For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,291 students in 39701, MS.
The top-ranked public preschools in 39701, MS are West Lowndes Elementary School, Cook Elementary School and Franklin Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 39701 have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Mississippi public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 44% statewide average). Pre schools in 39701, MS have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschool average of 57% (majority Black).
Best 39701, MS Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #2 - 32. - 3.
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: #2 - 32. - 3.
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: #44.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 39701, MS?
The top-ranked public preschools in 39701, MS include West Lowndes Elementary School, Cook Elementary School and Franklin Academy.
How many public preschools are located in 39701?
4 public preschools are located in 39701.
What is the racial composition of students in 39701?
39701 public preschools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschools average of 57% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.