For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,293 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 Primary School and Columbia High 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 47% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), 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 less than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Mary Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Gr: 3-5 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #22.
Columbia Primary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
913 West Avenue
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2216
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2216
Gr: PK-2 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Columbia High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 Broad Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Gr: 9-12 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
611 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Gr: 6-8 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #55.
East Marion High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Gr: 9-13 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
East Marion Elementary School
(Math: 25% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Gr: 6-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
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
Gr: Inquire with school
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
Gr: 9-12
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 Primary School and Columbia High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia?
9 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 less than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (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, Jefferson Middle School vs. Columbia Elementary School, East Marion Elementary School vs. Columbia Primary School
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