I am so glad that the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area has a Catholic High School. Columbus has provided a quality education and a friendly and spiritual environment for both of my children. One has gone on to graduate from a D1 school and obtain a job that will pay for his masters. My other child will be attending
... Read more a private college. He has been given significant scholarship monies. I attribute that not only to his hard work but to the fact that Columbus provided an environment where he could participate in many extra-curricular activities, leadership programs and spiritual development. There are several teachers that have made a difference in his life. Thank you, Columbus. To address the declining enrollment comments: If one were to research enrollment in the parish-based Catholic Schools throughout the United States, one would see that declining enrollment is the norm due to the change in clergy involvement. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/24/08
I am a proud former student. While it is true the enrollment has dropped, that may be more a reflection of the smaller size of Catholic families these days instead of a reflection of the school's performance. This school's smaller size allows for personal attention to students of many achievement levels.
... Read more This school offers many activities for students to participate in (academic competitions, band and chorus, religious clubs, and at least 7 sports for boys and 7 for girls). Values such as service, responsibility, and family are emphasized in a Catholic atmosphere. Caring and qualified staff-members are still present to guide students on a path toward postsecondary education. I think the guidance staff is extremely under-rated. Guidance counselors are compassionate, responsive, and offer as much information and advice toward the student's college preparation and choice as is possible. AP courses are offered in English, math, science, and social studies. Read less
Posted by a other on 02/26/08
I cannot recommend Columbus High School to any parent. The enrollment has dropped, as a result course offerings have been cut. Many good teachers have left the school and I'm sure more will follow in the near future. Our daughter graduated in 2007 and over her four years quality went down. She had many
... Read more different teachers and administrators come and go in her short time there. We are glad she has graduated and our other child will attend West High which has seen a resurgence in quality in academics and extracurricular activities. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/24/07
Waterloo Columbus used to be easily one of the top high schools in not only the state but the Midwest. That has dramatically changed in the last two years. With the loss of nearly half of the teachers (most who were long time vetrans and very high quality) two years ago,the education I am getting has
... Read more fallen off dramticallly. This school is no longer on the top, not even in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area. It makes me very sad, but Columbus Catholic is not living up to its once proud tradition of excellence. Read less
Posted by a parent on 11/02/05
Columbus High School students are better disciplined and probably perform better than their public school peers. However, that probably has more to do with the positive family environment that most students come from than anything that Columbus gives them. Over the past 10 years, the enrollment has
... Read more declined by 50%. There are almost no guidance resources for students that want to go to university outside of Iowa or outside of Catholic universities in the upper Midwest. Most of the quality teachers from Columbus have resigned in the past three years. The school seems to like to ride high on its horse of 'Catholic values', but ignores other aspects of a quality education. Read less
Posted by a former student on 03/01/05
The new changes in administration are deffinitely positive!! I've had two previous students, and one currently attending. There is a new joy and harmony that has not been there in some time. An administration that actually likes kids!! There is no direction but upward from here. As a booster, and as
... Read more parents, we're excited for the future of Columbus Cathilic H.S. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/23/04
My siblings and I are all graduates and I sent our two sons here. Solid, personal attention. Catholic ideals upheld and principles demonstrated by social concerns classes, etc. Good music program and small enough to get involved in all activities.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 08/19/03
I went there, some teachers were okay, others bad, my brothers and sister still go there, it has good classes, some prepare you well, others could be better. If you want your kid to go to catholic schools, Columbus is okay.
... Read moreRead less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Waterloo schools — Columbus High School is located at 3231 W 9th St, Waterloo IA 50702. 3231 W 9th St is in the 50702 ZIP code in Waterloo, IA The school district for Columbus High School is the Archdiocese Of Dubuque Education Off. Columbus High School is a Catholic school that serves grade levels 9 - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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