History

Originally part of an American company, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, in 1967, founder and current owner, George McNeill, took control of the Vancouver school and established today's Columbia Academy.

The courses offered at that time were dedicated to Broadcast Announcing and Commercial Copywriting for Radio & Television. In the late 1970s, Mr. McNeill created Water Street Film & Sound Works, a state-of-the-art recording facility boasting both 24-track and 48-track studios, and added Recording Engineering career training to the courses offered. As a result, in 1981, the school's name was changed to Columbia Academy of Radio, Television and Recording Arts.

In 1986, Columbia Academy moved from Vancouver's historic Gastown district into its current 20,000 square foot location on West Broadway. That year also marked the school's expansion into Video, Film and Television Production training.

In 2002, Columbia Academy opened Sky Wing, a state-of-the-art Broadcast facility. And in 2003, the Recording division became fully digital.

Today, Columbia Academy remains at the pinnacle of Broadcasting, Recording & Sound Design and Video & Film Production Training utilizing proven Hands-On training methods within our numerous studios, broadcast stations, and while on location - with Award winning Professional Instructors guiding our students.

Our reputation for excellence is founded by over 40 years of experience training and preparing students for careers in broadcast media and entertainment fields; the success of our Graduates speaks loud and clear.