For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,334 students in Columbia, MS (there are 2 private schools, serving 546 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Columbia, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS are Columbia Elementary School, Columbia High School and Columbia Primary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Mississippi public school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia, MS (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Mary Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Grades: 3-5
| 369 students
Rank: #22.
Columbia High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1009 Broad Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Grades: 9-12
| 471 students
Rank: #33.
Columbia Primary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
913 West Avenue
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Grades: PK-2
| 433 students
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
611 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Grades: 6-8
| 357 students
Rank: #55.
East Marion High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Grades: 7-12
| 345 students
Rank: #66.
East Marion Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Grades: PK-6
| 359 students
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Alt School
Alternative School
2 W Marion St., Building T
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Voc Complex
Vocational School
1140 Highway 13 South
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Columbia, Mississippi Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1730 Hwy 44
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Grades: 2-12
| 10 students
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Grades: 7-8
| 194 students
527 East Marion School Rd
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Grades: 4-8
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia, MS include Columbia Elementary School, Columbia High School and Columbia Primary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia?
8 public schools are located in Columbia.
What percentage of students in Columbia go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Columbia are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Mississippi public schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia include: Columbia High School vs. East Marion High School, East Marion Elementary School vs. Columbia Primary School, Columbia Primary School vs. East Marion Elementary School
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