For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,098 students in Columbia, MD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia, MD are Wilde Lake Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School and Harpers Choice Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Maryland public middle school average of 19%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public middle school average of 72% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Columbia, MD (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilde Lake Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
10481 Cross Fox Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Gr: 6-8 | 643 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #22.
Oakland Mills Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9540 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Gr: 6-8 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Harpers Choice Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5450 Beaverkill Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Gr: 6-8 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6680 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Gr: 6-8 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
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 middle schools in Columbia, MD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia, MD include Wilde Lake Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School and Harpers Choice Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Columbia?
4 public middle schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public middle schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public middle schools average of 72% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Columbia include: Lake Elkhorn Middle School vs. Oakland Mills Middle School, Harpers Choice Middle School vs. Wilde Lake Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School vs. Lake Elkhorn Middle School
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.