Columbia High School is located in White Salmon, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge, about an hour drive east of Portland, Oregon. White Salmon is a small town with a population of approximately 2,500 people, though the school district also draws students from the neighboring communities of Bingen, Underwood, Snowden, Husum, and BZ Corners.

Columbia High School has an enrollment of approximately 340 students for the 2010-2011 school year, and is a member of Washington State's 1A sports division, fielding varsity teams in 12 sports each year. The mighty Bruin is our mascot and our school colors are red, white, and black. Columbia High School offers a wide range of classes, including many Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, allowing students to pursue educational paths closely tied to their future career and college directions. Our district is also the host for online high school courses from Giant Campus of Washington , offering students opportunities to extend their learning in a number of ways through online coursework. CHS is fully accredited through ESD112 in Vancouver, Washington.

For students needing a different route through high school, there is the White Salmon Academy that offers an opportunity to obtain a Washington State High School Diploma. In addition, CHS provides assistance for those who are not native English speakers. Special needs assistance is also available for students.

With 38 staff members, students receive qualified instruction and support. There are six National Board Certified teachers and six Christa McAuliffe Award of Excellence recipients. Phi Delta Kappa Washington has recognized Columbia High School as a “School of Distinction” for being one of the 5% highest improving schools in the State of Washington for Reading and Math achievements over the past 5 years. But the awards are secondary to providing motivating and relevant classroom instruction. Students also rely on skilled counselors, aides and other qualified support personnel in navigating successfully in and outside of the classroom.

Students are connected to a staff member through a once-a-week advisory class. Seniors prepare a culminating project that encompasses service, portfolio, research, a product, and a post-secondary plan. Strong career counseling, college prep and guidance ensure students have options after high school.

Sports, in-school and extra-curricular activities round out options for students, keeping them involved and connected. As a member of the Trico League, CHS athletes compete in the following sports: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, track and field, tennis, wrestling, and volleyball.

Students also have the option to take either classes or participate in clubs and organizations catering to a wide variety of interests. All provide learning opportunities that focus on citizenship, leadership and career building skills: Associated Student Body (ASB), concert choir, concert and jazz band, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), FFA, Skills USA, International Club, Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, powerlifting team, yearbook and newspaper. 

Students also extend their reach beyond the walls of the school and beyond school hours in giving to and with their communities. Students organize community benefits and food drives and obtain community service hours by working at more than 30 work stations throughout the Columbia Gorge. High school students also reach down, mentor and act as role models through programs such as reading to students at the preschool, Whitson Elementary and Henkle Middle School while assisting with curriculum nights and the HUGS Fair (Help Us Grow Safely).