For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 6,491 students in Columbia, TN (there are 7 private schools, serving 2,124 private students). 76% of all K-12 students in Columbia, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia, TN are J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and Spring Hill High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia, TN (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.
Spring Hill High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
One Raider Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-2207
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-2207
Gr: 9-12 | 907 students Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
Virtual Academy Of Maury County
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1101 Bridge St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1468
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1468
Gr: 7-12 | 57 students Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1010.
Columbia Central High School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
921 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-2222
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-2222
Gr: 9-12 | 1,401 student Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #1111.
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%
Rank: n/an/a
1101 Bridge St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-1134
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-1134
Gr: 9-12 | 74 students Minority enrollment: 43%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbia, TN?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia, TN include J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and Spring Hill High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia?
12 public schools are located in Columbia.
What percentage of students in Columbia go to public school?
76% of all K-12 students in Columbia are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia include: Columbia Central High School vs. Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill High School vs. Columbia Central High School, Riverside Elementary School vs. R Howell Elementary School
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