Click here for General Parent Information
Brochures
- Program of Studies
- 2024-25 Student Handbook
- 2024-25 Class Profile
Policies
Helpful Links
- Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- Attendance Matters
- Bus Routes
- Class Schedule
- Dance Guest Permission Form
- Driver Education
- Graduation Information
- Naviance
- Parking Application/Rules and Regulations
- PowerSchool
- Regents Exam Information
- Registration
- RevTrak Online Payment System
- School Supply List
- Testing Information (SAT, ACT, PSAT, Pre-ACT)
- Working Papers
- Yearbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does school start and end each day?
A: The school day starts at 7:10 a.m. and ends at 2:03 p.m. Class Schedule.
Q: If I have a question about my child and their progress, who should I contact?
A: If you have a question about your child’s academic progress, please contact their classroom teacher directly, either by sending a message through ParentSquare or by sending an email. Columbia Staff Directory.
Q: What are the graduation requirements?
A: Students must earn a minimum of 22 credits to graduate from high school (see below). More information about academic requirements, program offerings and class descriptions can be found in the Program of Studies.
| Regents Diploma | Advanced Regents Diploma | ||
| Required Credits | Required Credits | ||
| English | 4 | English | 4 |
| Social Studies | 4 | Social Studies | 4 |
| Math | 3 | Math | 3 |
| Science | 3 | Science | 3 |
| World Language | 1 | World Language | 3 |
| Art, Music or DDP | 1 | Art, Music or DDP | 1 |
| Health | .5 | Health | .5 |
| Physical Education | 2 | Physical Education | 2 |
| Electives | 3.5 | Electives | 1.5 |
| TOTAL | 22 | TOTAL | 22 |
Q: What support services are available at school?
A: Columbia offers a variety of support services including a Guidance Department with school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and a student assistance counselor. The school also has a school resource officer and a mental health clinic operated by Rensselaer County Mental Health.
There is a Learning Resource Center located in the library where any student can receive assistance with math or writing.
Additionally, students receive services based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or their 504 Plan.
Q: How much does breakfast and lunch cost for students?
A: Breakfast and lunch is free for all East Greenbush Central School District students. Extra snacks have an additional cost. Free Meals for All Students.
Q: If my child is sick, who should I contact?
A: If your child is not feeling well, please take their temperature. If they have a fever (100 degrees or higher), keep them at home and contact the school by sending a message to your teacher via ParentSquare or emailing the school. When to Keep a Child Home from School.
Q: If my child is going to be late to school or needs to leave early for the day due to an appointment, who should I contact?
A: Please call the main office at 518-207-2010 or email the attendance clerk Lynn Chesser at chessely@egcsd.org.
Q: Are physical exam forms due every year?
A: No. The NYS Education Department requires a physical exam for new entrants to the district and all students entering the following grades: Pre-K or Kindergarten, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11; annually for interscholastic sports; and working papers as needed; or as required by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Physical Exam Form.
Q: What immunizations are required to attend school?
A: Minimum vaccine requirements are listed on our website. If you have any questions about immunizations, please contact the health office at 518-207-2070.
Q: When do report cards come out and how are they sent home?
A: Columbia sends home report cards in November, February, April and June. They are sent via email to parents/guardians from PowerSchool. Report Cards.
Q: What types of safety drills are practiced at school?
A: All East Greenbush CSD schools practice the following drills: evacuation (fire drills), lockdown, secured lockout, shelter in place, hold in place, and bus safety. There is also a district-wide early dismissal drill conducted every November. Safety Drills.
Q: How are parents notified of school closings, delays or emergencies?
A: Parents and guardians will receive an email and text alert from the school district via ParentSquare for weather-related closings and delays. In the event of an emergency or early closing that occurs during the school day, parents/guardians will receive a text, email and phone call.
Q: Are there clubs or extracurricular activities available for students?
A: Yes, Columbia offers interscholastic sports in fall, winter and spring, as well as a variety of clubs.
Q: Does Columbia offer a Driver Ed class?
A: Yes. Columbia offers a fall, spring and summer Driver Education program. The course includes classroom instruction and hands-on driving accompanied by the instructor. Driver Education.
Q: Are students allowed to drive to school?
A: Columbia has a designated parking lot for students. Students must complete a registration packet, pay the parking fee, and follow all rules and regulations. Student Parking Application/Information.
Q: What foreign languages are offered at Columbia?
A: Columbia offers French, German and Spanish as part of the World Languages curriculum.
Q: Does Columbia offer classes for college credit?
A: Yes. Columbia offers 28 courses with college credit attached to them. Taking high school classes for college credit can boost college admission chances, give families good value for college credit and it is a significant indicator of college and career readiness. Courses with College Credits.
Q: Does Columbia offer career and technical education courses?
A: Yes. Through a partnership with Questar III BOCES, students can enroll in career tech programs such as Automotive Technologies, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Gaming & Multimedia, Nursing, and more. Students spend half the day at the career tech program in Troy and half the day at Columbia for their regular coursework. Career and Technical Education.
Students also have the option of enrolling at the Questar III & HVCC STEM High School or Tech Valley High School.
Q: How does my child obtain working papers?
A: Please fill out the required paperwork on our Working Papers webpage and submit it to the Guidance Department.
Q: How can I join the PTSO?
A: Reach out to the PTSO to join or drop in at the next meeting. All PTO meetings are posted on the school calendar and held virtually.
Q: Does Columbia have a School Resource Officer?
A: Yes. Columbia’s School Resource Officer is Ed Ashley from the East Greenbush Police Department. He is at Columbia on all school days. He is responsible for creating a safe and positive school environment, educating staff and students on various safety topics and serving as a resource to the community. Meet Officer Ashley.
Additionally, Columbia has a security staff whose purpose is to provide a safe school and campus.
Q: If I have a question regarding school, outside of my child’s academic progress, who should I contact?
A: Please refer to our Communication Protocol guide. It provides contact information by topic (e.g., Food Service, Special Education, Transportation) so you can have your question answered.
