Top 10 Best Columbus Public Schools (2024-25)

For the 2024-25 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 11,044 students in Columbus, IN (there are 11 private schools, serving 1,797 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Columbus, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN are Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Columbus North High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Indiana public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 36% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Schools in Columbus, IN (2024-25)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Csa Lincoln Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
750 5th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Grades: K-6
| 357 students
Rank: #22.
Southside Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1320 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Grades: PK-6
| 905 students
Rank: #33.
Columbus North High School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Grades: 9-12
| 2,224 students
Rank: #44.
Parkside Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1400 Parkside Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Grades: PK-6
| 727 students
Rank: #55.
Rockcreek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
13000 E 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Grades: PK-6
| 353 students
Rank: #66.
Northside Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1400 27th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Grades: 7-8
| 904 students
Rank: #77.
W D Richards Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3311 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Grades: PK-6
| 584 students
Rank: #88.
Columbus East High School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
230 S Marr Rd
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Grades: 9-12
| 1,535 students
Rank: #99.
Central Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
725 7th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Grades: 7-8
| 859 students
Rank: #1010.
Csa Fodrea Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2775 Illinois St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Grades: PK-6
| 345 students
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
L F Smith Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4505 Waycross Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Grades: PK-6
| 471 students
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Lillian Schmitt Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2675 California
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Grades: PK-6
| 677 students
Rank: #1313.
Mount Healthy Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
12150 S Sr 58
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Grades: PK-6
| 402 students
Rank: #1414.
Clifty Creek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4625 E 50 N
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Grades: PK-6
| 636 students
Rank: n/an/a
Columbus Area Career Connection
Vocational School
Magnet School
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Richard L Johnson Early Educ Center
Magnet School
1209 S Sycamore St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Grades: PK
| 65 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, Indiana Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
4355 East 600 North 120
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 372-4849
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
3136 N National Rd-suite E
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 314-7078
Grades: 7-12
| 124 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN?
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN include Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Columbus North High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
16 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Vouchers for Special Education: Are They a Good Idea?
Vouchers for Special Education: Are They a Good Idea?
The article examines the pros and cons of using school vouchers for special education students. It discusses how vouchers can provide more educational options for families but also raises concerns about accountability, funding for public schools, and the implementation of special education laws in private school settings.
What is the Connection Between Home Values and School Performance?
What is the Connection Between Home Values and School Performance?
This article explores the relationship between school performance and home values in neighborhoods. It discusses studies showing correlations between school expenditures, ratings, and housing prices, highlighting how this connection affects families' choices and contributes to educational disparities between communities.
Understanding Rubrics
September 27, 2024
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.