For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 936 students in Columbia County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, AR are Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 43% statewide average). Middle schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Columbia County (2026-27)
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 East Pine
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3303
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3303
Gr: 7-12 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Emerson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
212 Grayson
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3305
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3305
Gr: 7-12 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
456 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Gr: 3-7 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
540 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
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 middle schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, AR include Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Central Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Columbia County?
3 public middle schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public middle schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Columbia County include: Taylor High School vs. Emerson High School, Emerson High School vs. Taylor High School
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