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Excellent

#494 of 4,739 schools in NY

Top 10% in state

Columbia Secondary School

High School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5

425 W 123RD ST, New York, NY 10027

Enrollment

718

Student-Teacher

13.1:1

Score

8.1

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In New York

#61 of 346

public schools

New York high schools

#114 of 1,160

In district

#5 of 28

NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5

Academic performance

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Columbia Secondary School

Columbia Secondary School is a public high school in New York, NY, part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5. The school serves approximately 718 students in grades 6th – 12th with a student-teacher ratio of 13.1:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.1/10, placing it in the 89.6th percentile among NY schools — an above average rating overall.

Students demonstrate 93% proficiency in math, 53 points above the state average and 96% in reading/language arts, 39 points above the state average. The school scores particularly well in student growth (8.2/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $64,220, where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

The school is situated in a large city setting.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.2Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+2.16 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendImproving
Academics9.9Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency97.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency97.5%
Math vs. State Avg+57.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+34.7 pts
Overall Proficiency98%
Expected (poverty-adj.)60%
vs. Expected+37.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile98th
College Readiness7.9Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation23.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.9Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.1:1

Columbia Secondary School — Students at Columbia Secondary School score 98% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 93.4%
School
State
40.2%
ELA Proficiency 96.3%
School
State
57.2%

Based on 9 test records from NY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
90%
ELA
93%
2021*
Math
94.5%
ELA
97.1%

* 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: 8.2/10.

How Columbia Secondary School Compares

See how Columbia Secondary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.1/10
90th percentile in NY
Academic
9.9/10
9.9/10
Growth
8.2/10
Above average
Environment
5.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
55 teachers

Performance Trends

Math proficiency has improved from 90% (2019) to 97.5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 93% (2019) to 97.5% (2021).

Location

425 W 123RD ST, New York, NY 10027

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbia Secondary School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. WADLEIGH PERF AND VISUAL ARTS (rated 9.1/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is URBAN ASSEMBLY SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (rated 7.9/10, 0.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY II SECONDARY SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 0.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in New York, see our New York schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.5 mi
School Distance Rating
PS 125 RALPH BUNCHE New York 0.0 mi 6.3
KIPP STAR COLLEGE PREP CHARTER SCHOOL New York 0.0 mi 4.2
PS 36 MARGARET DOUGLAS New York 0.1 mi 7.4
TEACHERS COLLEGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL New York 0.2 mi 6.9
PS 180 HUGO NEWMAN New York 0.2 mi 8.6
NEW YORK FRENCH-AMERICAN CHARTER SCHOOL New York 0.2 mi 6.9
URBAN ASSEMBLY SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS New York 0.3 mi 7.9
KIPP BEYOND CHARTER SCHOOL New York 0.2 mi 5.3
URBAN ASSEMBLY ACADEMY FOR FUTURE LEADERS New York 0.3 mi 6.8
PS 129 JOHN H FINLEY New York 0.4 mi 8.5
SEED HARLEM New York 0.4 mi 5.5
SUCCESS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL-HARLEM 6 New York 0.4 mi 4.7
PS 76 A PHILLIP RANDOLPH New York 0.4 mi 7.0
RIVERSIDE CHURCH WEEKDAY SCHOOL New York 0.4 mi —
PS 154 HARRIET TUBMAN New York 0.4 mi 5.7
PS 161 PEDRO ALBIZU CAMPOS New York 0.5 mi 6.9
HARLEM CHILDREN'S ZONE PROMISE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL New York 0.4 mi 3.9
WADLEIGH PERF AND VISUAL ARTS New York 0.6 mi 9.1
FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY II SECONDARY SCHOOL New York 0.6 mi 6.3
PS 242 YOUNG DIPLOMATS MAGNET ACADEMY (THE) New York 0.5 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 10027 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,220

Median Home Value

$915,000

Median Rent

$1,609/mo

Population

65,068

College Educated

51.8%

Homeownership

15.7%

Avg Commute

31.5 min

Poverty Rate

23.7%

Median Age

32.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Columbia Secondary School has a median household income of $64,220. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $915,000, with a median rent of $1,609/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
BARUCH COLLEGE CAMPUS HIGH SCHOOL New York, NY 8.1
BOERUM HILL SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (THE) Brooklyn, NY 8.1
EAST-WEST SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Flushing, NY 8.1
ISLIP HIGH SCHOOL Islip, NY 8.1
JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL Katonah, NY 8.1
PLATTSBURGH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Plattsburgh, NY 8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbia Secondary School

What grades does Columbia Secondary School serve?

Columbia Secondary School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Columbia Secondary School?

Columbia Secondary School has an enrollment of approximately 718 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbia Secondary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Secondary School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbia Secondary School rank in NY?

Columbia Secondary School is ranked #494 out of 4,739 schools in NY.

What is Columbia Secondary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbia Secondary School has a composite rating of 8.1 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 Columbia Secondary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbia Secondary School has 93.4% math proficiency and 96.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Columbia Secondary School a charter school?

No, Columbia Secondary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Columbia Secondary School a Title I school?

No, Columbia Secondary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbia Secondary School?

46.1% of students at Columbia Secondary 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

All schools in New York, NY Schools in NY NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5 District 20 nearby schools
11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
97 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
100 Rider’s Paradise
Bike Score
76 Very Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,049/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (New York). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
55
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
New York County
Phone
(212) 666-1278
Data Year
2023–2024

Resources & Links

School Website ↗ Google Maps & Reviews ↗ GreatSchools Profile ↗ Niche Reviews ↗ Official NCES Data ↗

District

NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5
District Enrollment
8,945
Schools in District
28
District Rank
#5 of 28

Other Schools in This District

PS 133 FRED R MOORE 9.5 PS 92 MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE 9.4 PS 129 JOHN H FINLEY 8.5 PS 46 ARTHUR TAPPAN 8.3 EAGLE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG MEN OF HARLEM 7.9

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 methodology
Data sources
NCES CCDSY 2022-23NY NYSED2020-21NCES EdFacts2019–2022Census ACS2019-2023MySchoolScout Rankings2024 Full details →

Related reading

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