For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 6,313 students in Columbus, MS (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,115 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Columbus, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, MS are New Hope High School, New Hope Elementary School and New Hope Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbus, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New Hope High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2920 New Hope Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4701
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4701
Gr: 9-12 | 787 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
New Hope Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
199 Enlow Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4760
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4760
Gr: PK-5 | 1,191 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
New Hope Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3419 New Hope Rd
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4740
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4740
Gr: 6-8 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
West Lowndes Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Gilmer Wilburn Road
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5050
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5050
Gr: PK-6 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Cook Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2217 7th Street N
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7180
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7180
Gr: PK-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Franklin Academy
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 3rd Avenue N
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7150
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7150
Gr: PK-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Sale Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
520 Warpath Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7260
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7260
Gr: PK-5 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
West Lowndes High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
644 South Frontage Road
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5070
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 244-5070
Gr: 7-12 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #99.
Columbus High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
215 Hemlock St
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7200
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7200
Gr: 9-13 | 863 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Stokes Beard Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
311 Martin Luther King Dr
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7270
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7270
Gr: PK-5 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1111.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
225 Airline Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7140
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7140
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1212.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
175 Hwy 373
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7300
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7300
Gr: 6-8 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Cmsd Alternative School
Alternative School
1425 10th Ave North
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7250
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7250
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Lowndes Co Voc Complex
Vocational School
1085 Lehmberg Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5038
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5038
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Mckellar Vocational Center
Vocational School
810 N Browder Street
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7290
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 241-7290
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Middle School For Math And Science
Magnet School
5th Ave South And Mscw Dr
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7672
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7672
Gr: 11-12 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Columbus, Mississippi Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
429 S 11th Street
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7358
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7358
Gr: K-4 | 98 students Minority enrollment: 59%
924 North 20th St
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7160
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7160
Gr: 6 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
1815 Military Rd
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7300
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7300
Gr: 7-8 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Lowndes County Alternative School (Closed 2025)
Alternative School
3419 New Hope Road
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5060
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-5060
Gr: PK-12
1315 S 15th Street
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7320
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7320
Gr: K-4 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
1425 N Tenth Avenue
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7280
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7280
Gr: K-4 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbus, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, MS include New Hope High School, New Hope Elementary School and New Hope Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
16 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbus include: Middle School For Math And Science vs. West Lowndes High School, Cook Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Columbus High School vs. New Hope High School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
