Columbia Academy at Thunder Hill
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.3 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.2 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 1 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Maryland's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Maryland caps infant ratios at 1:3, toddler ratios at 1:3, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Maryland EXCELS Level 1 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 83
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:3 6 Toddlers 1:3 9 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (3), Children's Records & Files (2), and Building & Premises Safety (1). Of 7 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Feb 5, 20263 Findings3 Important
- Three Children Did Not Have Authorized Pick Up on Emergency Cards13A.16.03.04C
Three children did not have authorized pick up on emergency cards. Please correct immediately and submit a copy of the corrected cards to the Office of Child Care.
- Five Children Did Not Have Lead Screenings in Their Files13A.16.03.04E
Five children did not have lead screenings in their files. Please correct immediately and submit copies of the lead results to the Office of Child care.
- The Bathrooms on the Three Year Old Had a Yellow Stain on the Wall Behind the Toilets13A.16.05.11A
The bathrooms on the three year old had a yellow stain on the wall behind the toilets, and entrance to the bathroom had dirt and crayons on the wall. The trash cans and step stools in the bathroom were dirty. The walls outside of the bathroom outside of the two year old rooms had chipping and peel
Aug 13, 20254 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- The Teacher in the Three-year-old Room Left 16 Children Unattended for 10 Minutes During Naptime13A.16.08.08B(2)(a)
The teacher in the three-year-old room left 16 children unattended for 10 minutes during naptime. Please submit a correction plan to the Office of Child Care.
- A Child Was Left on the Playground for 30 Minutes and Staff Were Unaware That the Child Was Left on the Playground13A.16.03.03B(1)
A child was left on the playground for 30 minutes and staff were unaware that the child was left on the playground. . Please submit a correction plan immediately.
- A Child Was Left on the Playground for 30 Minutes13A.16.07.06A
A child was left on the playground for 30 minutes. The four year old teachers were not aware that the child was left outside by himself. In addition, when the three year old teacher went to get child off the playground she left her class of 16 children unattended as she walked to the door to let
- A Child Was Left on the Playground for 30 Minutes13A.16.08.01A(2)(b)
A child was left on the playground for 30 minutes. The four year old teachers were not aware that the child was left outside by himself. In addition, when the three year old teacher went to get child off the playground she left her class of 16 children unattended as she walked to the door to let