Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
Manassas, VA 20112
Phone: (571) 374-6550
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,9,10,11,12 • 2966 students
Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, a public school located in Manassas, VA, serves grades PK, 9-12 in the Prince William County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School is a public school located in Manassas, VA. 2966 students attend Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning data from Virginia Department of Education, and using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course data from Virginia Department of Education. |
| College Readiness | 9/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Virginia Department of Education, using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics, and using 2025 demographic data from Virginia Department of Education. |
Posted: February 11, 2026
For some reason this year few students in the school are destroying the reputation of this school specially in junior and seniors
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: February 11, 2026
Posted: October 17, 2024
Do not move to Coles District if you expect your children to be well-prepared for life. W are most appreciative for the 30% of the effective and knowledgeable Educators who helped my three sons succeed along the way...(30/70 - great/horrible). Unfortunately, at the administrative level, when "They" don't know what they don't know, They are 100% of the problem. It seemed that as my children's needs increased so did their quality of Free education.
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 17, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
very sigma school, totally recommend for sigmas.
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: October 8, 2024
Posted: November 13, 2023
The teachers tend to be engaging at least in the classes I've been in. I think the biggest issues in the learning side are the social studies and math classes. I've had excellent teachers in both departments, but most of the time the lessons are lectures and the work is the same all the time. I understand its hard to make those subjects engaging, but more effort could be made. The school is safe for the most part, at least during school hours. I have heard there are issues with bullying and drugs, but I haven't seen them. I do know the school is not very responsive to students. I have severe Anxiety and I have Autism. The school does not assist this issues at all. In fact, they denied me a 504 plan, after waiting a month to respond to our initial request. They had no meeting, and only had one person review the ADOS report. They did not tell me why they denied me; they only said I was denied. They are also infamous for not accommodating for disabilities. "Fin Friends" feels more like a publicity stunt to make people think they are accommodating, but it's more for the non-disabled students then the disabled students. Frankly, I think it's an alright school unless you have any disability.
Posted: November 13, 2023
Posted: November 13, 2023
Posted: November 13, 2023
Posted: November 13, 2023
Posted: November 13, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
From the principal down, this school has shown our family they lack the experience, preparation, and efficient/effective resources required for our students to be successful across All domains. Both have been withdrawn from PWCS "educational" practices. Packing now to move to a school system with the resources, training, understanding, and willingness to implement appropriate and positive learning environments for those with exceptional needs.
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: May 19, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Teachers and staff consistently go above and beyond for the students here. The academics and fine arts programs are top notch across the board. SOL tests are not required every year in order to alleviate some of the test-inundation students today face, which can affect “great schools” scores, but improves overall student mental health.
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: February 12, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2022
Great school for students interested in fine and performing arts!
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: November 11, 2022
Posted: September 21, 2020
OSQUINN SCHHOOL YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH
Posted: April 5, 2020
Amazing new school in Prince William County!
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: April 5, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Charles J. Colgan High School provides students with an enriching experience that builds a community centered around a love for the arts.
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: January 2, 2020
Posted: October 25, 2019
Colgan is a great art school with awesome teachers. Teachers are great supporters of sudents in every aspect and they are actually involved. My kid loves Colgan!
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: October 25, 2019
Posted: June 2, 2019
Posted: June 2, 2019
Posted: June 2, 2019
Colgan has more cliques than I thought was humanly possible and if you donÂ’t fall into a clique you will not have friends
Posted: June 2, 2019
Posted: June 2, 2019
Posted: June 2, 2019
The administration ignores cases of bullying and even has threaten a victim of bullying in order to protect bullies
Posted: June 2, 2019
I only went to the school for one year. But in that time I was bullied when there was no help from teachers or administration I stayed home from school and did all my school which I was able to get because classes were mostly online. The first day I went back to school rather than helping me and punishing the bullies, administration threatened to have me arrested for truancy. Overall the school very outcasting and the people there do not like anyone who isnÂ’t exactly like them.
Posted: February 4, 2019
The principal is really involved and dedicated to the school and the kids, but my favorite is Dr. Parrish. He is the VP and is beyond amazing...would follow him anywere!
Posted: February 4, 2019
Without a doubt! We have first hand experience with this and my student literally LOVES Colgan...it's one of the best things to ever happen to him.
Posted: February 4, 2019
Have not heard of a single issue of bullying yet (2 years in) and my student would "normally" be a potential target.
Posted: February 4, 2019
I love that homework is limited so the kids can have a life outside of school, but sometimes I do worry that they are not being properly prepared for what will be expected of them (homework wise) once in college
Posted: February 4, 2019
Have only encountered 1 teacher that I was not a fan of (my student liked her). Her into on BTS night was "only teaching this class until I am certified to teach what I REALLY want"...FYI, NOT what a parent wants to hear from her kids teacher!
Posted: February 4, 2019
The Fin Friends Program hold social events that integrates special ed kids with the mainstream students including honors kids, performing arts students, athletes, etc...this is beneficial for ALL of the students and the environment as a whole.
Posted: February 4, 2019
Want to leave Northern VA and get away from the direction PWC seems to be headed (crime and gangs), but will not leave until ALL of my kids finish school here. Colgan is worth sticking it out for and my kids wouldn't have it any other way.
Posted: October 20, 2018
Excellent school with a lot of special programs.
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: October 20, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Colgan H.S. has exceeded our expectations. Highly organized and well run school. Great teachers and supportive administration.
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: September 16, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
Posted: August 28, 2018
My son had an awesome freshman year at Colgan. I had positive interactions with all teachers and administrators including guidance counselors. Love this school.
Posted: August 18, 2018
Dr Healey is the best principal in the county. He greats every student that walks through the doors in the morning. He can be found in the hallways during passing periods, which is a rarity in most schools. The other members of the admin team are good as well.
Posted: August 18, 2018
The special education department at Colgan is wonderful. The students of the department are included throughout the school and there is a club called Fin Friends that works to diminish the gap between the students. Students of the department have career training and run their own businesses in the school(like the Teacher Coffee program) to help gain skills for the workplace. Admin team does a good job with working with parents and students to develop a good IEP or 504 plan for those students who need them.
Posted: August 18, 2018
Posted: August 18, 2018
Little to no homework is given. Sometimes when it is you have to find the answers on your own online because the material was never taught in class.
Posted: August 18, 2018
Most of the teachers are decent. Great people, not great teachers. The math department is absolutely terrible, good luck passing your SOL or the class even. Most departments are just alright, filled with younger teachers who do not prepare you for an AP test.
Posted: August 18, 2018
Posted: August 18, 2018
The school has the a good social environment. You basically can do what you want with your life at this school. Staff is supportive of everyone no matter what and doesn't make a fuss about small things. Dr Healey's moto to teachers regarding students is, "As long as it doesn't interfere with your teaching, leave it alone."
Posted: June 3, 2018
Do not have experience with this area at this school.
Posted: June 3, 2018
Again, may be that the school is too new, but the leadership is ineffective with bullying, correcting teachers, or accountability across the environment.
Posted: June 3, 2018
Very inconsistent from teacher to teacher and the technology inhibits parent teacher communication/ awareness.
Posted: June 3, 2018
Again, highly inconsistent. Teachers range from amazing to destructive.
Posted: June 3, 2018
The counseling team is terrific but the leadership hasnÂ’t been effective in creating an inclusive culture. May be too soon.
Posted: June 3, 2018
There is not a strong degree of demonstrable leadership. The principal is nice.
Posted: June 3, 2018
In hindsight, it was a mistake to transfer into Colgan. The school is too new and does not have effective change leadership necessary to create a welcoming culture.
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
The Principal welcomes students every morning standing outside. Teachers are ver well qualified and great with students. High standards of teaching
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Posted: January 6, 2018
Excellent school and a great transition for our son his junior year.
Posted: December 17, 2017
Posted: December 17, 2017
Posted: December 17, 2017
Posted: December 17, 2017
Posted: December 17, 2017
Excellent! We have a senior and sophomore at Colgan for the 2017-18 school year. Heaps of praise to Dr. Healey for opening and staffing the school for its first year in 2016 with an outstanding group of teachers. Colgan HS is well on its way to becoming one of the best high schools in all of Northern Virginia.
Posted: December 17, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
The school & the Staff is Amazing
Posted: December 3, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
Posted: December 3, 2017
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashland | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Manassas | VA | 4 mi | |
| 2 | Montclair | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Dumfries | VA | 5.4 mi | |
| 3 | Sycamore Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Woodbridge | VA | 6 mi | |
| 4 | Brittany | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Dumfries | VA | 6.8 mi | |
| 5 | The Townes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Manassas Park | VA | 7.8 mi | |
| 6 | Lake Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Woodbridge | VA | 8 mi | |
| 7 | Potomac Club | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Woodbridge | VA | 8.7 mi | |
| 8 | Port Potomac | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Woodbridge | VA | 8.7 mi | |
| 9 | Potomac Highlands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Triangle | VA | 9.3 mi | |
| 10 | Rippon Landing | Condominium/Townhouse | Woodbridge | VA | 9.4 mi | |
| 11 | Potomac Shores | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Dumfries | VA | 10.2 mi | |
| 12 | Stonewall Manor | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Triangle | VA | 10.4 mi | |
| 13 | Little Rocky Run | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clifton | VA | 11.4 mi | |
| 14 | Burke Conservancy | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 11.7 mi | |
| 15 | Newington Commons | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lorton | VA | 11.8 mi | |
| 16 | Lewis Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 11.9 mi | |
| 17 | Apple Grove | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Stafford | VA | 11.9 mi | |
| 18 | Gunston Cove | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lorton | VA | 12 mi | |
| 19 | Orange Hunt Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Springfield | VA | 12.2 mi | |
| 20 | Middleridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 12.2 mi | |
| 21 | Newington Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Springfield | VA | 12.4 mi | |
| 22 | Woodstream | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Stafford | VA | 12.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montclair | Montclair | VA | 5.4 mi | |
| 2 | Woodbridge | Woodbridge | VA | 10.2 mi | |
| 3 | Burke Centre | Burke | VA | 12.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Quantico Marine Base | 8.1 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 14.9 mi. |
| NRO Chantilly | 15.8 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 16.2 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 19.2 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 21.2 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 24.6 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 24.9 mi. |
| Pentagon | 25.5 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 26.1 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 27.1 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 27.1 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 28.2 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 28.5 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 30.3 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 30.9 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 31.5 mi. |
| Fort AP Hill | 40.7 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 48.4 mi. |
