CHS DROPS IN STATE HIGH SCHOOL RANK, BUT STILL IN TOP 100

Columbia High School fell in the newest rankings of state high schools from New Jersey Monthly, which were released this week.

Although it remains in the top 100 at 96th, that is down substantially from 47th just two years ago in the last ranking.

Still, CHS beat out a majority of the 339 high schools statewide that were reviewed for the annual rankings that put Chatham High School first. Columbia was one of eight from Essex County on the top 100 list, with Millburn ranking highest among those at 5th.

All of this is to be taken for what it's worth since the ranking is based on SAT scores, standardized tests, a percentage of students who take AP exams and head to four-year colleges, and graduation rates. CHS has a 90% graduation rate, with 85% in college 16 months after graduation. 

In a related move, The Star-Ledger's monthly Inside Jersey Magazine offered its own rankings as well this week, placing Columbia in a similar spot among the top third of the state.

IJ's rankings were done differently, within each county and with rankings in the 100's, 200's and 300's. As you can see, CHS ranked 9th in the county with a 334 IJ score, placing it among the top 30% statewide.