Serving 441 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Columbus Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 62% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 441 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Columbus Elementary serves the northwest part of the Forest Lake, MN school district, covering an area of approximately 40.7 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Columbus Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Columbus Elementary School's student population of 441 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 450% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
441 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1972
School Calendar
School Rankings
Columbus Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbus Elementary School is 0.33, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#253 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
46%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
12%
Showing 2009–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
81%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.7%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbus Elementary School's ranking?
Columbus Elementary School is ranked #253 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Columbus Elementary School often compared to?
Columbus Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Forest View Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Columbus Elementary School?
441 students attend Columbus Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Columbus Elementary School students are White, 12% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbus Elementary School?
Columbus Elementary School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Columbus Elementary School offer ?
Columbus Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Columbus Elementary School part of?
Columbus Elementary School is part of Forest Lake Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Columbus Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
