For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 6,643 students in Columbia, MD.
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD are Atholton High School, Hammond High School and Oakland Mills High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Maryland public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 56% statewide average). High schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public high schools.
Columbia, MD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Maryland average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Atholton High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Maryland or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia, MD (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Atholton High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Hammond High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8800 Guilford Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Gr: 9-12 | 1,159 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Gr: 9-12 | 1,413 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #44.
Wilde Lake High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Gr: 9-12 | 1,197 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #55.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Gr: 9-12 | 1,334 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Columbia, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Gr: PK-8 | 932 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Gr: 6-8 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD?
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD include Atholton High School, Hammond High School and Oakland Mills High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia?
5 public high schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public high schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia include: Oakland Mills High School vs. Hammond High School, Hammond High School vs. Atholton High School, Hammond High School vs. Oakland Mills High School
Recent Articles
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.
