For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,334 students in Columbia, MS (there are , serving 546 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Columbia, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS are Columbia Elementary School, Columbia Primary School and Columbia High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Mississippi public school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia, MS (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Mary Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Gr: 3-5 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Columbia Primary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
913 West Avenue
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Gr: PK-2 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #33.
Columbia High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 Broad Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Gr: 9-12 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
611 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Gr: 6-8 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
East Marion High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Gr: 7-12 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #66.
East Marion Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Gr: PK-6 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Alt School
Alternative School
2 W Marion St., Building T
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Voc Complex
Vocational School
1140 Highway 13 South
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Gr: 9-12
Columbia, Mississippi Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1730 Hwy 44
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Gr: 2-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Gr: 7-8 | 194 students Minority enrollment: 64%
527 East Marion School Rd
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Gr: 4-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS include Columbia Elementary School, Columbia Primary School and Columbia High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia?
8 public schools are located in Columbia.
What percentage of students in Columbia go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Columbia are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Mississippi public schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia include: Columbia High School vs. East Marion High School, East Marion Elementary School vs. Columbia Primary School, Columbia Primary School vs. East Marion Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.