Top 10 Best Columbia Public Schools (2023)

For the 2023 school year, there are 23 public schools serving 15,820 students in Columbia, MD (there are 23 private schools, serving 2,837 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Columbia, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MD are Atholton High School, Long Reach High School and Hammond High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Maryland public school average of 19%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 36% statewide average). Schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 66% (majority Black).

Best Columbia, MD Public Schools (2023)

School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Atholton High School
Math: 73% | Reading: 84%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Grades: 9-12
| 1,472 students
Rank: #22.
Long Reach High School
Math: 46% | Reading: 64%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Grades: 9-12
| 1,595 students
Rank: #33.
Hammond High School
Math: 48% | Reading: 59%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
8800 Guilford Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Grades: 9-12
| 1,316 students
Rank: #44.
Oakland Mills High School
Math: 40-44% | Reading: 64%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Grades: 9-12
| 1,269 students
Rank: #55.
Wilde Lake High School
Math: 36% | Reading: 63%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Grades: 9-12
| 1,379 students
Rank: #66.
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Math: 38% | Reading: 45%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10320 Quarterstaff Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6866
Grades: K-5
| 549 students
Rank: #77.
Atholton Elementary School
Math: 33% | Reading: 35%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6700 Seneca Dr
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-6853
Grades: PK-5
| 451 students
Rank: #88.
Waterloo Elementary School
Math: 23% | Reading: 29%
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
5940 Waterloo Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-5014
Grades: PK-5
| 582 students
Rank: #99.
Oakland Mills Middle School
Math: 13% | Reading: 41%
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9540 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Grades: 6-8
| 479 students
Rank: #1010.
Thunder Hill Elementary School
Math: 26% | Reading: 25%
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9357 Mellenbrook Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6922
Grades: K-5
| 481 students
Rank: #1111.
Phelps Luck Elementary School
Math: 23% | Reading: 25%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5370 Oldstone Ct
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6886
Grades: PK-5
| 625 students
Rank: #1212.
Wilde Lake Middle School
Math: 11% | Reading: 43%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
10481 Cross Fox Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Grades: 6-8
| 641 students
Rank: #1313.
Harpers Choice Middle School
Math: 12% | Reading: 37%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5450 Beaverkill Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Grades: 6-8
| 490 students
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Jeffers Hill Elementary School
Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6001 Tamar Dr
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6872
Grades: K-5
| 373 students
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Longfellow Elementary School
Math: 22% | Reading: 22%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5470 Hesperus Dr
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6879
Grades: PK-5
| 485 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Bryant Woods Elementary School
Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5450 Blue Heron Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6859
Grades: PK-5
| 360 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Stevens Forest Elementary School
Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6045 Stevens Forest Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6900
Grades: PK-5
| 347 students
Rank: #1818.
Running Brook Elementary School
Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5215 W Running Brook Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6893
Grades: PK-5
| 402 students
Rank: #1919.
Swansfield Elementary School
Math: 20% | Reading: 18%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5610 Cedar Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6907
Grades: PK-5
| 501 students
Rank: #2020.
Talbott Springs Elementary School
Math: 16% | Reading: 22%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
9550 Basket Ring Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6915
Grades: PK-5
| 467 students
Rank: #2121.
Guilford Elementary School
Math: 15% | Reading: 23%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
7335 Oakland Mills Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 880-5930
Grades: PK-5
| 500 students
Rank: #2222.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
Math: 7% | Reading: 35%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
6680 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Grades: 6-8
| 600 students
Rank: #2323.
Cradlerock Elementary School
Math: 12% | Reading: 16%
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 319-7601
Grades: PK-5
| 456 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Columbia, Maryland

Columbia, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
10960 Grantchester Way
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Grades: PK-8
| 932 students
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia, MD?

The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MD are Atholton High School, Long Reach High School and Hammond High School.

How many public schools are located in Columbia, MD?

23 public schools are located in Columbia, MD.

What percentage of students in Columbia, MD go to public school?

85% of all K-12 students in Columbia, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).

What is the racial composition of students in Columbia, MD?

Columbia, MD minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 66% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Why Every High School Student Should Apply for Financial Aid
Why Every High School Student Should Apply for Financial Aid
Each year, millions of students neglect to fill out the FAFSA and, in doing so, miss out on the chance to receive federal student aid. Keep reading to learn why every high school student should apply for financial aid, whether or not they qualify and regardless of their intention to use it.
New York Schools: More Financial Aid For Undocumented Students?
New York Schools: More Financial Aid For Undocumented Students?
A new bill has been placed before New York state lawmakers by the Board of Regents, allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid for postsecondary education.
Going Through a Divorce? How to Ensure Your Child's Continued Success in Public Schools
Going Through a Divorce? How to Ensure Your Child's Continued Success in Public Schools
Divorce can be a traumatic experience for children, but by working closely with your children's teachers, you can help maintain their grades and positive behavior at school.