Columbia Education Center (Ilwaco)
Please Note: Columbia Education Center will be closed from December 25-29, 2023
Columbia Education Center - Serving South Pacific County!
Grays Harbor College offers credit, self-support, and senior education courses in South Pacific County. Student support staff are available to provide academic advising, placement testing, and assist with online courses, computer questions and general academic course needs.
Lifelong Learning
Come join us as we explore the arts, history, languages, dance and many other topics! It’s a great way to meet new people and energize your mind. Best of all, there are no tests – only the pleasure of learning and exploring!
Pacific Transit Route 20 arrives 100 yards from GHC's Columbia Center 12 times per day.
View Route 50 Schedule (Serving Ilwaco/Astoria to South Bend)
Student Support
Support Staff
Student Support Staff are available to assist with online courses, computer questions and general academic course needs.
Academic Advising
GHC views academic advising as an important component in student success. Advisors assist with academic planning resulting in short and long term plans for degrees and certificates. Please contact the Columbia Education Center to make an appointment.
Online Resources
GHC offers numerous online resources to assist you with your academic success. Visit the John Spellman Library to access their resources and chat live with a librarian if you need assistance. Browse through the Learning Center resources, which include "e-tutoring" and "computer assisted instruction", or ask one of our support staff to assist you in locating the resource that best fits your needs.
Computer Labs
The computer lab is located in room 107. There are 19 computers available for student use during open lab hours. A printer is also available. If room 107 is not available; we have 5 computers in room 108A for student use. A printer is available for student use from room 108A.
College Placement Tests (CPT)
College Placement Testing is available at the Columbia Education Center. There is a $15 fee to complete the entire test, which includes Math, Reading and English portions. Re-tests are $5 per section with a maximum charge of $15.00. Call the Columbia Education Center to schedule your testing appointment.
Save time and money...review and prepare for the CPT.
The College Placement Test (CPT) in English, Reading and Math determines if you can enroll in college level courses or whether pre-college classes must be taken first. Therefore, you may be able to ultimately save yourself time and money if you review and prepare before you take the test.
To find links to online review websites for English, Math and Reading, visit the Learning Center.
Test Proctoring
The Columbia Education Center offers test proctoring for both GHC and students from other institutions. Test proctoring is by appointment only, so please contact the Education Center early to schedule your appointment.
- For Grays Harbor College students this service is free, for non GHC students the cost is $20.00.
- Please call to make an appointment to test. The earlier you make your appointment the better chance you will get the appointment day and time you want or need. Please remember this center is closed on Fridays.
- It is up to the students to inform your instructor(s) that you will be testing at the Columbia Education Center.
- Please let the staff at the Columbia Education Center know what test you will be taking and who your instructor is. We will be contacting them for instructions about the test you will be taken.
- If you are not a GHC student we will be contacting your instructor for instructions about the test you wish to take.
- Cell phones or any other electronic devices are not allowed during the test. If you bring any of these devices you will be asked to store them in a secure locker.
To begin the process, please contact the Columbia Education Center and complete the Test Proctoring Request Form.
Transition Programs
High School Completion Options
Grays Harbor College offers three options for completing high school. Two of the more popular options include the High School+ (HS+) program and earning a High School Equivalency (GED ®).
- HS+ Program
If you have high school credits, work experience, military experience, or other life experience but no high school diploma, this program is for you. Your prior learning will be evaluated compared to the current WA State High School graduation requirements to determine how many subjects you need to complete to earn the diploma. Classes are offered online. - High School Equivalency - GED®
The GED® is a series of four online tests in Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Math and can be taken in English and Spanish.
Grays Harbor College offers GED® preparation classes online.
Pre-College Courses
Transition Programs offer courses for students not quite ready for college level coursework. Courses are offered online and are designed to develop and improve fundamental skills in reading, writing and math.
Further information can also be found on the Transition Programs website or you can call Transitions at 360-538-4167.
Columbia Education Center
208 Advent Ave. S.E.,
P.O Box 897
Ilwaco WA 98624
Phone: 360-538-2539
Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Friday: Closed
For further assistance, please call 360-538-2539 during these hours.