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About Columbia Heights High School

What makes CHHS unique?

Columbia Heights High School is proud to be the hometown high school for our community—a place where tradition, innovation and opportunity come together to prepare students for success in college, careers and life. With more than 1,100 students in grades 9-12, we are a vibrant and inclusive learning community that celebrates diversity while fostering a culture of respect, responsibility and belonging.

As a comprehensive public high school located just northeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Columbia Heights offers students an exceptional educational experience built on strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful opportunities. Our dedicated staff is committed to helping every student discover their passions, challenge themselves academically and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of our school. Students can choose from a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and in 2025, Columbia Heights High School was recognized as a College Board AP Silver Medal School, reflecting our commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework and preparing students for postsecondary success.

Beyond the classroom, students have access to multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, allowing them to explore careers in high-demand industries while developing real-world skills and earning valuable experience before graduation. Whether a student plans to attend a four-year university, pursue technical training, enter the workforce or serve in the military, Columbia Heights provides pathways that support every future.

Our commitment to student success extends well beyond academics. In 2026, our local community awarded more than $290,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, demonstrating the incredible support our students receive and the confidence our community has in their future.

Columbia Heights High School is also known for its welcoming school climate. Students from a wide variety of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds learn together in an environment where they are encouraged to respect one another, celebrate differences and contribute positively to our school community. We take great pride in maintaining a campus where students feel safe, supported and connected.

Hylanders also benefit from outstanding extracurricular opportunities, athletics, clubs, leadership programs and college and career readiness initiatives that help students build confidence, discover new interests and make lasting memories.

At Columbia Heights High School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, every voice deserves to be heard and every graduate should leave prepared for whatever path they choose next.

We invite you to become part of our Hylander family and experience firsthand what makes Columbia Heights High School such a special place to learn, grow and achieve.

Get Involved

We invite you to come and visit Columbia Heights High School to find out more about being a Hylander! 

To schedule a tour, contact CHHS Registrar, Jennifer Quinteros, at 763-528-4638.

What We Offer

AVID | Life and career skills through college preparation for all grades.

Pre and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses | FREE college credits earned in high school.

Engineering | Classes that immerse students in design and construction.

Ramp Up to Readiness | School-wide college and career preparation

GenesysWorks | Technology internships in corporate settings.

Power of You | Up to two FREE years of college credit earned at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) or St. Paul College.

College Possible | ACT and college application preparation, scholarship and financial aid support for juniors and seniors.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) | FREE junior and senior on-campus college courses.

STRIVE | Rotary Club sponsored leadership development and scholarship program.  

Academic Performance

Leadership Opportunities

CHHS offers diverse student leadership opportunities including...

National Honor Society and Student Council which showcase Hylanders who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic excellence.

Link Crew made up of juniors and seniors who mentor freshmen throughout the year.

Our state-award-winning Heights Herald newspaper provides journalism students career-oriented experiences.

Key Club students participate in service-learning opportunities side-by-side with our local Kiwanis Club.

Our Accomplishments

100 percent of AVID and College-Possible students accepted to college

More than $290,000 in local scholarships awarded

98 percent of GenesysWorks students graduate from college

TIES Exceptional Teacher of the Year recipient Dan Ronchak

Former MN Governor Dayton proclaimed Sept. 18, 2015 as Hylander Day for the State of Minnesota