Columbus High School

215 Hemlock Street

School District

Columbus Municipal School Dist
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Columbus Municipal School Dist

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 18, 2025

My family LOVES this school. My son is in the special education department and he has spoken nothing but amazing things of this staff, the students, and the food. We adore the team he has and are so pleased with the education he’s receiving. This school is making such a difference in my sons life
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2023

I host exchange students. I will no longer allow future students to attend Columbus High. The local private schools are affordable, offer better sports opportunities, and have acceptable college prep as standard curriculum (not just for the chosen few). Both of my exchange students reported the same problems I observed. Teachers don't give homework, very few students ever do it anyway. Teachers are not allowed to stop students from playing on phones or sleeping (I observed as much as 2/3 of the students completely ignoring teachers) in the general population. There is a strong failure culture among the poorest students, and they will bully anyone getting good grades and raising the curve. This was a problem for both of my exchange students. Pregnant students are normal and plentiful - as are STDs, according to the health department reports. Poverty is a big driver of behavior problems. Too many students have no adult supervision at home or support (lots of single relative's raising grandkid or siblings). The situation is tragic and NOT THE FAULT of the school administration. They sincerely try but are completely overwhelmed. School funding is ridiculously HIGH. The district has a $74+ million budget, so funding is not the problem (spending however...). The district in the city had a block party (pre-covid) when they finally got a "D" and the average student was "only" 2 years behind grade average. They have slipped since then but have not been re-rated with the "F" that is expected. Good things: breakfast and lunch are free (100% low-income school). This school produces a national champion sports kid every few years, the coaches are top notch. Arts and music is quite good, but supplies can be an issue. Graduation from here guarantees 2 free years at East Mississippi Community College. Student safety is very good & violence is delt with ASAP (normally girl fights). If you are interested in academics or careers, about 15% of the students qualify for the career program with training in ten careers to include nursing, building trades, automotive, or advanced STEM courses. These are quite excellent, but completely separate from the general student population (and the only reason to attend this school!). Any excessive absenteeism or problems and the students get booted back to general population. The few openings are very competitive, and a parent will need to strongly advocate to get their child enrolled.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2018

-10 lack of everything, needs new principal someone that knows the school system . Worst school in district .
Submitted by student on January 24, 2017

I HATE this school. I know hate is a strong word but this school is out of control. All positive comments are lies, I am currently a student here, and you have teachers that don't care, students that don't learn, and food that is terrible. I am currently trying to leave this school and attend MSMS or MSA because anything is better than here. Please do not enroll your children unless you want them to be unsuccessful when it comes to the real world and college experiences. There are some teachers that actually care, but every year more and more leave due to the lack of control and no freedom to teach. If I could give it 0 stars I would. YOUR CHILD WILL BE IN DANGER IF YOU SEND THEM HERE. I REGRET IT EVERY DAY.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2015

Talk to any parent who has a child that goes here and they'll tell you its not at all what the news or the paper make it out to be.
Submitted by other on May 02, 2014

Great local community, with wonderful people. Everyone has been exceptionally nice! The teachers are wonderful and care about the students!
Submitted by student on July 12, 2011

I am currently a student at Columbus High and it is an amazing school. There are a multitude of thing to do at the school. All students who attend the school and who are involved in the progression of the school have great experiences. I have been in the band since my 9th grade year and in the upcoming school year i will be in the 11th grade. I would not change my school for anything in the world. It is an amazing school and you can really tell that the teachers and principals care for the students.