For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public high schools serving 3,257 students in Columbia County, WI.
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia County, WI are Pardeeville High School, Portage Academy Of Achievement and Lodi High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, WI public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Wisconsin public high school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). High schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Wisconsin public high schools.
Columbia County, WI public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Wisconsin average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Columbus High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Wisconsin or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public high school average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pardeeville High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
120 Oak St
Pardeeville, WI 53954
(608) 429-2153
Pardeeville, WI 53954
(608) 429-2153
Gr: 9-12 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Portage Academy Of Achievement
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2505 New Pinery Rd
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-2165
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-2165
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Lodi High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1100 Sauk St
Lodi, WI 53555
(608) 592-3853
Lodi, WI 53555
(608) 592-3853
Gr: 9-12 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Poynette High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
108 N Cleveland St
Poynette, WI 53955
(608) 635-4347
Poynette, WI 53955
(608) 635-4347
Gr: 9-12 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Fall River High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
150 Bradley St
Fall River, WI 53932
(920) 484-3333
Fall River, WI 53932
(920) 484-3333
Gr: 6-12 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Portage High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 E Collins St
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-8545
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-8545
Gr: 9-12 | 600 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Columbus High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1164 Farnham St
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-5950
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-5950
Gr: 9-12 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Wisconsin Dells High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Brew Farm Rd
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(608) 253-1461
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(608) 253-1461
Gr: 9-12 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #99.
Rio Middle/high
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
411 Church St
Rio, WI 53960
(920) 992-3141
Rio, WI 53960
(920) 992-3141
Gr: 6-12 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #1010.
Cambria Friesland Middle/high
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
410 E Edgewater St
Cambria, WI 53923
(920) 348-5548
Cambria, WI 53923
(920) 348-5548
Gr: 6-12 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
Doc Columbia Correctional Institution
Alternative School
2925 Columbia Dr
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-9100
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-9100
Gr: 11-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Columbia County, WI?
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia County, WI include Pardeeville High School, Portage Academy Of Achievement and Lodi High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia County?
11 public high schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public high schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public high schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia County include: Columbus High School vs. Fall River High School, Fall River High School vs. Columbus High School, Portage High School vs. Poynette High 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.