Motivated students, highly
trained and honored teachers, and challenging curriculum are hallmarks
at Columbia High School. This combination prepares students to graduate
–ready to take on the challenge of their futures.
It starts with a varied and
rigorous curriculum – with classes available to answer each student’s
interests and abilities. These options are not usually offered at
smaller
high schools, but by taking advantage of partnerships, technology and
community support, CHS is able to provide a wide array.
Advanced Placement classes, which provide college-level content, are offered at CHS in English, History, and Environmental Science. Additionally, online Advanced Placement and many upper level classes are available through providers recommended by OSPI. Articulated courses for college credit with Clark, Columbia Basin and Columbia Gorge Community Colleges provide classes including horticulture, technology (Cisco networking, Photoshop, keyboarding, MS Word, microcomputer applications, business calculators and A+ and Net+ certifications), spelling skills, metal work, and advanced math (College Algebra, Elementary Functions, and Calculus A&B). Our district is also the host for online high school courses from Giant Campus of Washington, offering students opportunities to extend their learning in a number of ways through online coursework.
For students needing a
different
route through high school, there is the White Salmon Academy that offers
an opportunity to obtain a Washington State High School Diploma. In
addition, CHS provides assistance for those who are not native English
speakers. Special needs assistance is also available for students.
With 38 staff members, students
receive qualified instruction and support. There are six National Board
Certified teachers and six Christa McAuliffe Award of Excellence
recipients.
Phi Delta Kappa Washington has recognized Columbia High School as a
“School of Distinction” for being one of the 5% highest improving
schools in the State of Washington for Reading and Math achievements
over the past 5 years. But the awards are secondary to providing
motivating and relevant classroom instruction. Students also rely on
skilled counselors, aides and other qualified support personnel in
navigating
successfully in and outside of the classroom.
Students are connected to a
staff member through a once-a-week advisory class. Seniors prepare
a culminating project that encompasses service, portfolio, research,
a product, and a post-secondary plan. Strong career counseling,
college prep and guidance ensure students have options after high
school.
Sports, in-school and extra-curricular activities round out options for students, keeping them involved and connected.
As a member of the Trico
League,
CHS athletes compete in the following sports: basketball, baseball,
football, soccer, softball, track and field, tennis, wrestling, and
volleyball.
Students also have the option
to take either classes or participate in clubs and organizations
catering
to a wide variety of interests. All provide learning opportunities that
focus on citizenship, leadership and career building skills: Associated
Student Body (ASB), concert choir, concert and jazz band, Future
Business
Leaders of America (FBLA), FFA, Skills USA, International Club,
Knowledge
Bowl, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, powerlifting team, yearbook
and newspaper.
