For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,560 students in Columbia County, AR (there are 1 private school, serving 202 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Columbia County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, AR are Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and Taylor High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public 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.
Taylor High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
506 E Pine St
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-2251
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-2251
Gr: 7-12 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Emerson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 Church St
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2862
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2862
Gr: 7-12 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%
Rank: #88.
Magnolia High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 High School Dr
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Gr: 9-12 | 807 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
655 Hwy 79 S
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-8827
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-8827
Gr: PK | 119 students Minority enrollment: 86%
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 schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, AR include Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and Taylor High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
9 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What percentage of students in Columbia County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Columbia County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia County include: Taylor High School vs. Emerson High School, Emerson High School vs. Taylor High School, Taylor Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School
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