For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 4,217 students in Columbus, MS.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, MS are New Hope Elementary School, New Hope Middle School and West Lowndes Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, MS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Mississippi public elementary school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools 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 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
New Hope Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3419 New Hope Rd
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4740
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 244-4740
Gr: 6-8 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
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: #4 - 64. - 6.
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: #4 - 64. - 6.
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: #4 - 64. - 6.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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%
Rank: #99.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
175 Hwy 373
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7300
Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 241-7300
Gr: 6-8 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Cmsd Alternative School
Alternative School
1425 10th Ave North
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7250
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 241-7250
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Lowndes County Alternative School
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 elementary schools in Columbus, MS?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, MS include New Hope Elementary School, New Hope Middle School and West Lowndes Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbus?
11 public elementary schools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public elementary schools minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbus include: Cook Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School vs. Cook Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.