Columbia High School is a four-year public high school located in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. It is in the Candler-McAfee neighborhood on the eastside of Atlanta. It is operated by DeKalb County Public Schools. It opened in 1966.
Serving 877 students in grades 9-12, Columbia High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 877 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 72% (Btm 50% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Columbia High School serves the southwest part of Decatur, GA, covering an area of approximately 7.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.6 miles to the school's edge, and the furthest point in the zone being 2.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Columbia High School's student population of 877 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
877 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1966
School Calendar
School Rankings
Columbia High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbia High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1895 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2005–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Black
92%
36%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
72%
84.4%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)63.2%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
63%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
5%
5%
Showing 2007–2016. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Orange
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia High School's ranking?
Columbia High School is ranked #1895 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Columbia High School often compared to?
Columbia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Towers High School, Southwest Dekalb High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Columbia High School?
The graduation rate of Columbia High School is 72%, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 84.4%.
How many students attend Columbia High School?
877 students attend Columbia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Columbia High School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbia High School?
Columbia High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Columbia High School offer ?
Columbia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Columbia High School part of?
Columbia High School is part of Dekalb County School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This is a school with poor leadership. Please avoid it if you care about your children. Educators have to care, the majority of Columbia's Staff dose not reflect that. This is my opinion, it counts because I am a Parent, and Taxpayer.
Review Columbia High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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