In September 1947, Columbia Christian Schools, known as Columbia Bible School, opened its doors for the first time using the church of Christ building at Seventh and Hassalo Streets in Portland, Oregon. The school began with four teachers and thirty-six students in grades one through eight. From the beginning, chapel and daily Bible classes were an important part of the curriculum.
In 1949 the school obtained eight acres between 90th and 91st streets bordered on the north and south by Glisan and Burnside. The building of the school began in 1953 and was completed during 1954. This allowed the school to expand, adding the high school grades. Through the remaining years of the 50's and the following decades the school continued to grow and experience progress with increased enrollment and stable leadership. A four year college grew out of the early beginnings of the school and they were chartered and incorporated together.
In the fall of 1992 Columbia Christian Schools became independent and incorporated and appointed their own Board of Directors. The school continued to grow, and in the fall of 2000 dual accreditation was awarded to grades K-12 by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and The Association of Christian Schools International.