Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Columbia High School

Public | 9-12 | 814 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

9 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted April 29, 2010

West columbia high school shouldn't of had that HUGE drug bust. which lead to a horrible reputation for the school and its studends and over all the teachers and the rest of the staff. They are more focused on tasks more then the actually studies they will need for college the dress code is to strict and put to much pressure on there students and they care more about their salary then the actually education the students need and therefore the students need more apprectiation and help with their studies West columbia high school didn't help teach my child how to prepare for college and my child was a straight A, student. The whole staff chose favorites amoung the students and cused way to much for my apprication.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 21, 2007

Columbia High School is a relatively small high school and has a great number of dual credit courses with Brazosport College. It has a wide array of classes to address the diverse student needs. It is amazing how many students secure scholarships to further their education, how involved most kids are in different programs such music, sports,dance, theatre arts and academic venues. The overall discipline is pretty good, kids feel safe, there are a few problems from time to time, but they are not the main focus. There are some teachers that go above and beyond and connect with the kids and there are some that are adequate, but, we have not experienced a teacher that is really poor. The level of acdemics could be more rigorous, but it is good. For an out of the way high school, there is lots to offer and lots of staff who care.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 23, 2007

Columbia High School is a sad excuse for an educational institution. Unless a student is an athelete, they pretty much get lost in the system. The emphasis seems to be on negative reinforcement, with very few positives offered to a student who struggles. In situations in which a student struggles academically, punishment, rather than reinforcement seems to be the solution.
—Submitted by Concerned Parent, a parent


Posted July 21, 2007

I graduated from CHS 6 years ago. This school did NOT prepare me for college - and not because I was a slacker or didn't try. I was an A/B student and was enrolled in AP classes but I had trouble in basic math and science courses. The majority of teachers there care more about Taks scores and dress code rather than educating. The ones who truly care are few and far between. If you are white, straight and christian and prefer not to associate with anyone who is not like you - this is the school for you, otherwise you will just be dissapointed.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 22, 2006

Columbia High School is a very good school! I am very pleased with their athletic program. The Girls Softball team won state this year, got second last year. The band is the best band in our Region. They tied for 10th at their area competition. that is the best they have ever done. Columbia High school has great academic programs and lots of parents are involved in their child's education. I think Columbia High School is a great school that keeps improving.
—Submitted by Beth, a parent


Posted September 8, 2006

Columbia High, one of the best High Schools in Brazoria County. TAKS scores prove it top to bottom in all sub-pops. The athletic programs are in great shape; however, funding is NOT adequate for athletics. Booster club has 100% funded the 5000sq ft weight room, the field house addition and the student athletes' fundraisers have paid for the weight equipment for weight room and lockers for FH addition.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2005

Columbia has a number of strong areas of instruction and departments with experienced and dedicated teachers, but the school itself suffers from a systemic lack of emphasis on academic performance - students' academic success and achievements take a very subordinated back seat to the athletics programs, particularly football, which dominate the school and the community's attention, as well as the administration's budgetary discussions. There is, accordingly, a satisfying amount of support by parents and the community for the school, especially for such a rural region, though unfortunately not for academic pursuits. Music programs are historically fair, though availability of private instruction is limited. Advised creative writing, journalism, and specialized language, cultural and other clubs are available. Agricultral education program is prominent and fairly popular, as might well be expected in this community.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted August 2, 2005

I think West Columbia overall is a fairly ok school. I just wish they would make some major dress code modifications, as does everyone else at my school. We have a very good fine arts department, and the sports are alright. They seem not to care so much about our academics as they do about the way we dress, which can get really annoying because alot of us kids are truly interested in academics, and not so much in the way we dress. If I somehow got to make all the decisions at the school, I would definately make some changes. But like I said, overall, it's not like a terrible school, I'm sure every school has its problems. Just that sometimes it seems like ours has a whole lot more.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 2, 2004

I find this school district to be academically well above average and most of the teachers are truly interested in the betterment of the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2011.

220 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

215 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
89%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

189 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

189 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
66%

2008

 
 
66%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

188 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
65%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2011.

184 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
90%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 95% in 2011.

178 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

176 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

175 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
83%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 99% in 2011.

178 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
95%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students76%
Female80%
Male72%
Black or African American36%
Asiann/a
Hispanic77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White80%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Special education25%
Not special education80%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English77%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant76%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students89%
Female95%
Male83%
Black or African American73%
Asiann/a
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special education79%
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students96%
Female98%
Male95%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education75%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students81%
Female75%
Male87%
Black or African American76%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White81%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Special education29%
Not special education83%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant81%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students81%
Female78%
Male85%
Black or African American71%
Asiann/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White84%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Special education43%
Not special education83%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English82%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant81%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students97%
Female98%
Male96%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education86%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students95%
Female95%
Male95%
Black or African American94%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education75%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students90%
Female90%
Male90%
Black or African American82%
Asiann/a
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education58%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students89%
Female87%
Male90%
Black or African American59%
Asiann/a
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education30%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female98%
Male99%
Black or African American88%
Asiann/a
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education92%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 59% 31%
Hispanic 25% 50%
Black 11% 13%
Two or more races 4% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian 0% 3%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 11%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 7%N/A8%
Economically disadvantaged 36%N/A55%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 1%N/A17%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 2%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 23%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 30%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 20%N/A23%
21 or more years 26%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

This school has not yet provided programming information.

Schools, join today to tell families more about what you offer.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
Searching for school events...
Date
Title
  • {{date}}
    {{title}}
Export calendar
Microsoft Outlook
iCal Format
Google Calendar
POWERED BY
Tandem
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

521 S 16th St
West Columbia, TX 77486
Website: Click here
Phone: (979) 345-5147

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT