For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,226 students in Columbia County, AR.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR are Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and East Side Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 39% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbia County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
508 W Main
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Gr: K-6 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
506 E Pine St
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-5811
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-5811
Gr: K-6 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
East Side Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1310 Hollensworth St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Gr: K-2 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
456 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Gr: 3-5 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
540 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Columbia County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Gr: PK-6 | 129 students Minority enrollment: 82%
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Minority enrollment: 85%
Po Box 367
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Gr: PK-6 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Po Box 367
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5825
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5825
Gr: 7-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
655 Highway 79 South
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Gr: 7-12 | 97 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR include Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and East Side Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbia County include: Taylor Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School, East Side Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School vs. Taylor Elementary School
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