{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Columbia Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10241346,"projectId":9681339,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations that helped us buy strings to replace old or broken strings on our instruments. I was able to change strings on multiple instruments and students immediately noticed the difference in their quality of sound! One student was having trouble getting a good sound and after the string was replaced she said, \"Wow! I sound amazing!\" and all her friends around her immediately agreed!\r\n\r\nThe students have been playing their instruments now for almost three months and they have made wonderful progress. We started by playing open strings by plucking then graduated to using our bows. We have also started adding fingers down on the string to get different notes. All the classes are working toward our first performance in December and I hope you are able to come and cheer them on!\r\n\r\nThe orchestra students of Columbia, Rainbow, and Toney Elementary and myself are so grateful to you and truly appreciate your support as we learn our new instruments!","fullyFundedDate":1757889242903,"projectUrl":"project/strings-for-beginning-musicians/9681339/","projectTitle":"Strings for Beginning Musicians!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10241346"},{"teacherId":9354405,"projectId":9400673,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our 5th grade students at Columbia Elementary had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on garden engineering experience that sparked creativity, collaboration, and curiosity.\r\nIn just one 75-minute session, students were challenged to design and build trellises for fall crops—mini pumpkins and string beans—using only the materials from available to them from donors choose supporters. They began by organizing themselves by birthdays to build community, then split into two teams. Each group brainstormed, sketched a draft, selected materials, and constructed their trellis design. Every student had a role, including a group reporter to share their ideas.\r\nWhat made this project truly special was the level of student ownership. Without adult intervention, they supported each others ideas, they tested ideas, problem-solved, and reflected on what worked and what they would change. After building, they planted seeds and explored the sensory herb garden, caught butterflies, and even harvested a few items—experiencing the garden as a living classroom.\r\nThe excitement was palpable. Students were eager to plant, to build, and to return. This project not only introduced them to engineering and agriculture but also opened the door for more classes to engage with our garden space—something that can be challenging with our teachers' packed schedules.\r\nYour donation didn't just fund materials—it planted the seeds of teamwork, inquiry, and environmental stewardship. We've invited the classes to return and observe the growth of their plants, beginning a fall journey that we hope will continue to bloom.\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support is helping us grow more than just plants—you're helping us grow learners.","fullyFundedDate":1750438126578,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this-the-5th-grade-gifted-stude/9400673/","projectTitle":"Picture This: the 5th Grade Gifted Students Build a Trellis","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Penny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9354405_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x160,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743115040951","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9354405"},{"teacherId":9354405,"projectId":9215534,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the wonderful progress in our garden space, thanks to your generous support of our DonorsChoose project!\r\n\r\nWith your help, we were able to purchase a charming Little Red House from Little Tikes and a durable outdoor storage bench. Our amazing custodial team assembled both items right away, and they now have a special place in our garden courtyard.\r\n\r\nOur students were immediately drawn to the red house during our first garden visit. They eagerly explored its features—opening and closing the windows and doors with delight. It has quickly become a favorite spot for imaginative play and social interaction.\r\n\r\nWe've also started organizing our garden tools and materials with the help of our students, placing them neatly in the new storage bench. Soon, we'll be adding our outdoor water play items to the bin as well, making cleanup and access easier for everyone.\r\n\r\nThe garden is now more inviting than ever. Another class has even volunteered to help water our growing cherry tomatoes during their outdoor playtime. We've received several compliments on the garden's refreshed appearance, and we're excited to continue improving it. Since the original photos were taken, the grass has been trimmed, and we've cleared out some of our summer crops to allow the garden beds time to rest and rejuvenate.\r\n\r\nWe're now eagerly awaiting the arrival of pumpkin seeds to begin our fall planting!\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting Nature's Haven. Your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact on our students' learning and joy. 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Columbia Elementary School

Join the 93 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Columbia Elementary School is a suburban public school in Decatur, Georgia that is part of Dekalb County School District. It serves 364 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.9:1. Its teachers have had 37 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

364 Students

41 Teachers

3230 Columbia Woods Dr

Decatur, GA 30032 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Columbia Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Brewington

Mrs. Dennis

Mrs. Donaldson-Jeffries

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Columbia Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

94%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Columbia Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Columbia Elementary School

$35,675

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

project for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

Columbia Elementary School has received support from 62 individuals from Georgia and 31 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Columbia Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Columbia Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Columbia Elementary School Demographics

Columbia Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Columbia Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.