High School Options
The Columbia Board of Education has developed a Designated High School Policy (5117) to provide an equitable and deliberate process for Columbia-resident, high school age students to select and attend a designated high school. The Columbia School System offers three designated high schools for matriculation: Bolton High School, E.O. Smith High School and Windham Technical High School.
Designated High Schools Contact Information and Videos
73 Brandy Street
Bolton, Connecticut
(860) 643-2768
1235 Storrs Rd
Storrs, CT 06268
(860) 487-0877
Video: E.O. Smith Regional Agriscience and Technology Program
210 Birch Street
Willimantic, Connecticut 06226
(860) 456-387
Videos:
Admission Information
Columbia residents enrolled in grade eight at Horace W. Porter School receive high school admission information through presentations and correspondence managed by the school counselor.
Columbia residents who are enrolled in grade eight in a private elementary school or who are home schooled and approaching high school-age are asked to contact the school counselor, Mrs. Corey Polakowski (cpolakowski@hwporter.org), to receive high school admission information.
High School Visits
During the coronavirus pandemic, in lieu of visiting each high school, students and families will be invited to separate question and answer sessions hosted by each high school. Student will also explore the high school options with Mrs. Polkowski during their 3rd quarter. Discussions will include graduation requirements, class leveling, possible 9th grade electives, and what a transcript and GPA mean.
Occasionally a student or a parent/guardian is uncertain as to which high school best meets their child's needs. Please discuss your concerns with the eighth grade team, school counselor or anyone at the school that you feel will help you make a decision.
High School Transportation
For High School transportation questions please contact Brenda Morey at 860-228-8590 or bmorey@hwporter.org.
High School Registration
Students registering for high school (grades 9-12) should contact Brenda Morey in the Superintendent’s Office at (860) 228-8590 or bmorey@hwporter.org.
Families are required to provide proof of residency information and complete the High School Registration Form for approval by the Superintendent.
Course Recommendations
During the month of March, the eighth grade teachers will make recommendations of appropriate course levels for each student based on student grades, ability, interests and work ethic.
Transferring High Schools
Columbia-resident, high school age students who are already enrolled in a designated high school, private high school, or magnet/charter high school and wish to transfer to a different designated high school, magnet/charter high school are asked to contact the Interim Superintendent, Barbara Wilson, (bwilson@hwporter.org) to receive high school transfer approval.
columbia HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
High School Essay Contest
Connecticut Bar Foundation 24th Annual Statewide High School Essay Contest
Deadline for submission: February 22, 2024 The contest is open to all Connecticut students under the age of 21 who are enrolled in grades 9-12, or their equivalent, at an accredited high school, vocational-technical school, or adult high school credit diploma program located within the State of Connecticut. The contest is also open to all Connecticut homeschooled students in grades equivalent to 9-12. Grand Prize - $2,000 Two Runner-Up Prizes - $1,000 each Essays will be judged by federal and state court judges, law professors, and attorneys. An awards ceremony will be held at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Spring 2024.
Scholarship Opportunities
For information and to apply for the Fred Gifford Memorial Scholarship select the link HERE.
For information and to apply for the Lions Club Scholarship select the link HERE.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Southern CT College & Career Fair
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 4.30pm - 7.30pm ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! Meet Admissions Counselors & Representatives from over 200 Colleges, Universities, and Businesses from across the country and abroad! FREE ADMISSION