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A Message From Dr. Lovie Lilly, Principal
Columbia High School
Columbia High School continues to be the flagship learning institution in the South Orange and Maplewood School District. Its rich tradition distinguishes it as one of the most academically progressive high schools in the state of New Jersey. The school is known to have been cited for various local and national recognitions. In previous years, Columbia High School was named as a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education in 1993, and most recently it was accredited through the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Columbia High School has more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, electives, clubs, and extracurricular activities than most high schools in the local region.
“Its rich tradition distinguishes it as one of the most academically progressive high schools in the state of New Jersey.” A four-year comprehensive high school, with an enrollment of approximately 1900 students, the racially diverse student body is recognized through distinctions such as the following: National Merit Scholars, National Achievement Scholars, National Merit Commended Scholars; National Hispanic Recognition Scholars; Byrd State Honors’ Scholars; and New Jersey Bloustein Distinguished Scholars. Several of our students receive early action and/or decision acceptances to prestigious institutions of higher learning. Moreover, the school celebrates the distinction of having its second student named as a Rhodes Scholar from the Class of 2003.
Our curriculum meets the varied needs of our diverse student body and the richness of multiculturalism within our school community. Elective courses are available to students in areas such as forensic science, television production, animation, filmmaking, computer graphics, studio art courses, music technology, broadcast journalism, drama, sociology, computer technology, psychology, and Japanese. These electives are fully complemented by an extracurricular program that features an award winning literary magazine and student newspaper.
There are 50 extracurricular activities that include a cadre of options related to our academic offerings. Our Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government, Junior States, Mock Trial, and Amnesty International have direct links to the curriculum and our community. Our award-winning student broadcasting television station provides morning announcements, as well as daily programming to both South Orange and Maplewood. Annually, Columbia High School receives Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
“Columbia High School is well respected in New Jersey for its championship athletic programs.” Performing and visual artists excel in an environment steeped in the arts. Our renowned programs include an annual musical production, the Parnassian Theatrical Group, and exceptional artistic exhibits that are showcased in our own gallery. Moreover, we have an outstanding special dance class troupe that performs throughout the region, in addition to a marching band, two jazz bands, and orchestras. Choral, brass and string ensembles are also offered as artistic options for our students. Students are annually recognized at the national and state levels for their achievements in the fine and performing arts.
Columbia High School is well respected in New Jersey for its championship athletic programs. Dedicated staff members serve as coaches to sports such as lacrosse, outdoor and indoor track, field hockey, soccer, gymnastics, cross country, fencing, basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball and football. In total, there are 27 different sports offered and 51 levels.
Parents and families play a vital role in the school community. They often become involved in organizations that raise funds and organize events that enhance the curricular and extracurricular opportunities for our students and staff.
We are pleased, as educators at Columbia High School, to have the opportunity to serve and work with your students. We are looking to the future, with a renewed spirit and an eagerness to be the best and to do our best for all students.
