[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_id=”principal” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#93a6c2 0%|#f4f4f4 65%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#93a6c2″ background_color_gradient_end=”#f4f4f4″ background_color_gradient_end_position=”65%” background_image=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus-dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/01\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-7.43.53-PM.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_blend=”screen” custom_padding=”0|0px|20px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” background_color_phone=”#efefef” background_last_edited=”off|desktop” background_enable_color_phone=”on” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/06\/Xochitl-Selfie400x420.jpg” alt=”Principal Xochitl” title_text=”Xochitl-Selfie400x420″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ transform_rotate=”0deg|0deg|-1deg” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”6px” border_color_all=”#f4f4f4″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”0px” box_shadow_vertical=”3px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Welcome to our pride! I am the proud principal of Columbus High School and Woodruff Academy School, alternative education programs, for the Downey Unified School District. Our teachers and staff are committed, dedicated, and invaluable to the success of our students, and this commitment is what drives the heart of our school. We are honored and excited to continue serving our students, families, and community. Whether you\u2019re new to CHS or returning for another year, I want to take this opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce!) myself to you.<\/p>\n
About Me:<\/strong> Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, yoga, dancing, swimming, reading, and walking my Aussie Oso. I am first-gen and USC alum, fight on! You\u2019ll often find me connecting with students on campus or collaborating with teachers and staff to ensure that our programs reflect the strength and resilience of our CHS community.<\/p>\n At Columbus High School, we wholeheartedly believe in second chances\u2014not just to \u201ccatch up\u201d on credits, but to grow and thrive. CHS is more than a school; it\u2019s a place of belonging where students are seen, supported, and deeply cared for. Through our Steps to Success program, your child will set meaningful monthly goals and proudly track their progress along a personalized path.<\/p>\n We\u2019re honored to walk alongside your family in this next chapter, grounded in the belief that we can do hard things together\u2014and at CHS, we Rebuild, Renew, Rise.<\/p>\n With pride and purpose, [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#450a62″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”10px||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Domine||||||||” header_font_size=”57px” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_id=”mission” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”20px||34px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our focus is clear: building strong connections, fostering academic growth, and celebrating student success.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_all=”#f4f4f4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The MISSION of Columbus High School is to provide a safe and non-threatening environment that emphasizes a multiethnic and multicultural educational program directed toward the diverse and changing needs of its students.<\/p>\n Columbus High School offers quality comprehensive and flexible programs that are designed to develop personal, academic and job-related skills. Columbus students will learn to communicate clearly, think critically, and acquire the knowledge and skills required to enhance the quality of their lives.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus-dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/02\/DSC_6502_web1.jpg” alt=”columbus graduates” title_text=”DSC_6502_web1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ transform_rotate=”0deg|0deg|1deg” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”6px” border_color_all=”#f4f4f4″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”0px” box_shadow_vertical=”3px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”model” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#8f8f8f 0%|rgba(131,117,84,0.43) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#8f8f8f” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(131,117,84,0.43)” background_image=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus-dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/01\/digital-map-bkg.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_blend=”color-dodge” custom_padding=”0|0px|13px|0px|false|false” background_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In 2019, Columbus High School was designated a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE), Educational Options Division, in cooperation with the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). The Model Schools High School Recognition Program recognizes schools that work with at-risk youth through innovative methods to overcome academic challenges. Challenges range from truancies to behavioral problems.<\/p>\n Schools are accepted into the program through an application process that judges the school’s effectiveness based on assessments, data, a peer review panel, and an on-site visit. We are proud to be part of the program and thank our staff members whose hard work led to our selection.<\/p>\n Columbus High School is a trusted, caring community where students feel at home. Built on strong relationships, CHS fosters a safe, positive culture with high engagement and rigorous and relevant instruction. Though all students are referred at risk of dropping out \u2014 often with 0% on track to graduate \u2014 CHS supports them in reaching a 90% graduation rate and has boosted attendance from 75% to about 90%. While many qualify to return to their home schools, most choose to stay for access to scholarships, career pathways, and leadership opportunities.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/03\/model-continuation-school.jpg” alt=”Model COntinuation School Seal” title_text=”model continuation school” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”wasc” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#450a62″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”off|5px|5px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why is WASC Accreditation Important?<\/strong>\u00a0The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation confirms that this school is\u00a0trustworthy institution for student learning. With this seal, you can be assured that the school’s purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable educational program. <\/span>It also validates the integrity of the school’s program and transcripts.<\/p>\n Columbus High School was awarded two consecutive, full six-year accreditations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2019 and 2025.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/columbus-dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2021\/01\/WASC-Logo-Color2-300×300.jpg” alt=”Western Association of Schools and Colleges” title_text=”WASC-Logo-Color2-300×300″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”off|||5px|5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2025 6-Year CHS Clearance WASC Letter<\/a><\/p>\n CHS WASC Accreditation Letter<\/a><\/p>\n CHS Visiting Committee Report<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve proudly served in education for over 26 years, and each year deepens my passion for supporting students in alternative education. My journey has included roles as an elementary teacher, school psychologist, college professor, and school leader\u2014all rooted in a belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.<\/p>\n
Dr. Xochitl Ortiz
Principal<\/p>\nHelping Students Navigate a New Course to Success<\/h2>\n
Our Vision<\/h2>\n
\n
Our Mission<\/h2>\n
A Model Continuation High School<\/h2>\n
WASC Accredited Since 2010<\/h3>\n