Columbia High School has been ranked the #5 high school in the Capital Region and the #1 high school in Rensselaer County by U.S. News & World Report in the 2025-26 Best High School Rankings.
The rankings, which were released this week, evaluate more than 24,000 public high schools across the country based on a variety of factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and graduation rates.
Columbia consistently ranks at the top of the Capital Region in terms of graduating students. It offers college credits in 27 different courses, Advanced Placement classes, an Honors program, Career and Technical Education programs, a Seal of Biliteracy and a Seal of Civic Readiness, and a variety of alternative education programs to address the needs of all students.
“We are exceptionally proud of our student achievement and of the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff across the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes. “Our well rounded program affords all students the opportunity to grow and excel in a pathway that is best suited to their needs. We will stay steadfast in supporting excellence, always looking for ways in which we can improve our programs and offerings.”
Columbia High School Scorecard
Graduation Rate – 95%
Mathematics Proficiency – 94%
Reading Proficiency – 94%
Science Proficiency – 87%