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The story
In 1898, Mary Bole Scott and Florence Kelley established Columbus School for Girls. The school was intended to replace the traditional "finishing school" for young women by adopting a solid college preparatory educational program.
On September 22, 1898, Columbus School for Girls began their first school session.
On June 2, 1899, the first commencement was held for two graduates
In 1904, Alice Gladden and Grace Latimer Jones succeeded Miss Scott and Miss Kelley. A daughter of renowned Congregational Minister Washington Gladden, Alice Gladden (1904–1926) established the daily chapel services which remain a part of the school's traditions today. Miss Jones (1904–1938, latterly Mrs. McClure) strengthened the concept of an academically demanding education for girls and expanded the college preparatory curriculum. While the disciplines of English, mathematics, and foreign languages were stressed, Columbus School for Girls also included studies in theater, music, and fine arts.
In 1927, the School was incorporated as a nonprofit institution.
From 1938 to 1946, the headmaster was Dr. Samuel Shellabarger, historian, educator and writer of many historical novels, including "Captain from Castile" and "Prince of Foxes."
In 1953, under headmistress Beatrice Constance Marvin, the School moved from a deteriorating Columbus neighborhood at Bryden Road and Parsons Avenue to a property on Broad Street at Columbia, in the suburb of Bexley.
In 1957, headmaster Dr. Arleigh D. Richardson III instituted a policy of open admissions, loathing the national practice of segregation that existed in most independent schools across the country.
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In 1966, under Headmaster John V. Chapman's guidance, the school expanded its enrollment and began a building program.
In 1969, ground was broken for a large addition on the Bexley site. The facilities, including a lower school, library, gymnasium with pool and locker room, fine arts complex, and theater-in-the-round were completed in 1970.
In 1985, headmistress Patricia T. Hayot, Ph.D., promoted an interdisciplinary style of learning and guided CSG's decision to remain firmly committed to single-sex education. During her 18-year tenure, the School grew from one to three campuses, comprising more than 180 acres. The 10-acre main campus in Bexley houses the academic and administrative buildings, including the original Columbia Avenue mansion. The Kirk Campus, a 70-acre athletic facility is nearby. The third campus, Cynthia's Woods, consists of nearly 100 acres of environmentally protected woodland.
In 2003, headmistress Diane B. Cooper was appointed. During her tenure, broad plans to renovate and expand the Bexley campus were initiated. This set of plans later became known as the Landmark Campaign and included such developments as the construction of a new Athletics Complex and theater, as well as numerous renovations of preexisting campus areas.
In 2009, Ms. Elizabeth (Liza) Lee assumed the Head of School position. She realized the renovation plans as part of the Landmark Campaign, including the establishment of a new Athletics Complex in 2012 which features an eight lane pool, yoga room, lobby, and fitness center. Major renovations were also made to the dining room and commons during her tenure.
In 2014, Jennifer M. Ciccarelli was appointed as the 13th Head of School on July 1.
In 2015, the new Agnes Jeffrey Shedd Theater, a 400-seat performing arts center, was dedicated.
In 2022, Camille J.L. Seals was made 14th Head of School on July 1.
From Wikipedia’s article on Columbus School for Girls, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5