For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,215 students in Columbia County, AR.
The top ranked public high schools in Columbia County, AR are Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Magnolia High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Arkansas public high school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public high schools.
Columbia County, AR public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Arkansas average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Magnolia High School, with 94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arkansas or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public high school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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%
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 high schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top ranked public high schools in Columbia County, AR include Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Magnolia High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia County?
3 public high schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public high schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public high schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia County include: Taylor High School vs. Emerson High School, Emerson High School vs. Taylor High School, Magnolia High School vs. Emerson High School
Recent Articles
If Your Child Misses First-Choice Public School
Help your child thrive—learn next steps when first-choice public school enrollment fails, including waitlists, appeals, and smart backup plans.
A Parent’s Guide to Public School Enrollment: Deadlines, Paperwork, and Common Pitfalls
Everything parents need: enrollment deadlines, paperwork essentials, common pitfalls, and up-to-date school stats for smooth public school admission.
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.