Columbia High School is changing the narrative for our students. Our goal is to ensure our students’ preparedness for an ever-changing global environment by acquiring world class skills and the career characteristics as defined by the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Our school achieves these characteristics by offering a rigorous curriculum and career focused program. Our staff is committed to supporting teaching and learning in an environment that increases student achievement and ensures our students are lifelong learners with the skills to reach their fullest potential.
During the 2020-2021 school year, we accomplished a great deal despite the unexpected challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff and students persevered to receive numerous awards and accolades. Our 2021 graduates earned over $3,118,836 in scholarships. This is a record for Columbia High School in scholarship earning. Eighty-three students earned acceptance into colleges and universities across the country. In addition, we had 16 students, who have committed to serving our country in the various branches of the Armed Forces.
Columbia High School has world class programs specifically designed to prepare students for careers beyond high school. Our programs include PLTW opportunities in Engineering, and Biomedical. Ours students also participate in over 20 CATE completers programs in areas such as Finance, Welding, Computer Science, Health Science, and Cosmetology. Students earned college credit through Advanced Placement courses as well as our newly implemented Dual Credit opportunity through Midlands Technical College. Additional career exploration include our Teacher Cadet Program, and our nationally recognized AFJROTC. Columbia High is also excited about the expansion of our computer science program to include cybersecurity and the implementation of our Ground School through AFJROTC. Ground School will enable students to work toward licensure as small aircraft or drone pilots.
Below are a few Points of Pride for the 2020-2021 school year:
- Eighteen Columbia High School students successful earned dual credit at Midlands Technical College. Due to this success and the partnership that we have formed with Midlands Tech, we have 90 students enrolled for next year starting with the rising sophomore class. This will have a significant impact on the number of students that will be college ready. We will be offering three career pathways and the courses to help the students earn enough dual credits to graduate with one year completed towards an Associate's Degree.
- Colonial Life has partnered with Communities in Schools of the Midlands (CISM) to promote workforce readiness for high school students in Richland County. Colonial Life awarded the organization with a $20,000 grant to increase employability skills in racially diverse students by way of the CISM College and Career Readiness Program for students at Columbia High School.
- Columbia High School was adopted by Google in collaboration with CS for ALL to promote AP computer science and cybersecurity.
- Ms. Parneeta Myadala received National Board Teacher Certification on February 27, 2 021.
Athletics
- Jani Broadnax signed a scholarship with Erskine College to play football.
- Two freshmen and two sophomore athletes participated in the SC (South Carolina) High School Leagues Student Leadership Summit in January, preparing them to lead our Athletes in the future.
- Our 2020-2021 Wrestling Team were crowed Region IV Wrestling Champions for the third straight year.
- We qualified 5 wrestlers to the South Carolina State Wrestling Championships.
- Senior Elijah Mervin was the 2021 South Carolina State Champion at 182 lbs. Elijah also was selected to represent Columbia High School in the 2021 Best Western North South All Star Wrestling Team. He was selected as one of the State's top wrestlers.
Air Force JROTC
- Columbia High School Air Force ROTC program currently has 12 students completing ground school.
Community in Schools Partnership (CIS)
- Virtual Math Tutoring was conducted weekly to assist in students receiving math support if they were doing face to face learning or remained virtual. Each session was led by University of SC (South Carolina) Teaching Fellows.
Our faculty, staff and community are committed to working diligently to improve the teaching and learning experience provided to our students. Through our efforts, are students will be successful and well equipped to face real-world challenges. Together, WE are Capital Strong!
Sincerely,
Robert Craig Washington, Principal
Johnathan Kirkwood, SIC Chair
