Columbus Alternative High School

Columbus Alternative High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
2632 McGuffey Rd,  Columbus, OH
Columbus City School District
3.8
4.7
785 Students
A-
Niche Grade
Columbus Alternative High School ranks as a top magnet high school in the greater Columbus area and one of the most challenging high schools in the country. Although it is a member of the Columbus City Schools District, Columbus Alternative High School attracts ninth through 12th grade students from districts across the city with its exceptional reputation and programming. Located in the city’s North Linden neighborhood, the school’s accessibility from surrounding areas contributes to its appeal as a magnet high school. Established in 1978, Columbus Alternative High School's mission and programs strive to serve the needs of high achievers who may not feel adequately challenged in traditional environments. The school operates as a lottery-based college preparatory program, and its rigorous curriculum features Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate World School credit opportunities. Columbus Alternative High School delivers all courses at an honors or college level and emphasizes the fine and performing arts. In addition to over 30 student-led clubs and a required internship program, students may participate in athletics through their home high schools. Columbus Alternative High School ranks high on student achievement, graduation and college admission rates. Graduating classes regularly earn millions in merit-based scholarships to some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities.

School Details

Head of School
Darryl Sanders
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
26
Math Proficiency
37%
Reading Proficiency
67%
Average GPA
3.39
Graduation Rate
95%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A-
Teachers
A-
College Prep
B+
Administration
D+
Resources/Facilities
C-
Clubs and Activities
C-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.39
Reading Proficiency
67%
Math Proficiency
37%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers
41
Full Time Teachers
41
Teachers in First or Second Year
0%
College Prep
Average SAT
1210
Math
590
Verbal
620
Average ACT
26
Math
24
English
26
Reading
27
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
6
AP Pass Rate
56.1%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Average
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
418:1

Student Diversity

Female
58.6%
Male
41.4%
Black
54.1%
White
27.8%
Hispanic
8.2%
Two or more races
5.9%
Asian or Pacific Islander
3.8%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
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School Rankings

#5 Niche Standout HS in Ohio
#6 Best Magnet HS in Ohio
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
The Ohio State University 387 Students
Ohio University 177 Students
University of Cincinnati 172 Students
Columbus State Community College 106 Students
Otterbein University 103 Students
Miami University 99 Students
The University of Akron 76 Students
Howard University 65 Students
Bowling Green State University 64 Students
Cleveland State University 58 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing 74 Students
Psychology 73 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 68 Students
Business 65 Students
Biology 55 Students
Computer Science 32 Students
Political Science and Government 27 Students
Marketing 24 Students
Architecture 22 Students
Anthropology 21 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 257 Reviews
4.0 Junior
11/4/2024
Great school, not great building. Teachers are wonderful. IB program School in CCS, CCP program is awesome
5.0 Senior
9/21/2024
Columbus Alternitave Is very rigorous but it definitely prepares you for college. The counselors are very involved with the students making sure we have recourses and are constantly aware of graduation requirements. We are always being encouraged to do community service or extracariculars out of school and that is something that helped me grow tremendously and helped me find my passion.
4.0 Junior
5/13/2024
The best thing about CAHS is that they make sure you are ready for college and pushes you to do your best. But this is also the worst thing as the work load gets harder than any regular school. My freshman year was the hardest for me since the transition from middle school to high school was huge.
GreatSchools Reviews
4.7 16 Reviews
5.0 parent
9/14/2017
We love this school; it not only provides excellent education, the school pushes your child to be their best. College preparation and guidance is an all time High, and the Principal Loves and Cares for these children as if they were his own. The teachers give their time and expertise to make sure yo...
5.0 student
1/27/2017
I love CAHS, I am only a sophomore but I've already learned so much. I feel the only way to underachieve at this school is to not try. It is a college prep school, we are pushed to the limit and it's amazing to be tested, and pushed, and taught- by teachers who treat us like actual people, and as th...
5.0 student
1/25/2015
I go to this school and its the best they encourage you to do better and not give up
5.0 student
11/25/2013
I truly love this school and love coming here everyday. It gives me a chance to be challenged which is something that has not always been done for me in Columbus City Schools. The teachers at CAHS really care about their students and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure their student...

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