Summary:
The Columbus Independent School District (Isd) in Texas contains two high schools serving grades 9 through 12, offering a clear contrast between a traditional comprehensive school and a small alternative campus.
Columbus High School is the district's primary academic performer, serving 524 students and earning a 3-star rating. It boasts a strong graduation rate of 96.7% and a low dropout rate of 0.7%, well above district averages. The school has shown a positive trajectory, improving from the 42nd percentile to the 63rd percentile in state rankings over recent years. However, it consistently underperforms compared to state averages in core subjects like Algebra I (39.25% proficient vs. 54.03% statewide) and English I Reading (46.48% vs. 55.43%). In contrast, Columbus Crossing High School is a 0-star alternative/discipline campus with only 14 students in grades 11-12. It faces extreme challenges, with a graduation rate of just 62.5%, a dropout rate of 11.1%, and test scores reported at 0% in Algebra I and English I Reading. The school spends $28,823 per student—more than double Columbus High's $12,785—reflecting the intensive support needed for its at-risk population, yet academic outcomes remain very low.
The key takeaway is the stark difference in mission and results between the two schools. Columbus High School is a solid local option with improving performance, though it has room to grow to match state benchmarks. Columbus Crossing High School highlights the immense difficulty of serving students who have struggled in traditional settings, with high spending failing to translate into strong graduation rates or test scores. For parents, Columbus High School offers a stable, traditional education environment with a positive trend, while Columbus Crossing is a specialized campus for students needing alternative support.
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