Columbia High School

Posted: October 20, 2025

We moved here in August of last year. Before coming to Columbia, my children attended another school in the district, and the experience was extremely difficult. All three of my children—one in elementary, one in middle school, and one in high school—were bullied. My daughter was even involved in a fight during the first week of school after being repeatedly bullied while a teacher stood by and watched. The incident was caught on video, yet the school never took any action.

Since transferring to Columbia, our experience has been completely different. From the very first day, the principal noticed that my daughter seemed sad about leaving her old extracurricular activities. Before we could even make it to the car, he stopped us just to ask if she was okay. In that moment, I knew she was in the right school.

On top of that, one of her teachers reached out to me on the very first day of school to introduce himself. He asked if there was anything I wanted to share about my daughter, told me it was a pleasure meeting us, and said he looked forward to working with her. That simple gesture meant a lot. Later in the year, when I checked her out of school one day, he walked her to the office and took a moment to speak with me. He explained that she was having some difficulties in his class and that he was keeping an eye on her progress to determine whether she needed to stay in the class.

It turned out that, even though she had taken a similar class at her previous school and was passing with flying colors, she hadn’t actually learned much of the material. The teacher quickly recognized that and showed great patience while helping her adjust. She’s still in his class and doing much better now. I truly appreciate his care and dedication—it made all the difference.

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about Columbia’s staff and students. My daughter absolutely loves it here. She feels safe, supported, and valued. I look forward to my son joining Columbia as well, and I’m so thankful for the kindness and attention the school has shown my family.

Posted: October 20, 2025

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Posted: October 17, 2022

Things were not so great a couple of years ago, but they have been improving steadily.
This school is starting to measure up to other schools in the area.

Posted: October 17, 2022

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Posted: October 19, 2021

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Posted: October 19, 2021

I'm currently attending this school and highly would not recommend it. Compared to schools I've attended in the past education requirements are very low. Kids are disrespectful and do not know how to behave. And when security is called to correct this behavior all they do is talk to the student and send them right back in to class where they continue this behavior. Groups are also a huge thing at this school. If you don't fit certain requirements then you're excluded. I don't know if it's for all buses but my bus EVERY single morning is late, and in the afternoons is late to show up. Then the bus ride home is very long... I get home around 6:39 some days. And school gets out at 3:45. There is a lot of fighting that goes on in this school. Not all but most kids like to start drama over small things and as the rumor gets passed along the stories tend to get worse and worse. Bullying I would say is a HUGE problem at this school if you don't "fit in". If you do then usually you don't notice it. And a lot of hurtful things are said to many students here. But it's usually dismissed because people play it off and say they were joking when in reality... Most of us know they weren't. Also... Counseling at this school is horrible. I had a friend of mine go to the counselors to talk about something and the counselor didn't do much to help. There is a lot wrong with this school but I'd say it's mostly on the kids that attend here. Not all, but a majority. But the principal and vice principles are very sweet caring people... The teachers care about you succeeding and care about a students well-being. And they show an INCREDIBLE amount of patience and kindness... Especially considering how the students here treat them.

Posted: February 23, 2021

I go to this school, and i think it's a great place to learn and be open-minded. We have so many IB programs that can help you achieve what you want in life. There are some fights, but there's fights at every school. The music teacher is one of the bests. Most teachers seem to care about their students. I have loved being a student at Columbia High School.

Posted: February 23, 2021

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Posted: February 10, 2017

I am a student here and this is my second year. The sport programs are terrible. We have won 1 football game in the 2 years I been here. Basketball is the best one we have and we only win about half the time. Also any other sport that is not Football or Basketball they almost completely ignore. Another thing I can't stand is as an honors student I am willing to do homework but because of the amount of homework they give you, you have to pick and chose what classes you will actually do homework in or you will fail them all. Oh and AP classes are almost gone we only have 2 AP classes left and if you want to get any college credit you are forced in to the IB program and even those classes are going downhill. This week we had 2 food fights and now have to eat in our classes for the rest of the year, and last week we had 4 regular fights. My sister went to this school 5 years before me and it hasn't improved one bit, it has gotten a lot worse. And now Columbia is marked as a failing school because of a test the now Juniors took last year and wasn't even their fault they failed the laptops internet goes out every other day, and even if there is not a test that day we still are not able to use a textbook (because they got rid of ALL of them) or our phones for educational purposes. Also because of the failing school status if you are white you can't transfer out to go to another school because of the desegregation order for Huntsville City Schools. The only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the ARMY JROTC program that is the only reason I am willing to stay instead of moving to a different school zone. If you are moving to Huntsville make sure your student DOESN'T go to Columbia, actually make sure they DON'T go to to Huntsville City Schools.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Most of us try to be respectful and everything, but that small amount of students who don't, who are not going to change, make EVERYONE get punished.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Luckily there is not much bulling at the school and when there is, the students deal with it themselves which usually ends in a fight but after the fight everyone is on good terms with the other person..

Posted: February 10, 2017

NO way the teachers only focus on one style of learning and is that is not the way you learn. oh well

Posted: February 10, 2017

Most people completely ignore the administers and some teachers. The only people or adults everyone is respectful to if the JROTC instructors and that's because they are either in JROTC or know someone that is and know that if you don't they can make you fail.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Most of them have about the same idea of what is going on as we do or less

Posted: February 8, 2017

This school has completely gone down hill. Too many fights and unnecessary drama going on and it's about ridiculous. Our school is also at the bottom of the failing list. Also how can they want change when they sit here and tear up our school and buses, leave litter and wanna fight. Like what happened to talking everything out cause this is getting out of hand. The teachers are not all bad, but they do need to improve a little by trying to make learning interesting and then students need to get their act together. We just need to step our game up and try and have more interest in our school.

Posted: November 2, 2016

As a Honors Student we can expect homework that is fine but they give us so much homework we have to choice what subjects we actually want to do the homework in so we have enough time to do any.

Posted: October 27, 2015

This school wants to be successful so badly but it just can't seem to get it right. I've been there all four years watching as administrators come and go. And this is only one of the actions in trying to make that high school more competitive like Grissom, Huntsville High and New Century. However, I have seen no improvement in behavior, grades and education benefits as they change administrators. I seem to always be asking myself "Is Huntsville City Schools really putting all they've got into us." The answer is always no. Yes, I'm jealous of the other schools. Better grades, better scores, better experience, focused administrators. Don't get me wrong some of the administrators I've met the past couple of years were great! But where are the results to prove so? Huntsville City Schools put us in a random place. "Let's buy this cotton field and build a school for the kids on the arsenal." Yet there are kids coming from Harvest to study here! And the racial percentages... Don't even get me started. HCS needs to get it right. It's ridiculous. The racial diversity is non-existent. And intimidating! To top it off they put some of the Butler kids in there due to the building of the new school for Butler, Johnson and other schools. That school doesn't need more children. The school isn't that big. The IB program... I guess I could say it's good because it's great for colleges, building a resume, and scholarships. I recommend it for any student looking to be above average. Like everything else at this school, it could use some improvement. All they seem to be worried about is if they are going to win the next football game or basketball game. There is also lack of enthusiasm, moral support, spirit! Gosh. I feel bad for anyone that ever played sports there. I know I felt bad when I played a sport. No one shows up. I feel embarrassed. Not only is the district not supportive but the parents, students, and staff are awful at being somewhat supportive or enthusiastic about anything. Jeez. Not saying my experience at this school is/was awful. But there are certainly more days than others where I just don't want to be in that environment.

Posted: October 27, 2015

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Posted: November 4, 2014

Columbia is a great school that gives students the tools for the future. Attendance is optional as we drive by another high school everyday. With the core subjects as honors, the IB Program as an option and the JROTC program along with sports, good kids can be well prepared for the next step. The negatives are there is minimal parent involvement and the drive to the school.

Posted: October 31, 2014

As a teacher at Columbia High School who has been involved in teaching classes through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program and Diploma Program, I have been very impressed with the results we have had so far. Students in the DP program have been accepted to schools like Vanderbilt, MIT, Georgia Tech, Berkeley, Georgetown, Alabama, and Auburn and many receive full scholarships to the schools they attend. Last year 100% of our DP students received scholarships to their respective schools. The curriculum of the IB program encourages critical thinking and problem solving rather than rote learning and prepares students for success in college and beyond. Most of our former DP students say that college is easy because of what they learned in IB. I am very excited about what the IB program is doing at Columbia High School.

Posted: June 27, 2014

It's an okay school that has limited resources and planning abilities. It would be great if the school books returned and the laptops were used as a resource tool in the classroom. Being totally dependent on electronics is a recipe for disaster when technology is unavailable. Please improve with communication and planning of activities / events at the school.

Posted: June 19, 2014

Columbia High School's IB Program is consistently turning out quality college graduates. If you want your child to not only get accepted into college, but to be prepared to more than pass courses, then this school is for your family. I know first hand because three of my four children have graduated or will graduate from this program. One achieved her IB Diploma. Quality leadership is demonstrated at the administrative level and a high degree of caring and competence is illustrated every day through teacher/student interaction throughout the school. The environment is state of the art, secure and well maintained. The PTSA is coming on strong and is implementing summer reading programs and a beautification strategy to grow school spirit. Parent involvement is growing as well, which should address communication issues that I feel exist at other schools within this system. Overall, your child can have great academic, athletic and social experiences that will prepare them for their future.

Posted: May 19, 2014

This school has no sense of community, inside or outside. It's located in the middle of a research park- which is full of businesses. It's location is also vulnerable as it is surrounded by woods on three sides. I find that the school leadership is more focused on sports than education. It has somehow managed to acheive approval to be an IB school- how I will never know- yet they cannot get their act together and communicate deadlines and requirements to the students who are trying to achieve this. This school is fine if you are African American- if you are not, then be prepared to be subject to reverse discrimination. The only bright spot in this school is the arts department- which struggles with no budget. The sports teams never go without, of course. If you cannot tell by my review, I am not a fan of Columbia Highschool.

Posted: May 8, 2014

Great Staff,Students are disciplined, and Teachers are always doing their best to help.Overall a great school!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Our school has an IB program which is great, and Columbia offers a lot of different sports and clubs to join. Our Principal Mr.Hicks is really great. Most of the teaches on staff are also great! GO EAGLES!!!

Posted: August 6, 2013

I'm not sure why the school rating is so low on this school. Millions of dollars were received in 2013 for scholarships including 3 Gates Millennium Scholarships! It's a beautiful school with great potential, especially being only 8 years old! The administration and especially my daughters guidance counselor are amazing. The enthusiasm she has for my daughter's future brought a tear to my eye as they were going over her schedule for next year. I think this school gets a bum rap and makes me pause to wonder if its because its a majority Black school. I hope I'm wrong, but will be paying close attention in the years to come. I'd be very surprised if this schools rating doesn't sky rocket over the next 4 years. Go Eagles!