For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 4,052 students in 38401, TN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 38401, TN are J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 38401 have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 36% statewide average). Elementary schools in 38401, TN have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 44% (majority Black).
Best 38401, TN Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
J E Woodard Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
207 Rutherford Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Gr: PK-4 | 581 students Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
J. R. Baker Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1301 Hamphire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3319
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3319
Gr: PK-4 | 283 students Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
J. Brown Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
301 Cord Dr
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Gr: PK-4 | 336 students Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #44.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
203 Carter St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4422
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4422
Gr: PK-4 | 380 students Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #55.
Highland Park Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1606 Highland Ave
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Gr: PK-4 | 308 students Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
R Howell Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
653 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Gr: PK-4 | 587 students Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #77.
Whitthorne Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
915 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Gr: 5-8 | 951 students Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #88.
E. A. Cox Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
633 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Gr: 5-8 | 626 students Minority enrollment: 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 38401, TN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 38401, TN include J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 38401?
8 public elementary schools are located in 38401.
What is the racial composition of students in 38401?
38401 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 44% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.