For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,016 students in Columbus, MS.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS are New Hope Elementary School, West Lowndes Elementary School and Cook Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, MS public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Mississippi public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 44% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschool average of 57% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Columbus, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #3 - 53. - 5.
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: #3 - 53. - 5.
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: #3 - 53. - 5.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%
Columbus, Mississippi Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, MS include New Hope Elementary School, West Lowndes Elementary School and Cook Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
7 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public preschools average of 57% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbus include: Cook Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School vs. Cook Elementary School
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