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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.
Congratulations, Graduates!
In a ceremony full of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Columbia High School’s graduating class reflected on challenges, growth, and the unforgettable journey to their final tassel turn. Read more ⇢
Columbia Ultimate Frisbee Wins State Championship
Columbia High School’s varsity ultimate frisbee teams have each won their respective New Jersey State Championships. The Open team earned its 17th title, while Sparkle Motion secured its 7th, marking four consecutive wins since 2022. Read more ⇢
Columbia Ultimate Frisbee Wins State Championship
Sparkle Motion, Columbia High School’s girls and non-binary ultimate frisbee team, just clinched its 7th New Jersey State Championship—its fourth straight since 2022. Founded in 2005 and named after a cult-classic film, the team has built a legacy of excellence, with alumni earning national titles, Player of the Year honors, and spots on Team USA. Read more ⇢
Letter from the Superintendent
Columbia High School collaborates closely with both the Maplewood and South Orange Police Departments to maintain a secure and supportive environment for all students and staff. These partnerships allow us to respond with care and to make informed decisions about how we protect and support our school community. Read more ⇢
Welcome
Columbia High School Announcements
![SOMA Students Experience Magic of Live Orchestra Through LUX Initiative at SOPAC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1764705217/somsdk12njus/uovoh3bag36msukvsnsz/EvanFlemmingsingsToreador.jpg","width":2200}])
South Orange & Maplewood School District
The partnership between SOPAC's Arts Education department and the school district's Fine Arts Department brought this extraordinary experience to life, with a mission to inspire the next generation of musicians.
![CHS Students Take Part in ‘It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health’ Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764747287/somsdk12njus/c1gy7hgev6fr45se2zwg/25-12-03somsd-photoCHS-MentalHealth03.png","width":1920}])
South Orange & Maplewood School District
Students were introduced to trustworthy resources and the importance of turning to trusted adults when navigating challenging moments.
![Columbia Boys Soccer Defeats Bridgewater-Raritan 2-1 in State Tournament]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762375691/somsdk12njus/tl1lmri4xwn7oulhnaz9/DSC_1038.jpg","width":2200}])
Joey Kerner '26
BREAKING: 8-seed Columbia High School beats 9-seed Bridgewater Raritan 2-1 on a last-minute goal in the first round of the NJ State Tournament.
![Columbia Girls Soccer Defeats Millburn 2-1]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761422307/somsdk12njus/pzzadk4pqvcfolwssven/GoccerTeam.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761422307/somsdk12njus/pzzadk4pqvcfolwssven/GoccerTeam.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761422307/somsdk12njus/pzzadk4pqvcfolwssven/GoccerTeam.jpg","width":567}])
Joey Kerner ‘26 | Photo by Alex Nasberg-Abrams ‘28
Columbia High School comes out on top after a Golden Penalty in overtime to beat Millburn High School 2-1 in their last home game of the season.
![Columbia Boys Soccer Upsets Montclair 2-0]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761314736/somsdk12njus/qnt5seelxf8zgekljp20/blaimontclair.jpg","width":2200}])
Lucas Abrantes '28 | Photo by Aidan Heindl '26
In a stunning 2-0 win, underdog #12 seed Columbia High School upset #5 seed Montclair High School in the second round of the Essex County Tournament.
![September 22nd Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761879510/somsdk12njus/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761879510/somsdk12njus/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761879510/somsdk12njus/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761879510/somsdk12njus/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761879510/somsdk12njus/somsdk12njus/lvzfisofgic6o8gpgyhd/somsd-chs-newsplaceholder.png","width":1500}])
Frank Sanchez
This has been a great start to the school year. Everyone at Columbia High School hopes your child is having an incredible few weeks, and we look forward to an inspiring, productive, and fun 2025-2026!
Principal Frank Sanchez
Please remember that students cannot be dropped off on Parker Avenue. Also, students cannot be dropped off in teacher lots because it causes major morning congestion.
![Remembering Dr. Jane Bean-Folkes]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755118136/somsdk12njus/rum5msi9yxsybsd5cbpy/25-08-12somsd-headlinejanebeanfolkes.png","width":2200}])
Mr. Jason Bing, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Bean-Folkes was more than an exceptional educator—she was a tireless advocate for literacy, equity, and the belief that every child has the right to a high-quality education, regardless of circumstance.
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Columbia in the News
![CHS runners impress at Magee Memorial]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759258163/somsdk12njus/p10x2jiqwkpubex6rbcm/CROSS-CHS-Ameli-WEB.webp","width":1722}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School boys and girls cross-country teams gave good efforts at the Bernie Magee Memorial Class Meet on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Greystone–Central Park in Morris Plains.
![Buchalter and Josefsberg Represent Columbia H.S. in Baseball All-Star Game]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751047715/somsdk12njus/r34g1ydm2r4rauxw57q9/IsaacColumbiaHSBaseball.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751047715/somsdk12njus/r34g1ydm2r4rauxw57q9/IsaacColumbiaHSBaseball.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751047715/somsdk12njus/r34g1ydm2r4rauxw57q9/IsaacColumbiaHSBaseball.jpg","width":770}])
Buchalter and Josefsberg Represent Columbia H.S. in Baseball All-Star Game (opens in new window/tab)
TAPinto SOMA
Two members of the Columbia High School baseball team represented the Cougars in the New Jersey Underclassmen 2025 All-Star Game last week at Arthur L. Johnson High School.
![North Jersey artist designs NY/NJ World Cup 2026 poster. Spot Easter eggs in his design]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762802788/somsdk12njus/aspl4dw1ixrbhx0wmk0q/83766126007-dsc-01678.jpg","width":2200}])
NorthJersey.com
Rich Tu, a visual artist raised in South Orange and now based in Brooklyn, was selected by the region's host committee to pen the official poster for the New York/New Jersey host region.
![Columbia HS girls lacrosse team surges]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/rjnrys32tezzshfkfrro/newsmention-essexnewsdaily.png","width":1620}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School girls lacrosse team defeated Morristown Beard and Cranford, both at Underhill Field Complex’s Lynn V. Profeta Field in Maplewood, to improve to a 2-2 record on the season.
![Columbia HS softball team rolls to unbeaten start]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745116431/somsdk12njus/kgo1ezflkmrlrrclwrgs/ColumbiaHSsoftball.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745116431/somsdk12njus/kgo1ezflkmrlrrclwrgs/ColumbiaHSsoftball.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745116431/somsdk12njus/kgo1ezflkmrlrrclwrgs/ColumbiaHSsoftball.webp","width":745}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School softball team continued its unbeaten start to the season.
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.
