Columbus East High School (CEHS) is one of two high schools in Columbus, Indiana. It was founded in 1972 due to the growing educational demands of the community. As the population of the community rose, Columbus High School could not support all school age students. Columbus East was constructed and Columbus High School became Columbus North High School.
The principal at Columbus East is Mark Newell. He is assisted by Vice Principal Charles Edwards.
Approximately 1600 students attend the high school, which covers three floors over a quarter-mile in length at its longest point. The school's mascot is the Olympians, and the school colors are orange and brown.
Columbus East has very varied academic offerings for its students. A large percentage of the students go on to college in the state and some travel to private and public universities out-of-state, but a large number of students choose to enter the work force immediately after graduating from high school and Columbus East tries to accommodate this wide range of life choices. The C-4 program allows students to specialize in a career area and pursue internships within the community. There is also a business department that allows students to experience financial and managerial aspects of business. Internships are an integral part of the business experience at Columbus East. Perhaps the most distinctive concept in academics at East is the development of the Senior Project. This year-long project serves as a graduation requirement and is a significant portion of each student's English grade.
The science and math programs at the high school excel especially as evidenced by the recent success of the Columbus East academic teams in both of those subjects. The math team has also excelled placing 3rd in 2006, while Champions in 2004. The English team won its first state championship in 2006, as well as the interdisciplinary squad. However those successes are overshadowed by the Fine Arts team. The Fine Arts team has been state champions from 2004–2006 and before that runner up 2003. Physical education courses are offered and on the opposite end of the school is the performing arts department. In the past five years, Columbus East has produced state finalist choruses and a world-traveling thespian society as well as semi-state and state appearances by American football (2004, 2006), women's volleyball and track and field teams. Also for the first Time The Olympian Spirit Marching Band made it to the state marching finals at the RCA Dome in 2005, where they received 10th place. They also competed in the 2008 MidStates Band Association Finals and received 6th place overall. In 2009 and 2010, they participated in the same circuit and received 4th place overall both times.
Columbus East High School, through the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC), has very close ties to the community. Parental involvement is welcomed and is a critical part of the success of the high school.
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