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Below Average

#725 of 967 schools in NE

Columbus High School

High School · COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

3434 DISCOVERER DRIVE PO BOX 947, Columbus, NE 68602

Enrollment

1,295

Student-Teacher

17:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Nebraska schools

#725 of 967

In Columbus

#5 of 10

public schools

In district

#2 of 7

COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Columbus High School

4.9/10

High School in Columbus · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Lost Creek Elementary Sch

4.7/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Immanuel Lutheran School

5.3/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Columbus High School

Columbus High School is a public high school in Columbus, NE, part of COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Columbus High School serves approximately 1,295 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbus High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #725 of 967 schools in NE.

Structured state assessment records for Columbus High School show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.8 pts below NE schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • NE avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

32% of students at Columbus High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.8Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency46% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)49% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-2.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
College Readiness3.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84%
AP Participation2.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,835
Chronic Absenteeism31.6%

Columbus High School — Students at Columbus High School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 53.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 52.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from NE state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
99.5%
ELA
68%
2010
Math
49%
ELA
70%
2011
Math
59%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
50%
ELA
64%
2013
Math
60%
ELA
69%
2014
Math
59%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
53%
ELA
59%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
46%
ELA
36%
2018
Math
49%
ELA
39%
2019
Math
49%
ELA
39%
2020*
Math
38%
ELA
39%
2021*
Math
38%
ELA
39%
2022
Math
50%
ELA
42%

* 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: 6.8/10.

How Columbus High School Compares

See how Columbus High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
25th percentile in NE
Academic
6.0/10
Average
Growth
6.8/10
Average
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
16
8 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
76 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.6%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics16sports offered
8 boys'·8 girls'·16 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3434 DISCOVERER DRIVE PO BOX 947, Columbus, NE 68602

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbus High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.7/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Bellwood), which scores notably higher. Another option is SHELL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 4.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PLATTE CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Platte Center), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.4 mi
School Distance Rating
LOST CREEK ELEMENTARY SCH Columbus 0.3 mi 4.7
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 1.1 mi 5.3
NORTH PARK ELEMENTARY Columbus 1.2 mi 3.8
COLUMBUS MIDDLE SCHOOL Columbus 1.4 mi 4.3
ST ISIDORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 1.6 mi 5.4
WEST PARK ELEMENTARY Columbus 1.5 mi 4.8
EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 1.6 mi 3.3
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Columbus 1.8 mi
KRAMER EDUCATION CENTER Columbus 1.9 mi
ST BONAVENTURE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 2.2 mi 6.4
LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 2.8 mi 6.4
LAKEVIEW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 2.8 mi 6.3
ST ANTHONY SCHOOL Columbus 2.7 mi 7.0
CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 3.3 mi 6.2
SHELL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 4.0 mi 8.1
CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 8.1 mi
PLATTE CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Platte Center 8.1 mi 7.3
RICHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Richland 8.1 mi 5.8
ST JOHNS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 11.4 mi 4.2
BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bellwood 10.4 mi 8.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
SOUTH SIOUX HIGH SCHOOL So Sioux City, NE 4.9
SCOTTSBLUFF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Scottsbluff, NE 5.0
BURKE HIGH SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.7
BELLEVUE EAST SR HIGH SCHOOL Bellevue, NE 5.2
HASTINGS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Hastings, NE 5.3
FREMONT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Fremont, NE 4.4

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 1,295 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbus High School is 17:1. 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 NE?

Columbus High School ranks #725 of 967 schools in NE.

What is Columbus High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbus High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Columbus High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbus High School has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

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?

53.4% 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
20 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,295
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers (FTE)
76
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Platte County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.6%
4-Year Graduation
84.0%

District

COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Enrollment
4,145
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,835
District Rank
#2 of 7

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