For the 2025 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 11,067 students in Columbus, IN (there are , serving 1,797 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Columbus, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN are Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Indiana public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbus, IN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Csa Lincoln Campus
(Math: 80% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
750 5th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Gr: K-6 | 366 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1320 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Gr: PK-6 | 893 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Rockcreek Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13000 E 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Gr: PK-6 | 352 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Columbus North High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Gr: 9-12 | 2,267 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #55.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 Parkside Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Gr: PK-6 | 724 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #66.
W D Richards Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3311 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Gr: PK-6 | 608 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Columbus East High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
230 S Marr Rd
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Gr: 9-12 | 1,518 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #88.
Northside Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1400 27th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Gr: 7-8 | 878 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #99.
Central Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
725 7th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Gr: 7-8 | 822 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1010.
L F Smith Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4505 Waycross Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Gr: PK-6 | 431 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1111.
Lillian Schmitt Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2675 California
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Gr: PK-6 | 689 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1212.
Csa Fodrea Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2775 Illinois St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1313.
Clifty Creek Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4625 E 50 N
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Gr: PK-6 | 679 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1414.
Mount Healthy Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
12150 S Sr 58
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Gr: PK-6 | 406 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
Columbus Area Career Connection
Vocational School
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
1209 S Sycamore St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Gr: PK | 83 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Columbus, Indiana Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4355 East 600 North 120
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 372-4849
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 372-4849
Gr: PK-2
3136 N National Rd-suite E
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 314-7078
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 314-7078
Gr: 7-12 | 124 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN?
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN include Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
16 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbus include: Northside Middle School vs. Central Middle School, Central Middle School vs. Northside Middle School, Columbus East High School vs. Columbus North High School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
