Columbia High School is a four-year comprehensive regional public high school in Maplewood, in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.
Serving 1,985 students in grades 9-12, Columbia High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,985 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 34% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Columbia High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Columbia High School's student population of 1,985 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 140 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,985 students
Total Classroom Teachers
140 teachers
Year Founded
1814
Colors
Black, Red
School Rankings
Columbia High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbia High School is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#815 out of 2184 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
11%
Hispanic
9%
35%
Black
29%
14%
White
51%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia High School's ranking?
Columbia High School is ranked #815 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Columbia High School often compared to?
Columbia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Orange High School, Livingston High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Columbia High School?
The graduation rate of Columbia High School is 91%, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Columbia High School?
1,985 students attend Columbia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Columbia High School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbia High School?
Columbia High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Columbia High School offer ?
Columbia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Columbia High School part of?
Columbia High School is part of South Orange-Maplewood School District.
School Reviews
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