For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,000 students in Columbus, MS.
The top ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS are New Hope Elementary School, West Lowndes Elementary School and Cook Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, MS public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Mississippi public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 43% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Columbus, MS (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New Hope Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
199 Enlow Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4760
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4760
Gr: PK-5 | 1,199 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
West Lowndes Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Gilmer Wilburn Road
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5050
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5050
Gr: PK-6 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Cook Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2217 N Seventh Street
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7180
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7180
Gr: PK-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Franklin Academy
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 N Third Avenue
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7150
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7150
Gr: PK-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Sale Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
520 Warpath Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7260
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7260
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #66.
Stokes Beard Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
311 Martin Luther King Dr.
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7270
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7270
Gr: PK-5 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
225 Airline Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7140
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7140
Gr: PK-5 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Columbus, Mississippi Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
429 S 11th Street
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7358
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7358
Gr: K-4 | 98 students Minority enrollment: 59%
924 North 20th St
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7160
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7160
Gr: 6 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
1815 Military Rd
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7300
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7300
Gr: 7-8 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Lowndes County Alternative School (Closed 2025)
Alternative School
3419 New Hope Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5060
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5060
Gr: PK-12
1315 S 15th Street
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7320
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7320
Gr: K-4 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
1425 N Tenth Avenue
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7280
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7280
Gr: K-4 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS?
The top ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS include New Hope Elementary School, West Lowndes Elementary School and Cook Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
7 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbus include: Cook Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School vs. Cook Elementary School
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