Is Columbia Secondary School a good school?

Yes. Columbia Secondary School ranks in the top 8.2% of New York high schools.

How many students attend Columbia Secondary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 690 students attended Columbia Secondary School.

What is the racial makeup of Columbia Secondary School?

Students at Columbia Secondary School are 35% Hispanic, 27% White, 22% African American, 8% Two or more races, 7% Asian.

Columbia Secondary School

Summary:

Columbia Secondary School is a high-performing public magnet school serving grades 6-12 in New York City. With a diverse student body, the school has consistently ranked within the top 5% of New York high schools, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement across all grade levels and subject areas.

Columbia Secondary School significantly outperforms the surrounding New York City Geographic District # 5 and the state on standardized tests, with proficiency rates in ELA and math that are over 40 percentage points higher than the district and state averages. The school also maintains high graduation rates, ranging from 84.3% to 100% in recent years, and low dropout rates, further highlighting its success in supporting students. Notably, Columbia Secondary School's strong performance extends across all student subgroups, including female, male, Asian, African American, Hispanic, and white students, as well as special education and low-socioeconomic status students.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Mott Hall High School and Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem, Columbia Secondary School stands out as a clear outlier in terms of academic achievement. However, the school does face challenges with chronic absenteeism, an area that may require additional attention to ensure all students can fully benefit from the educational opportunities available.

Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-12

425 W 123rd St
New York, NY 10027

(212) 666-1278

District: New York City Geographic District # 5

SchoolDigger Rank:
102^nd of 1,242 New York High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $15,231

Student/teacher ratio: 13.8

Number of students: 690

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

34.9%

White:

27.2%

African American:

21.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 47.8%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Columbia Secondary School ranks better than 93.8% of middle schools in New York. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 93.33. (See more...)

Compare Details Columbia Secondary School ranks better than 91.8% of high schools in New York. It also ranks 2^nd among 9 ranked high schools in the New York City Geographic District # 5. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 81.17. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Columbia Secondary School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Columbia Secondary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (34.9%), White (27.2%), African American (21.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 47.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Columbia Secondary School is 13.8. 7 high schools in the New York City Geographic District # 5 have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Columbia Secondary School employs 49.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Columbia Secondary School is $15,231. 7 high schools in the New York City Geographic District # 5 spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Columbia Secondary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Secondary School 94^th of 1504 New York public middle schools. (See Columbia Secondary School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Secondary School 102^nd of 1242 New York public high schools. (See Columbia Secondary School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

New York City Geographic District # 5:

SchoolDigger ranks New York City Geographic District # 5 710^th of 865 New York school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Columbia Secondary School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2009	87.64	12^th	1224	99.0%
2010	93.97	10^th	1243	99.2%
2011	96.61	7^th	1295	99.5%
2012	95.58	11^th	1337	99.2%
2013	98.52	10^th	1373	99.3%
2014	99.39	7^th	1401	99.5%
2015	99.54	9^th	1407	99.4%
2016	99.32	9^th	1429	99.4%
2017	98.77	21^st	1455	98.6%
2018	98.35	23^rd	1438	98.4%
2019	98.68	26^th	1439	98.2%
2021	98.55	9^th	1242	99.3%
2022	93.89	77^th	1479	94.8%
2023	86.99	159^th	1500	89.4%
2024	93.33	94^th	1504	93.8%

See the entire list of New York High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2021	95.89	1^st	95	98.9%
2022	95.18	3^rd	190	98.4%
2024	94.04	8^th	220	96.4%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	80.89	89^th	1170	92.4%
2019	69.01	176^th	1139	84.5%
2022	85.76	72^nd	1283	94.4%
2023	69.07	247^th	1307	81.1%
2024	33.03	880^th	1303	32.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	98.45	25^th	1245	98.0%
2019	98.90	28^th	1241	97.7%
2022	80.17	167^th	1306	87.2%
2023	67.49	299^th	1288	76.8%
2024	87.24	103^rd	1296	92.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Homeless students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	99.39	1^st	457	99.8%
2019	99.85	1^st	392	99.7%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	97.78	19^th	1353	98.6%
2019	98.02	26^th	1370	98.1%
2021	97.94	5^th	1066	99.5%
2022	94.73	50^th	1454	96.6%
2023	84.04	190^th	1463	87.0%
2024	90.37	110^th	1465	92.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	97.87	27^th	1352	98.0%
2019	98.51	26^th	1366	98.1%
2021	98.37	10^th	1071	99.1%
2022	92.20	89^th	1455	93.9%
2023	87.90	140^th	1464	90.4%
2024	93.69	80^th	1464	94.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	84.32	40^th	388	89.7%
2024	89.34	10^th	396	97.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	97.59	23^rd	663	96.5%
2019	96.70	26^th	653	96.0%
2022	93.85	35^th	706	95.0%
2023	78.95	96^th	696	86.2%
2024	86.85	58^th	705	91.8%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	99.46	4^th	810	99.5%
2019	99.61	6^th	826	99.3%
2022	77.51	128^th	914	86.0%
2023	74.55	185^th	943	80.4%
2024	85.14	94^th	953	90.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	97.87	9^th	763	98.8%
2019	98.66	5^th	716	99.3%
2021	97.61	3^rd	614	99.5%
2022	98.23	7^th	748	99.1%
2023	94.71	19^th	772	97.5%
2024	95.36	15^th	778	98.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: NY State Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Columbia Secondary School

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Rank History for all high school students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2010	79.99	23^rd	1117	97.9%
2011	65.19	369^th	1165	68.3%
2012	72.51	252^nd	1198	79.0%
2013	71.08	310^th	1217	74.5%
2014	73.79	163^rd	1237	86.8%
2015	76.84	105^th	1255	91.6%
2016	82.04	56^th	1255	95.5%
2017	80.66	99^th	1221	91.9%
2018	79.53	91^st	1210	92.5%
2019	77.51	161^st	1207	86.7%
2022	86.16	28^th	1190	97.6%
2023	83.80	55^th	1228	95.5%
2024	81.17	102^nd	1242	91.8%

See the entire list of New York High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Multi-racial students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	86.74	1^st	212	99.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for high school Special Education students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	64.48	309^th	1095	71.8%
2019	65.88	297^th	1132	73.8%
2022	93.59	22^nd	1038	97.9%
2023	86.22	77^th	1130	93.2%
2024	79.88	150^th	1144	86.9%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	79.10	62^nd	1154	94.6%
2019	76.43	115^th	1179	90.2%
2022	86.56	24^th	1101	97.8%
2023	80.65	63^rd	1155	94.5%
2024	76.74	119^th	1170	89.8%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Homeless students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	94.54	5^th	493	99.0%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	79.29	96^th	1176	91.8%
2019	77.05	169^th	1193	85.8%
2022	85.99	20^th	1155	98.3%
2023	85.10	39^th	1197	96.7%
2024	81.62	91^st	1219	92.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	78.02	114^th	1176	90.3%
2019	76.51	161^st	1190	86.5%
2022	85.59	26^th	1154	97.7%
2023	82.27	72^nd	1191	94.0%
2024	79.60	129^th	1211	89.3%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school Asian students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	81.76	4^th	426	99.1%
2019	76.43	56^th	447	87.5%
2022	81.99	8^th	386	97.9%
2023	80.93	20^th	424	95.3%
2024	74.77	73^rd	426	82.9%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for high school African American students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	82.33	58^th	679	91.5%
2019	78.77	75^th	686	89.1%
2022	92.94	18^th	593	97.0%
2023	90.15	23^rd	671	96.6%
2024	90.56	19^th	690	97.2%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	87.18	33^rd	791	95.8%
2019	86.31	40^th	815	95.1%
2022	91.63	14^th	760	98.2%
2023	86.90	36^th	851	95.8%
2024	83.43	68^th	865	92.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Columbia Secondary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	81.41	15^th	765	98.0%
2019	81.18	15^th	793	98.1%
2022	84.23	10^th	738	98.6%
2023	84.36	13^th	776	98.3%
2024	83.21	12^th	781	98.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: NY State Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: NY State Education Department

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Enrollment information for Columbia Secondary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2008	23	11	10	49	1	n/a	n/a	94
2009	45	32	13	100	2	n/a	n/a	192
2010	76	58	20	132	2	n/a	n/a	288
2011	83	67	39	195	3	0	0	387
2012	88	96	56	231	3	0	0	474
2013	92	110	75	274	3	0	3	557
2014	121	136	87	310	5	0	5	664
2015	129	146	86	288	5	0	6	660
2016	135	141	82	294	5	0	12	669
2017	141	155	77	292	5	2	15	687
2018	159	164	63	289	4	4	20	703
2019	187	147	58	280	6	5	33	716
2020	205	130	60	258	5	5	39	702
2021	215	127	57	243	3	5	51	701
2022	191	126	49	233	6	5	48	658
2023	188	150	50	241	6	2	53	690

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Columbia Secondary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	94	6.7	14.0	51.1
2009	192	8.0	24.0	54.2
2010	288	12.0	24.0	n/a
2011	387	19.0	20.3	50.9
2012	474	21.0	22.5	59.9
2013	557	31.0	17.9	62.5
2014	664	36.0	18.4	56.8
2015	660	40.0	16.5	55.2
2016	669	40.0	16.7	54.4
2017	687	40.8	16.8	54.9
2018	703	47.0	14.9	54.3
2019	716	47.0	15.2	48.5
2020	702	47.7	14.7	46.4
2021	701	49.1	14.2	41.2
2022	658	53.0	12.4	45.4
2023	690	49.9	13.8	47.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Columbia Secondary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	94	6.7	14.0	51.1
2009	192	8.0	24.0	54.2
2010	288	12.0	24.0	n/a
2011	387	19.0	20.3	50.9
2012	474	21.0	22.5	59.9
2013	557	31.0	17.9	62.5
2014	664	36.0	18.4	56.8
2015	660	40.0	16.5	55.2
2016	669	40.0	16.7	54.4
2017	687	40.8	16.8	54.9
2018	703	47.0	14.9	54.3
2019	716	47.0	15.2	48.5
2020	702	47.7	14.7	46.4
2021	701	49.1	14.2	41.2
2022	658	53.0	12.4	45.4
2023	690	49.9	13.8	47.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates