Columbia Secondary School

This school isn't as bad as some people say!Yes, if you're deciding whether or not to try and enroll in this school all these different opinions can be confusing. As a new student that entered this school, I hoped that there would be more options in electives and extracurricular activities, but even though empty promises are being made, the diversity is exceptional. All of the best students are put together and teachers are always challenging us and putting us one step further than "average" Americans. If you're not willing to reach your potential, then don't even bother coming here and open new spots for kids want to exceed state expectations.

If you are weighing whether to send your child to this school, make sure that you investigate the following questions: 1) why was the school on the 2nd round list of schools this year if the school was so "hot" and so "good"? 2) Find people in the school and ask whether they plan to keep their child at this school (several families have fled this school, even this year having weathered the most difficult period; 3) Note that these good ratings are because the school takes only the top performing children of three districts. They gleen the top performers on tests and then brag about the top performance on the tests; 4) ask whether the teachers are good educators. My experience with the teachers was that they had good ideas, but they ddidn't understand the craft of TEACHING. 5) Can your child survive a sink-or-swim school? or would you rather they attend a school where they aren't always thinking about their survival?
--Submitted by a parent

N.B. The information on this site is outdated. CSS has been a high school for two years. Love this school -- huge fan of the community of kids, teachers, parents and staff. We have a great new principal who's visionary and responsible. Amaaaaaazing teachers. You'll have your vocal detractors (3-star rating. WHAT?!), but CSS (now on the healing side of a very dark time two years ago) continues to be a rare educational gem.
--Submitted by a parent

Don't listen to the others this is a great school that over the years of it being open has gotten better and better.Sure We've been through a lot but I recommend you to send your child here if you wish to give them a great growth of personality,open to new things new types of people,and a great push to a good education with great staff and good friends I promise you they'll make on their way to graduation

Don't believe the hype. This school's reputation is based on public relations, not reality. All the great teachers have quit. There's a staggering turnover percentage. The school received a 'C' on the last progress report. Reality is catching up to the fantasy: those parents who thing their child is getting a superb education don't know what a great education is. For your child's sake please dig deeper before you send your child to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

CSS is an amazing school, dispite the opinions of many outsiders. The situations we go through only make us STRONGER, even though MANY people are trying to bring us down. We offer many many classes that not alot of other schools offer all at once. The students also have a say in what type of electives they want to take. There are many opportunities as well, for example, the chance to be in musicals. Its a great school to go to and nobody should be afraid to come visit us. www.columbiasecondary.org

Everything about this school is wonderful. The teachers, the classes, the community is great. My child is challenged in this school and has been able to improve his knowledge in almost every possible subject so rapidly. It is truly amazing how this school functions and their curriculum makes it possible for my child to succeed in life and in the future. I would recommend this school to anybody without a doubt this school is the best thing that has happened to me and my child.
--Submitted by a parent

my son is in this school. he has learned so much and he loves it. the teachers are very involved with the students. they do not let any of their students just pass by. its a wonderful experience to be part of that school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm afraid that this school was the worst experience for me and my child. The school is so stressed out about making itself the 'best' that it boots the kids very hard. If your kid can 'take it' then it's great. What that means, though, is that even though they tout themselves as 'diverse' and forward looking, that diversity doesn't extend to kids with disabilities. They also care more about great education theories, while not understanding how to teach. If your kid is great about teaching themselves, then this is a fine school to go to--oh, and if he/she can work 10-13 hours a day, including through meals. Since this is a secondary school, that means they work that hard at age 10-11. I felt like the principal was using my child's little underdeveloped shoulders to stand on to promote his 'best' school and his 'best' career.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not what it professes to be. The children that qualify are the cities top performers. The bar is set high and higher once they enter this program. The childrens self esteem literally dies and many are sleep deprived. The principal is pressed to prove that this school is unique in its learning methods, but has no idea on how to relate to children of all ages, creed or color. While most might feel discrimination could play a part, all children are struggling to keep up. Hours upon hours of homework are given and no outside activites can be achieved because the work load shows no balance. Our child did exceptional during their entire academic career and is now struggling to keep up. In CSS sick methodology, the children some how learn, but the skills they were taught are being stripped and self doubt now exist. I complell you
--Submitted by a parent