Columbia High School a public high school in the St. Andrews area of Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Columbia High School was originally housed in the former Columbia Female Academy at 1323 Washington Street at the corner with Marion Street.
Serving 693 students in grades 9-12, Columbia High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 693 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Columbia High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Columbia High School's student population of 693 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
693 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1884
Colors
Maroon, Gold
School Rankings
Columbia High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbia High School is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#418 out of 1118 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
5%
14%
Black
86%
31%
White
3%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Capital
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia High School's ranking?
Columbia High School is ranked #418 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Columbia High School often compared to?
Columbia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eau Claire High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Columbia High School?
The graduation rate of Columbia High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend Columbia High School?
693 students attend Columbia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Columbia High School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Columbia High School?
Columbia High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Columbia High School offer ?
Columbia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Columbia High School part of?
Columbia High School is part of Richland 01 School District.
School Reviews
5 11/15/2010
Columbia High School is an excellent school, providing a first rate education for the students. The faculty is highly qualified. The classrooms, science labs,and offices have been renovated and state-of-the-art facilities have been built for the fine arts programs. Also, there is a new cafeteria, as well as additional gymnasiums and outdoor sports facilities. Students who are interested in obtaining a quality education are proud of Columbia High School. A re-dedication service is scheduled for December 5, 2010.
2 10/25/2006
The quality of the academic programs could be a lot better. Teachers are not supported, and are not good enough for the student body. There are a real good selection of classes, but the classes must be taught outher than focusing on other conversations.
The band program in my personal oppinion vs. other schools is nothing. Arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities don't seem to be taken seriously. Kids dont want to particapte because for one teachers don't recomend them. Also they are just looked down on because the kids see them as not so important.
The school seems dark and dungy. Mold grows on the cellings of the class rooms. The smell of weed lengers through out the school, because of children smokeing. Its basicly just run down. Gang symbols are written on the walls, and then when covered up, its by spray paint. It's not a school to be proud of.
Parents arent that involved in there childrens education, if anything they dont care if they come to school. In other districts you here how parents are always involved. But at this school, very rarely will you see a parent comeing to a PTA meeting if there even is a PTA.
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