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Below Average

#2020 of 2,228 schools in WA

Columbia High School

High School · White Salmon Valley School District

PO BOX 1339, White Salmon, WA 98672

Enrollment

358

Student-Teacher

21.1:1

Score

4.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#2,020 of 2,228

In White Salmon

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

White Salmon Valley School District

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Columbia High School

4.1/10

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

White Salmon Academy

Nearby

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

Wayne M Henkle Middle School

6.2/10

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

About Columbia High School

Columbia High School is a public high school in White Salmon, WA, part of White Salmon Valley School District. Columbia High School serves approximately 358 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbia High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,020 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Columbia High School show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.7 pts below WA schools
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Columbia High School runs 21.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

39% of students at Columbia 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 Progress3.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency29.9% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.4% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-1.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.8 pts
Overall Proficiency45% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-3.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
College Readiness2.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation7.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,497
Chronic Absenteeism38.8%

Columbia High School — Students at Columbia High School score 45% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 49.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 68.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
57%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2022
ELA
57%
2024
Math
29.9%
ELA
59.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.7/10.

How Columbia High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.1/10
9th percentile in WA
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.8
Sports
9
4 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
38.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
7.8% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·16 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

PO BOX 1339, White Salmon, WA 98672

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbia High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. WORLD CLASS ACADEMY (rated 7.4/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hood River Valley High School (rated 6.6/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Hood River), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lyle High School (rated 4.9/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Lyle), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in White Salmon, see our White Salmon schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.8 mi
School Distance Rating
White Salmon Academy White Salmon 0.0 mi
Wayne M Henkle Middle School White Salmon 0.1 mi 6.2
Wallace & Priscilla Stevenson Intermediate School White Salmon 0.1 mi 6.8
Hulan L Whitson Elem White Salmon 0.8 mi 7.6
LITTLE OAK MONTESSORI SCHOOL White Salmon 0.7 mi 6.0
WORLD CLASS ACADEMY White Salmon 1.0 mi 7.4
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS Hood River 2.5 mi
May Street Elementary School Hood River 3.0 mi 9.2
HORIZON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hood River 3.3 mi 6.7
Hood River Middle School Hood River 3.0 mi 8.6
MID-COLUMBIA ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hood River 3.4 mi 6.3
Westside Elementary School Hood River 4.0 mi 9.6
Hood River Valley High School Hood River 4.7 mi 6.6
Mosier Community School Mosier 6.1 mi 6.7
WyEast Middle School Hood River 7.8 mi 5.0
Mid Valley Elementary School Hood River 8.4 mi 4.9
Mill A Elementary School Cook 7.6 mi 6.6
Pacific Crest Innovation Academy Cook 7.6 mi
Dallesport Elementary Lyle 10.8 mi 6.9
Lyle High School Lyle 10.8 mi 4.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98672 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$95,256

Median Home Value

$623,100

Median Rent

$1,329/mo

Population

7,036

College Educated

45.3%

Homeownership

80.9%

Avg Commute

19.6 min

Poverty Rate

9%

Median Age

47.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lake Roosevelt Jr/Sr High School Coulee Dam, WA 4.1
Mabton Jr. Sr. High Mabton, WA 4.1
Tenino High School Tenino, WA 4.1
Legacy High School Vancouver, WA 4.2
Chimacum Junior/Senior High School Chimacum, WA 3.9
Kiona-Benton City High School Benton City, WA 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbia High School

What grades does Columbia High School serve?

Columbia High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Columbia High School?

Columbia High School has an enrollment of approximately 358 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Columbia High School is 21.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbia High School rank in WA?

Columbia High School ranks #2,020 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Columbia High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbia High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Columbia High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbia High School has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Columbia High School a charter school?

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

Is Columbia High School a Title I school?

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

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

45.3% of students at Columbia 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
7 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
20 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
358
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
45.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Klickitat County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
38.8%

District

White Salmon Valley School District
District Enrollment
1,101
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,497
District Rank
#4 of 4

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