As of 1 October 2006, 1317 students attend Columbia River High School. Of all students enrolled, 1183, or 85 percent identify themselves as White; 80, or 6 percent identify themselves as Asian; 56, or 4 percent identify themselves as Hispanic; 31, or 2 percent identify themselves as Black; and 15, or 1 percent identify themselves as American Indian. Among all grade levels, 16 percent of students are eligible for federally subsidized lunch. One student is enrolled in the English Language Learning program and 132, or 9 percent of all students receive Special Education. English is the primary language spoken at home for 95 percent of students. It is followed by Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian, which are each spoken by 1 percent of the student body. Of all students, 35 percent are enrolled on boundary exceptions. Compared to the Vancouver School District high school populace as a whole, Columbia River students are more white, more likely to speak English at home and less likely to be eligible for subsidized lunches.
Sports
Cross country
The boys' 1965 and 1971 cross country teams won the State Cross Country Championships.
Track and field
The Columbia River Girls track team won the 3A state championship in 2010.
Baseball
Columbia River won the 1984 and 1989 Washington State 3A championship.
Fastpitch Softball
Columbia River won the 1992 and went back-to-back in the 1996 and 1997 Washington State 4A championships.
Wrestling
Columbia River won the 1969 and 1986 Washington State 3A championship.
Volleyball
Columbia River won the 1991 4A and 2000 3A Washington State championship.
Gymnastics
Columbia River won the 2009 3A Washington State championships.
Soccer
In the 2009-2010 school year, the Chieftains won the girls 3A soccer state championship. In the 2012 season, the Chieftain's girls soccer team went undefeated and won the 3A soccer state championship with a record of 18-0-2. In the 2016 season, the Chieftains girls soccer team won the 2A State title with a record of 19-3-1.
Bowling
Columbia River won 4th place in the girl's 2A 2016-2017 state competition. In 2017-2018, the girls won the 2A district tournament and the title of 2A league champions, placing 2nd that year in state.
Capturing Solar Energy
Solar panels were installed at Columbia River High School on May 26, 2010. The panels were purchased by a grant through the Clark Public UtilitiesGreen Lights Program. Under peak sun conditions, the panels will produce 2,160 watts of power. Under typical Vancouver conditions, this relates to 2,400 kilowatt hours per year.
