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.
Columbus Alternative High School
Public High School
|
Grade 9-12
2632 McGuffey Rd,
Columbus, OH
Columbus City School District
School Details
Head of School
Darryl Sanders
Student Teacher Ratio
20:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
26
Math Proficiency
37%
Reading Proficiency
67%
Average GPA
3.4
Graduation Rate
95%
Niche Grade
B+
A-
A-
B+
D+
C-
C-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.4
Reading Proficiency
67%
Math Proficiency
37%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
20:1
Teachers
39
Full Time Teachers
39
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
Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
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%
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
384 Students
University of Cincinnati
168 Students
Ohio University
167 Students
Otterbein University
102 Students
Columbus State Community College
101 Students
Miami University
98 Students
The University of Akron
73 Students
Bowling Green State University
64 Students
Howard University
64 Students
Cleveland State University
54 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing
76 Students
Psychology
72 Students
Business
61 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies
61 Students
Biology
56 Students
Computer Science
32 Students
Political Science and Government
27 Students
Marketing
23 Students
Architecture
22 Students
Anthropology
20 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
3/22/2025
I was a student here from 2020-2024. I really enjoyed the focus on the arts and college prep. The instructors really have a passion for teaching and helping out individual students. The main issues were administration and faculties, as the school runs out of a decades-old building with lots of decay.
11/4/2024
Great school, not great building. Teachers are wonderful. IB program School in CCS, CCP program is awesome
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.
GreatSchools Reviews
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...
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...
1/25/2015
I go to this school and its the best they encourage you to do better and not give up
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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Map
List Price Range
$107K - $377K
Homes For Sale
82
Average Home Value
$195,595
Median Lot Size
6,098 Sq Ft
% Renters
56%
Average Household Income
$62,166
% of College Grads
16.3%
Median Age
36
Average House Size
1,108 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
53.0%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 7th to 12th
- Public
- 7th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Cremeans Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Linden Park and Community Center
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Tennis
Audobon Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Soccer
Kenlawn Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
Cooke Park
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Trails
Windsor Park
- Basketball
- Pool
- Playground
Clinton Township Sale Road Playground
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Clinton Township Veterans Park
Dresden Park
- Picnic Area
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Arlington Park
There are well-established homes convenient to downtown and the airport
East Linden
Area seeing major revitalization through new community center, refurbished homes
Framingham
City living with a more rural and private feel
Hyde Park
Value-priced midcentury homes with convenient access to the city and shopping
Maize-Morse
Northern suburb convenient to shopping and downtown
Walnut Creek
Residential subdivisions burrowed beside the 99-acre Innis Park along Alum Creek
Columbus Alternative High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Columbus, OH and is served by the Columbus City School District in Ohio. The school has a total enrollment of 785 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. Academic records show that 37% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 67% are proficient in reading. Columbus Alternative High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.4, the graduation rate is 95%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1210 and an ACT score of 26. The average home value in this area is $195,595. Discover additional schools in the area, like Linden-Mckinley Stem School On Arcadia, Columbus North International School, Metro Early College High School, and more. Learn more about what Columbus has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Columbus Alternative High School.