christian education was a core value for the church, which waited until the mortgage was paid off before starting the school. The school’s beginnings were tied to the founding of the Allegheny Conference, with enrollment ranging from fifteen to twenty students in grades 1-8 during the 1940s and 1950s.

LATE 1940's

Earliest Student Memories

Many decades later, former students still recall fond memories of Ephesus Elementary School: the “scary” furnace; the coal bin, and the paddling of the frozen hands of those who  showed up late on cold winter mornings. Despite past challenges, what stands out most is the strong bonds between students and the nurturing teachers. Sister Louise Neil, daughter of Dr. Lottie Blake, (a charter member of the 1917 Ephesus congregation), instilled school spirit through a timeless song, with the final line resonating as “March on, March on /Oh school divine!”

1940-1960

Teachers and Families

Early teachers like Sally Hope, Sarah Lester, Jennifer Calder, Gustavus Manning, Wilhelmina Phipps, Clara Powell, Oliver Cheatham, and Walterene Brooks taught multiple grades at Columbus Adventist Academy, making a lasting impact on students from various families in the Columbus area. Families demonstrated their commitment to Christian education by using their talents and resources to support the school. Stories are still told about Christian families donating fresh baked goods, hand-sewn clothes, and even plumbing/electric expertise. One board member, Brother Calvin Patterson, worked for a local news station, brought extra resources from the station whenever possible, such as giant boxes of Life cereal.

1962

School Relocation

When the city planned an expressway through downtown, Ephesus church relocated to 2271-2281 E. Fifth Avenue in 1962. The church and basement were larger but still too small. Teacher Clara Powell taught grades 1-4, while Jennifer Calder taught grades 5-8.  Students remember the rules against chewing gum in classes and infractions that merited “the Board of Education”—a wooden board corrective used for discipline. Most students obeyed because of the sound Christian principles they were learning. The class of 1961 had three graduates; the class of 1962 had two graduates, and the class of 1963 had two graduates.  One of the church-owned houses served as a parsonage Ephesus Pastor James Washington.  Sister Viola Saunders cooked warm meals in the other church-owned house. The school thrived under Christian morals and kind teachers, but needed a larger space for school.

1967

The Move to Vaughn Hall

In 1967, prior to its move to 1339 E. Broad Street, Allegheny West Conference operated on the Ephesus property. The school then moved to Vaughn Hall in the late 1960s, a new two-story building named after Otis Vaughn. Enrollment peaked at 60 students with a small teacher/student ratio. Families included the Browns, Clarks, Jacksons, and Porters. Teachers like Crystal Adams and Richard Ford were part of the school’s staff, along with board chairs Verma Dooley and Melva Clark. Sister Mary James cooked for the students, maintaining a close-knit community.

1970s

The Struggle to Survive and Thrive

Ephesus Elementary is fondly remembered for its community support, including tuition sponsors who helped students in need. Members organized initiatives, like Brother Lawrence Stewart’s recycling campaigns, to fund the school. The Hilltop church significantly contributed by providing stipends for its school-aged children to attend Ephesus. A turning point for the school came with the closure of the Columbus Laboratory, a private Black Christian school, as its parents sought a supportive and faith-based educational environment. Their involvement enriched the curriculum, leading to swim lessons and free lectures from local Black medical professionals. The dedication of church members like Mary Hardin, who catalogued the school’s library, and Ohio State graduate students who served as guest lecturers added depth to the education offered. Ephesus Elementary also gained recognition for its holiday performances and musical programs, led by talented educators such as Terry Jackson, who hailed from Oakwood’s renowned Aeolians. One parent reflected that their children’s experience at the school fostered lifelong friendships and a solid spiritual foundation.

1980's

The Turn of Events

Unfortunately, financial problems due to the congregation’s desire to move out of its crowded, unairconditioned structure and buy land and build a new church made it difficult for the school’s financial future. There was a philosophical difference between those who wanted a school built first and those who wanted first a new sanctuary. Many church members felt that the school was too costly to operate while buying land and building a new edifice.  Additionally, there was an unmet demand for a stronger 7th and 8th grade.  The church closed Ephesus Elementary in the mid-1980s.  Unlike many schools that have faced closure, the fervent prayers of the Ephesians and their giving of their talents and treasures saw the transformative reconstruction of Ephesus Elementary School to the now Columbus Adventist Academy (CAA), 3650 Sunbury Road. Throughout its history, the school’s ministry and outreach efforts have advanced its goal of educating not only for this life, but for eternity.