For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 6,936 students in Columbia, TN (there are 9 private schools, serving 2,312 private students). 75% 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 16% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 31%), 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 50% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia, TN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
J E Woodard Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
207 Rutherford Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Grades: PK-4
| 547 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 323 students
Rank: #33.
Spring Hill High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
One Raider Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-2207
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-2207
Grades: 9-12
| 1,243 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 405 students
Rank: #55.
R Howell Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
653 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Grades: PK-4
| 594 students
Rank: #66.
Highland Park Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1606 Highland Ave
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Grades: PK-4
| 287 students
Rank: #77.
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
Grades: 7-12
| 60 students
Rank: #88.
Whitthorne Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
915 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Grades: 5-8
| 955 students
Rank: #99.
J. Brown Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Cord Dr
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Grades: PK-4
| 355 students
Rank: #1010.
Columbia Central High School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
921 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-2222
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-2222
Grades: 9-12
| 1,409 students
Rank: #1111.
E. A. Cox Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
633 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Grades: 5-8
| 652 students
Rank: n/an/a
1101 Bridge St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-1134
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 486-1134
Grades: 9-12
| 106 students
Columbia, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
714 West 7th St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Grades: PK-4
| 335 students
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?
75% 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 50% of the student body (majority Black), 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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