Best 38401 Tennessee Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 2,511 students in 38401, TN.
The top-ranked public preschools 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 preschools in zipcode 38401 have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in 38401, TN have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Tennessee public preschool average of 42% (majority Black).

Best 38401, TN Public Preschools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
J E Woodard Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
207 Rutherford Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Gr: PK-4 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
J. R. Baker Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1301 Hamphire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3319
Gr: PK-4 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
J. Brown Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
301 Cord Dr
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Gr: PK-4 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #44.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
203 Carter St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4422
Gr: PK-4 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
Highland Park Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1606 Highland Ave
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Gr: PK-4 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
R Howell Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
653 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Gr: PK-4 | 594 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 38401 Tennessee

38401, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
714 West 7th St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Gr: PK-4 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in 38401, TN?
The top-ranked public preschools in 38401, TN include J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 38401?
6 public preschools are located in 38401.
What is the racial composition of students in 38401?
38401 public preschools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Tennessee public preschools average of 42% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.

Quick Links