Below Average
#506 of 603 schools in MT
Columbus High School
High School · Columbus H S
433 N 3rd St, Columbus, MT 59019
Enrollment
240
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
240
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Columbus
#2 of 3
public schools
Montana high schools
#121 of 141
About Columbus High School
Columbus High School in Columbus, Montana, is a regular public high school serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 240 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1, the school offers personalized attention to help each student succeed. Located at 433 N 3rd St in a remote rural area, Columbus High School has 14 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to its educational mission.
The academic performance at Columbus High School currently ranks in the lower tier of Montana's high schools, with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and an Academic Score of 3.5/10. In terms of proficiency scores, 48% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 38% meet or exceed standards in Math. These numbers indicate areas where the school can focus on student development to improve academic outcomes.
Columbus High School is situated in a rural setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere and strong connections between teachers, students, and families.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Columbus High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Columbus High School — Students at Columbus High School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
19.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.0/10.
How Columbus High School Compares
See how Columbus High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 44.5% (2019) to 24.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 34.5% (2022).
Location
433 N 3rd St, Columbus, MT 59019
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Columbus High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Absarokee High School (rated 9.1/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Absarokee), which scores notably higher. Another option is Roberts High School (rated 8.6/10, 19.9 miles away, in nearby Roberts), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Joliet High School (rated 6.8/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby Joliet), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Middle School Columbus | 0.0 mi | 4.5 |
| Columbus Elem School Columbus | 0.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Absarokee School Absarokee | 12.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Absarokee 6-8 Absarokee | 12.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Absarokee High School Absarokee | 12.9 mi | 9.1 |
| Reed Point Elementary Reed Point | 14.6 mi | — |
| Roberts School Roberts | 19.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Roberts High School Roberts | 19.9 mi | 8.6 |
| Roberts 7-8 Roberts | 19.9 mi | — |
| Reed Point 7-8 Reed Point | 14.8 mi | — |
| Reed Point High School Reed Point | 14.8 mi | — |
| Fishtail School Fishtail | 17.8 mi | — |
| Joliet School Joliet | 17.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Joliet Middle School Joliet | 17.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Joliet High School Joliet | 17.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Rapelje School Rapelje | 22.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Rapelje 7-8 Rapelje | 22.8 mi | — |
| Rapelje High School Rapelje | 22.8 mi | — |
| Park City School Park City | 16.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Park City 7-8 Park City | 16.4 mi | 4.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59019 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$86,905
Median Home Value
$352,900
Median Rent
$921/mo
Population
4,267
College Educated
27.5%
Homeownership
81.6%
Poverty Rate
8.3%
Median Age
45.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Columbus High School has a median household income of $86,905. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $352,900, with a median rent of $921/month. The local poverty rate of 8.3% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Beaverhead Co High School Dillon, MT | 5.0 |
| Florence-Carlton HS Florence, MT | 4.6 |
| Cut Bank High School Cut Bank, MT | 5.1 |
| Lame Deer High School Lame Deer, MT | 5.1 |
| Shepherd High School Shepherd, MT | 5.1 |
| Three Forks High School Three Forks, MT | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbus High School
What grades does Columbus High School serve?
Columbus High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Columbus High School?
Columbus High School has an enrollment of approximately 240 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Columbus High School is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Columbus High School rank in MT?
Columbus High School is ranked #506 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Columbus High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbus High School has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Columbus High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbus High School has 37.8% math proficiency and 47.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Columbus High School a charter school?
No, Columbus High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Columbus High School a Title I school?
No, Columbus High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbus High School?
19.6% of students at Columbus High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,189/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 240
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 14
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 19.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Stillwater County
- Phone
- (406) 322-5373
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Columbus H S- District Enrollment
- 240
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,316
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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