Richland Northeast High School (often abbreviated as RNE, RNH, or RNHS) is a four-year public secondary school located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is one of five high schools in Richland School District Two. Established in 1978, the school is known for its specialized programs in the arts, media, and global academics.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) fosters a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms. AVIDâÂÂs mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.
CavPlex Convergence Media is an academic elective magnet with focuses on multimedia journalism. CavPlex students participate in the award-winning student media at Richland Northeast: The Archive (yearbook); Tapestry (literary magazine); RNE-TV Live (broadcast); and The Saber (online news and social media). Convergence Media in CavPlex offers a way to learn about communication and technology together, while producing real-world products for a genuine audience.
The Horizon magnet program is a rigorous learning community for driven, motivated, and academically talented students.ÃÂ Horizon promotes collaborative learning and leadership building for intellectually motivated students who strive for academic success with a global perspective within a broad and balancedÃÂ curriculum. Driven by our commitment toÃÂ Global AwarenessÃÂ and the necessity to make a differenceÃÂ both locally and globally through voice and action, Horizon magnet scholars embrace opportunities (both in and out of the classroom) to broaden their perspective about our world and to showcaseÃÂ skills and talents that are aligned with their interests and values, with the goal of making a difference for the greater good.
The Palmetto Center for the Arts (PCA) is the visual and performing arts ,agnet at Richland Northeast. PCA offers students an innovative, challenging and comprehensive curriculum in both the arts and academics, along with the competitive edge to enter top-level colleges, universities or conservatories. The program, which includes dance, music, theatre and visual arts, is nationally recognized as a National School of Distinction in Arts Education by the John F. Kennedy Center and is the recipient of the John F. Kennedy Center Creative Ticket Award for outstanding achievement in arts education.
Richalnd Northeast's award-winning Fine Arts program goes beyond traditional learning. Students delve into visual and performing arts through hands-on projects and exciting connections across disciplines. Performing arts students shine on stage in concerts and school productions, while visual artists showcase their talents in competitions and exhibitions. Our classes foster not only artistic skills but also critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural awareness. Through our rigorous curriculum, informed by state and national standards, we prepare students for success in professional arts programs or simply for lifelong love of the arts.
The Palmetto Center for the Arts (PCA) is the school's award-winning visual and performing arts magnet. Arts disciplines include dance, vocal music, orchestra, band, theatre,, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and more.
The school maintains a diverse array of extracurricular organizations focusing on leadership, career preparation, and civic advocacy. The Student Government Association (SGA), often referred to as the Student Senate, is a prominent organization that has received consistent national and regional acclaim. In 2026, the council was named a Gold Honor Council by the South Carolina Association of Student Councils (SCASC) and earned several top honors at the Southern Association of Student Councils (SASC) conference, including 1st Place in Community Service & Outreach (4A) and School Spirit and Pride (4A), as well as 2nd Place in School Recreational Activities (4A). These accolades follow a history of excellence, including being named a National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils for four consecutive years (2021âÂÂ2024) and achieving Diamond Member School status with the SASC in 2024.
The schoolâÂÂs Mock Trial program is also highly competitive; in 2026, the team ranked 4th in the state at the South Carolina Bar competition. The program is specifically recognized for its ethical conduct, having received the Professionalism and Civility Award from the South Carolina Bar in both 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, the HOSA â Future Health Professionals (formerly Health Occupations Students of America) chapter has seen significant individual success at the SC HOSA State Leadership Conference. In 2026, students secured 3rd Place in Health Informatics and 5th Place in Medical Spelling, qualifying them for advanced competition.
Richland Northeast High School competes in the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and is currently classified as a Class 4A institution, placed in Region 4 for the 2026âÂÂ2028 realignment cycle. The schoolâÂÂs athletic program, known as the Cavaliers, offers a comprehensive range of junior varsity and varsity sports across three seasons.