For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,226 students in Columbia County, AR.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR are Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and East Side Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 39% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbia County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
508 W Main
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Grades: K-6
| 190 students
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | 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
Grades: K-6
| 331 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: K-2
| 632 students
Rank: #44.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
456 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Grades: 3-5
| 545 students
Rank: #55.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
540 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Grades: 6-8
| 528 students
Columbia County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Grades: PK-6
| 129 students
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Grades: 7-12
| 108 students
Po Box 367
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Grades: PK-6
| 194 students
655 Highway 79 South
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Grades: 7-12
| 97 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, AR include Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and East Side Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbia County include: Taylor Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School, East Side Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School vs. Taylor Elementary School
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.