For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 6,805 students in Columbia, MD.
The top ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD are Atholton High School, Oakland Mills High School and Hammond High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Maryland public high school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 56% statewide average). High schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public high schools.
Columbia, MD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the Maryland average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Atholton High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Maryland or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Atholton High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Grades: 9-12
| 1,498 students
Rank: #22.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Grades: 9-12
| 1,422 students
Rank: #33.
Hammond High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8800 Guilford Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Grades: 9-12
| 1,167 students
Rank: #44.
Wilde Lake High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Grades: 9-12
| 1,270 students
Rank: #55.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Grades: 9-12
| 1,448 students
Columbia, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
10960 Grantchester Way
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Grades: PK-8
| 932 students
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD?
The top ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD include Atholton High School, Oakland Mills High School and Hammond High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia?
5 public high schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public high schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia include: Hammond High School vs. Atholton High School, Oakland Mills High School vs. Hammond High School, Hammond High School vs. Oakland Mills High School
Recent Articles
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.