Serving 571 students in grades 6-8, Columbia Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 571 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in GA
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Columbia Middle School serves the southwest part of Decatur, GA, covering an area of approximately 7.7 square miles. Students typically live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 4 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Columbia Middle School's student population of 571 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
571 students
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Year Founded
2001
Campus Size
20 acres
School Rankings
Columbia Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbia Middle School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1998 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
5%
20%
Black
90%
36%
White
1%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.6%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
63%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia Middle School's ranking?
Columbia Middle School is ranked #1998 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Columbia Middle School often compared to?
Columbia Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Chapel Hill Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
How many students attend Columbia Middle School?
571 students attend Columbia Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Columbia Middle School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbia Middle School?
Columbia Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Columbia Middle School offer ?
Columbia Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Columbia Middle School part of?
Columbia Middle School is part of Dekalb County School District.
School Calendar
View the Columbia Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break - 10/5 - 10/9 (No School)
October 05, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break - 11/23 - 11/27 (No School)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Last Day 1st Semester
December 18, 2026 (Friday)
First Day 2nd Semester
January 05, 2027 (Tuesday)
Spring Break - 4/5 - 4/9 (No School)
April 05, 2027 (Monday)
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I have two kids that has successfully completed the Magnet programs in the DeKalb County School District. Soon my grandson will follow in their footsteps.
My daughter was in the magnet program from elementary thru High School. 10 Years apart my son followed. I am proud of the program, it really works. Both graduated from Columbia High School.
Review Columbia Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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