For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 2,475 students in Columbia, TN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbia, 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.
Columbia, TN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 36% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public preschool average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Columbia, TN (2026-27)
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%
Columbia, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
714 West 7th St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
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 Columbia, TN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbia, TN include J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbia?
6 public preschools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public preschools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public preschools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbia include: Riverside Elementary School vs. R Howell Elementary School, R Howell Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School, J. Brown Elementary School vs. Highland Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.