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Tonight Belongs to CHS!
Support our Columbia High School students performing in the All-School Musical, "The Prom" all March! Get tickets at columbia.somsdk12.org/musicals/tickets for the auditorium at Maplewood Middle School. Learn more ⇢
Home of the Cougars
Columbia High School fosters inclusive learning environments where students are inspired to discover their talents, think critically, and embrace the responsibilities of global citizenship. The renowned New Jersey high school has grown from humble roots to a nationally recognized institution of academic excellence. Known for its diversity, innovation, and vast history as the state's first high school, Columbia has been a cornerstone of the South Orange Village and Maplewood Township communities for over two centuries.
Welcome
Thank you for visiting the South Orange & Maplewood School District's new website. The district is still actively upgrading its family engagement and messaging suite. As we migrate away from somsd.k12.nj.us, please continue to submit optimization suggestions to communications director Eshaya Draper at somsdk12.org/feedback ⇢
Columbia High School Announcements
![CHS Students Preview 2025 All-School Musical at Achieve Foundation's "A Night to Achieve" Fundraiser]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":2000}])
CHS Students Preview 2025 All-School Musical at Achieve Foundation's "A Night to Achieve" Fundraiser
Eshaya Draper
With special thanks to the Achieve Foundation, Columbia High School performers took the spotlight and offered a captivating preview of their upcoming production of "The Prom." The talented students performed two numbers from the show, building anticipation for opening night on Thursday, March 13th, at 7:30 pm. With seven performances scheduled, community members are encouraged to secure tickets quickly at columbia.somsdk12.org/musicals/tickets
![This Week / Next Week at CHS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740354752/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":2025}])
Principal Frank Sanchez
We have a couple of busy weeks at Columbia High School, so I wanted to just review our course selection process, which is wrapping up, and our testing schedule for next week.
Principal Frank Sanchez
Dear CHS Families: The email below was sent to all students informing them of a neat, new opportunity if they are interested in local history. I worked with a community resident (and former colleague from another district), Mr. Ron Nash, and our invitation to join the Smithsonian's Dialogue in Democracy project and Columbia High School was invited to participate. If your child if interested in local history, this new "club" might be something they may want to check out! Thanks, Frank
![Columbia High School Hall of Famers SZA and Eric Hudson Keep Making History ⇢]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":2160}])
Eshaya Draper
At the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, two Columbia High School alumni from New Jersey stood at the pinnacle of the music industry, adding to their growing collection of GRAMMY awards.
![CHS Midterms During Week of January 28]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737734102/somsdk12njus/bp7uvj5p5syj0ka78zp3/unnamed-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737734102/somsdk12njus/bp7uvj5p5syj0ka78zp3/unnamed-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1737734102/somsdk12njus/bp7uvj5p5syj0ka78zp3/unnamed-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737734102/somsdk12njus/bp7uvj5p5syj0ka78zp3/unnamed-1.jpg","width":1068}])
Principal Frank Sanchez
This is a reminder that we have midterms from Tuesday, January 28 - Friday.
Please continue reading about the CHS midterm protocols, our schedule, and the CHS StuCo mindfulness schedule.
![Columbia students playing lacrosse]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737353905/somsdk12njus/ifmnzaut4lnkisihromb/25News-WRESTLE-CHS1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737353905/somsdk12njus/ifmnzaut4lnkisihromb/25News-WRESTLE-CHS1.png","width":436}])
Athletic Director Ms. Winstead
Spring Athletic Registration is now open! The spring registration online application will close on Friday, 2/28/25.
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Maplewood Middle School, 7 Burnet St, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
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Maplewood Middle School, 7 Burnet St, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
all day
Cafeteria and commons glass room
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South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One SOPAC Way, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA
Columbia in the News
![Heart of a Champion — CHS Swim Coach Maggie Singler Keenan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":585}])
The Village Green
Keenan, CHS Class of 1997, scored her 100th win with the CHS Girls Swim Team this season. Meanwhile, the girls made it to the state sectional semi-finals and the boys reached the finals.
![Columbia HS indoor track teams solid at SEC meet and state Meet of Champs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1977}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School boys and girls indoor track and field teams enjoyed solid performances at the Super Essex Conference–American Division Championships on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island, New York.
![Columbia junior August Katz, middle, stands on the podium after winning the 150-pound title at the Essex County Tournament on Thursday, Jan. 23.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":528}])
Essex News Daily
Columbia High School boys wrestlers August Katz and Oliver Kreizman enjoyed outstanding performances at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Region 4 tournament at Union High School, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-March 1.
![The members of the Columbia girls fencing team gather for a group pose.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":677}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School girls fencing team enjoyed a sensational 2024-25 season. The Cougars, the most storied program in the state, finished as the runner-up in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s state team tournament.
![Advisor Suzanne Falk sits with student robotics team members]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":2200}])
The Village Green
The Columbia High School Robotics teams are headed to the state championships, after competing in the First Tech Challenge of New Jersey (FTCNJ) post-season competition on Saturday, March 1.
Explore Columbia High School
With top-notch educators with high expectations and a devoted community, students are fortified with self-advocacy and the confidence to flourish in life.
Cougar Athletics
Cougar Athletics is more than games at Columbia– it's a winning tradition. Sports at CHS will foster teamwork, excellence, and a competitive spirit.
Student Life @ Columbia
Extracurriculars play a large role in student growth at CHS. Every student has the space to explore their passions and discover their potential to succeed.
CHS Home & School Association ⇢
Columbia's HSA comprises hard-working parents, guardians, and faculty who pool their talents to provide practical support for the high school.
