The story of a school district often mirrors the story of the community it serves. In Columbus, Nebraska, that connection is especially clear. A growing city of more than 25,000 residents, Columbus has long placed education at the heart of its progress. Families who settled here generations ago built schools that were not only places of learning but also gathering spaces where the community came together. That tradition has continued to shape Columbus Public Schools, known locally as CPS, and it has become one of the district’s defining strengths.
Although CPS received its official charter in 1926, its roots run even deeper. Graduates of the high school trace back to the late 1800s, a reminder that public education has always been part of the city’s identity. Over time, the district has expanded to meet the needs of a changing population while keeping neighborhood schools at its core. Today, the district reflects both the history of Columbus and the energy of a community looking forward.
The mission of CPS is not only to educate but also to prepare students for a world that is rapidly evolving. Partnerships with the local community college and industry leaders have helped the district design one of the most advanced career pathway centers in Nebraska. Rather than traveling elsewhere for specialized programs, Columbus High School students learn in a dedicated career pathway wing filled with industry-grade equipment. This investment has created a setting where academic instruction and real-world training meet.
CPS has also extended its career pathways into health sciences through a collaboration with the local hospital. Students now leave high school with CNA certification and access to scholarships and job placements. Additionally, the district is committed to providing opportunities for families by offering parent learning programs and transportation for special education students, ensuring that everyone has access to a complete educational experience.
From its early graduates in the 1800s to the launch of Compass Academy and pre-advanced placement courses for middle schoolers, CPS has built on its past to create opportunities for the future. Its vision remains rooted in the community while steadily opening new doors for every student.
Academic Programs Across Every Stage
Education in Columbus Public Schools is designed to grow with the student. From the earliest years through high school graduation, the district offers a continuum of programs that support both academic learning and personal growth. Each level is built with intention, reflecting the belief that a strong foundation prepares students not only for the next grade but for the future they will step into after school.
Learning begins at the district’s dedicated preschool, where three- and four-year-olds are introduced to early intervention services and kindergarten readiness. These programs ensure that the youngest learners have the tools and support they need before they ever enter a traditional classroom.
The journey continues in CPS elementary schools, which serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Here, children experience a well-rounded education that balances core subjects with physical education and the arts. Support is available for non-English-speaking students, and specialized programs in special education and Title I create an inclusive environment where every child can find success.
At the middle school level, grades five through eight are organized into academic teams that encourage collaboration and a sense of belonging. Alongside a strong core curriculum, students explore electives ranging from band and vocal music to STEM, family and consumer science, computer science, and visual arts. The middle school has become especially recognized for its annual musical, an award-winning production performed by seventh- and eighth-graders that brings the community together in celebration of student talent.
High school at CPS builds on this foundation with an array of advanced placement and dual-credit opportunities, allowing students to earn college credit before graduation. Career pathways in STEM and health sciences give students hands-on training and industry exposure, while programs in performing arts, visual arts, SkillsUSA, and athletics provide outlets for creativity, leadership, and competition. Columbus High School’s commitment to excellence ensures that graduates leave with both academic achievement and the confidence to pursue their goals.
Leadership with Vision
Strong leadership has always been central to the success of Columbus Public Schools. This trajectory of success was significantly accelerated by the hard work of prior Superintendent Dr. Troy Loeffelholz, who “created opportunities and vision that our community didn’t know existed.” His transformative approach helped redefine Columbus Public Schools, laying the groundwork for the innovative district seen today.
Today, that vision is carried forward by Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay. Known as a transformational educational leader, Dr. Kay places students at the center of every decision. His approach is rooted in the belief that schools must not only teach but also create spaces where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported. However, the district acknowledges that nothing is sustainable without quality leadership at the building level. It is the principals and administrative teams across each campus who operationalize these goals, ensuring that the district’s vision is executed effectively day in and day out.
Under Dr. Kay’s leadership, CPS has emphasized a culture of belonging. This commitment is especially meaningful in a district that continues to grow more diverse each year. By fostering inclusive environments, Dr. Kay ensures that every student has the chance to thrive academically while also developing the confidence and resilience needed beyond the classroom.
Innovation plays a significant role in his vision as well. From expanding career pathways to investing in advanced technology and data-driven instruction, Dr. Kay has worked to align district priorities with the needs of students and the broader community. His message to families is clear: CPS is a place where opportunity is created for all, where diversity is embraced as a strength, and where education serves as a pathway to both personal growth and future achievement.
Open Access and Inclusive Opportunities
Columbus Public Schools follows a simple principle when it comes to admissions: every child in the community deserves access to quality education. As a public school district in Nebraska, CPS accepts all resident students. Families from outside the district may also apply, and if space allows, their children can enroll through an option process. This open model reflects the district’s mission of serving the entire community without barriers.
Enrollment at CPS has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from 3,680 students to around 4,200 today. This growth is not only a result of Columbus’s expanding population but also a sign of the confidence families place in the district’s programs and support systems.
What makes CPS unique is its commitment to ensuring success for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation. Programs for English language learners, special education services, and opportunities for high-ability learners are part of this framework. College dual-credit courses and a strong focus on the arts and career pathways further extend access to meaningful opportunities. For many families, these initiatives level the playing field and open doors that might otherwise remain closed, reinforcing CPS’s role as both an academic institution and a community partner.
Enrollment Growth and Student Diversity
Columbus Public Schools has seen steady enrollment growth over the last decade, moving from 3,680 students ten years ago to more than 4,200 today. Unlike many Nebraska districts of similar size, CPS continues to trend upward, adding 64 students in the 2024–2025 school year while others experienced declines. This growth highlights both the district’s expanding community and the strong reputation of its programs.
The student body reflects a rich diversity. In 2023–2024, Hispanic students represented just over half of the population at 50.42 percent, while White students accounted for 44.29 percent. Smaller but significant groups include Asian, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and multiracial students. The number of English learners has climbed to 20.17 percent, well above the state average. CPS also serves a large share of students from low-income families, as well as a growing population of students with disabilities, now approaching 20 percent.
Supporting Diverse Learners
Columbus Public Schools prioritizes providing opportunities for all students at the center of its mission. Strategic Plan Priority #4 underscores the district’s commitment to embracing students’ cultural backgrounds while ensuring that each learner has the tools to succeed. This focus begins with a strong K–12 English Learners teaching staff, who provide specialized instruction to students adapting to a new language.
Beyond language support, CPS has expanded curriculum offerings and created extended services for students and families. These programs not only enhance academic achievement but also encourage engagement at home and within the broader community. Families are welcomed into the educational process, with resources designed to make schools more accessible and supportive.
Equally important is the expectation placed on staff. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to model the values of the community, bringing a strong work ethic, inclusive practices, and respect for every background into the classroom each day.
Community Services and Family Support
Columbus Public Schools has long recognized that learning extends beyond the classroom. The district offers a variety of community-focused programs designed to support students and families throughout their educational journey. These include a summer feeding program, after-school activities, and a family literacy initiative that engages both children and parents in learning together. CPS also operates a community daycare and preschool learning center while partnering with local daycare providers to extend quality early childhood education across the city.
In collaboration with local agencies such as United Way, CPS runs the Pacesetter Company program, and on-site support includes attendance monitors, social workers, and Sixpence family mentors. Special education and Title services are available to all non-public schools in the community, ensuring inclusive support. Looking ahead, the opening of the Non-Traditional Learning and Support Center in 2026 will expand these offerings, providing a hub for alternative learning opportunities, community partnerships, and comprehensive family support.
Student Life and Extracurricular Opportunities
Life on the Columbus Public Schools campuses extends far beyond the classroom, offering students a wealth of opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and build community. At Columbus High School, students can join a wide range of clubs, from the Art Club and Foreign Language Club to FBLA, HOSA, FCCLA, SkillsUSA, Robotics, Academic Quizbowl, and the National Honor Society. Athletics are equally diverse, including basketball, soccer, swimming, track, golf, wrestling, volleyball, football, baseball, softball, cheerleading, dance, and unified sports programs. Performing arts thrive through vocal ensembles, marching, concert, and jazz bands, along with fall musicals and spring plays.
Middle and elementary schools also engage students with clubs, music groups, student councils, and Destination Imagination. Athletics for younger students include football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, cross-country, and cheerleading, while performing arts programs offer musicals and plays for every grade. Across all levels, CPS ensures that every student finds opportunities to explore talents, build confidence, and connect with peers.
Embracing Every Student
Columbus Public Schools fosters a culture where every student is welcomed, supported, and included. Students benefit from specialized programs designed to meet diverse learning needs, and opportunities such as dual-language classes help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Unified sports and activities allow students of varying abilities to participate fully, promoting teamwork, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
From classrooms to extracurricular programs, the emphasis remains on creating a supportive environment where differences are respected and valued. Teachers, staff, and administrators work collaboratively to ensure that all students feel connected to their school community. At CPS, inclusion is not just a program; it is a principle embedded in the district’s culture, shaping interactions, learning experiences, and the overall student experience.
Career Guidance and Mentorship
Columbus Public Schools offers a range of support services to help students navigate their academic and career journeys. For more than twenty years, the district has participated in the Teammates Mentoring program, connecting students with adult community mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world perspectives. Career pathways programs give students hands-on experience in multiple fields, including healthcare, banking, auto mechanics, and manufacturing, culminating in capstone internships that prepare them for post-secondary success.
A dedicated career coordinator oversees counseling and outreach for all grade levels, helping students explore opportunities and plan for their futures. At the middle school level, STEM classes are closely linked to real-world career pathways, allowing younger students to see how classroom learning translates to future professions. Through mentorship, career exploration, and personalized support, CPS ensures that students are not only prepared academically but also equipped with the confidence and connections needed to succeed beyond graduation.
Looking Ahead
Columbus Public Schools continues to plan strategically for the future, focusing on expanding learning opportunities and supporting student success in every area. One major initiative is the opening of the Non-Traditional Learning and Support Center, which will provide alternative educational pathways for students in grades five through twelve. The center will connect community services to families, offer a diploma program through the Compass Academy, and emphasize career readiness.
To address a growing student population, CPS is constructing a new intermediate school for grades four and five. This school will combine a specialized curriculum with core academics while emphasizing social and emotional learning. Music, arts, and STEM programs will be integral parts of the experience, allowing students to develop well-rounded skills.
Additionally, the district plans to implement the Franklin Covey “Leader in Me” program, strengthening student goal setting and leadership development. These initiatives reflect CPS’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for success in school and beyond.
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“We create welcoming environments where all learners thrive by fostering belonging, embracing diversity, and developing innovative opportunities.”
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