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Magnet School0
Columbus City School District

Columbus Alternative High School

#1 in Best Magnet High Schools in Ohio
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Public, Magnet
  • 9-12
  • Columbus, OH
  • 242 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A-
    2. Diversity
      A
    3. Teachers
      A-
    4. College Prep
      A
    5. Clubs & Activities
      C
    6. Health & Safety
      B+
    7. Administration
      A
    8. Sports
      NG
    9. Food
      C+
    10. Resources & Facilities
      C-
    View Full Report Card
    Columbus Alternative High School is a highly rated, public, magnet school located in Columbus, OH. It has 800 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. According to state test scores, 57% of students are at least proficient in math and 78% in reading.
    Address
    2632 Mcguffey Rd
    Columbus, OH 43211
    Telephone
    (614) 365-6006
    Website
    ccsoh.us
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    Columbus Alternative High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    78%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    57%
    Average Graduation Rate
    95%
    Average SAT
    1190
    50 responses
    Average ACT
    26
    178 responses
    AP Enrollment
    22%
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    Living in the Area
    B-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      B+
    2. Good for Families
      B-
    3. Housing
      C
    Median Household Income
    $36,947
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $782
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $78,281
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    B+
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    78%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.32 responses
    Poll
    88%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.32 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 91 responses
    Report
    • Semi-formal
      18%
    • Poetry Out Loud
      14%
    • Alumni Basket Ball Game
      13%
    • Senior Breakfast
      12%
    • Cupcake Day
      10%
    • Prom
      10%
    • Student Olympics
      9%

    Students

    Diversity
    A
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    800
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    47%
    83%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.36 responses
    92%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.36 responses
    22%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.36 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    21:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $63,181
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    10.9%
    88%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.43 responses
    91%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.43 responses
    79%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.43 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    C
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Expenses Per Student
    $18,182/ year
    National
    $12,239
    90%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.48 responses
    25%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.48 responses
    71%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.48 responses
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    Columbus Alternative High School Reviews

    242 reviews
    All Categories
    Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS) is very diverse in its student body. This allows students from all backgrounds to safely and effectively intermingle, without feeling judged. CAHS is very rigorous when it comes to academics and this is partly due to the fact that it has excellent teachers and staff who really care. Some people might consider this a downside but CAHS does not have any sports. However, students have the opportunity to participate in sports at their home schools. CAHS is the only school in its district that offers International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and this is due to the fact that students have the drive to pursue intricate leveled courses. I am a student at CAHS, pursuing the full IB Diploma program. I had some rough times but I feel like that is to be expected. However, I have created memories that will last for a lifetime and lessons to get me through anything. I am a CAHSmic scholar and I say it loud and proud!
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    Columbus Alternative High School had a very competitive atmosphere but binding atmosphere. Every freshman class takes the same humanities course every year, it included both History and English. It was something that brought us together. We all faced the same difficulties and there was power in that. The course was intense, but everyone around you had gone through it. Therefore it gave you perspective. After that your sophomore year you could take AP classes. Then Junior year people went their own ways as it is in college, but on a smaller scale. You chose if you were in Higher Level or Standard Level IB classes according to what you could do, or regular classes. You chose one math, and then one History and one English. For History and English you would not attend everyday, you would have one class Mon/Thurs and the other Tues/Fri. On Wednesdays you would attend an internship of your choosing. This gave student the liberty to explore and get used to a college setting.
    The teachers are committed and lots of AP/IB courses are available. The social environment is good- students are friendly and actually care about their classes. In junior and senior year the academic environment can get overwhelming, especially if you are taking IB Diploma. I'd prioritize your mental health if this is what you end up doing. The clubs are cool, but most are student-run and don’t have access to resources. Our chorale is prestigious and has traveled across the country. We don't have sports except for Ultimate Frisbee, but most kids just do sports at other schools. The biggest drawback of CAHS is the quality of our building. We don’t have AC and we've had to take off school because someone fainted due to heatstroke. We also have bats and bathroom stalls designed to fit small children. Despite the old building, CAHS is a great school and I'd attend it if you want a quality education at a public city school. CAHS has flaws but we love her despite it.