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Test scores delayed: 2026 rankings for Georgia do not yet include English Language Arts scores, which will not be released by the Georgia Department of Education until winter 2026.

Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy

Q: Is Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy a good school?

Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy ranks 441 st of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public, Magnet Grades PK, KG-5

441^st

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,222 Georgia Elementary Schools

Better than 64% of Georgia elementary schools

Summary

Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy is a PK-5 magnet school in Columbus, GA, serving 382 students within the Muscogee County School District, where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

This school is a standout success story. In the most recent testing cycle, Downtown Elementary jumped from the 38th to the 64th percentile statewide—its best ranking in nearly a decade. The gains are especially dramatic in 5th grade: math proficiency hit 56%, more than double the district average of 25.6% and well above the state's 44.1%. Science proficiency reached 60%, compared to 35.5% for the district and 44.2% for the state. The school outperformed the district in math at every grade level tested (3rd, 4th, and 5th). What makes this even more remarkable is the comparison to nearby schools serving similar populations. Rigdon Road Elementary School (20% math proficiency), River Road Elementary School (12.6%), Martin Luther King- Junior Elementary School (1.2%), Fox Elementary School (12.5%), and Davis Elementary School (7.8%) all lag far behind. Even Clubview Elementary School, the only nearby school with comparable overall performance (59th percentile), serves a much less economically disadvantaged population (65.7% free/reduced lunch vs. Downtown's 100%).

The school also earns high marks for its work with African American students, ranking in the 81st percentile statewide. Chronic absenteeism, at 18.8%, is slightly above the state average (17.7%) but below the district average (19.5%) and far better than some neighbors like Fox (29.5%) and Brewer Elementary School (32.8%). With per-student spending of $17,120 and a student-teacher ratio of 14.9, Downtown Elementary demonstrates that a high-poverty school can achieve strong academic outcomes through focused leadership and effective instruction. This is a school on the rise, and its sustained improvement over the past five years suggests the gains are here to stay.

382

Students ?

14.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$17,120

Per pupil spending ?

100%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1400 1st Ave
Columbus, GA 31901

(706) 748-2702

District: Muscogee County

Students who attend Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy usually attend:

Middle:	Eddy Middle School
High:	Jordan Vocational High School

Racial breakdown:

African American:

79.1%

Hispanic:

8.9%

Two or more races:

6.8%

See top rated Georgia elementary schools

Compare Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 51st percentile in 2016 → 64th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 13 percentile points since 2016

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Muscogee County

✓Above the Georgia median (64th percentile)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school50%

District avg32%

Georgia avg47%

441^st of 1,222

Georgia public elementary schools ?

Top 36%▲ up 13 pts since 2016

From top 49% (2016) to top 36% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 30Elementary Schools in the Muscogee County

149^th of 202Muscogee County among Georgia districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	59.1	441 of 1222	63.9%	★★★☆☆
2025	34.4	765 of 1238	38.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	42.1	660 of 1236	46.6%	★★☆☆☆
2023	39.4	691 of 1223	43.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	35.0	768 of 1220	37.0%	★★☆☆☆
2021	22.5	916 of 1214	24.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	34.1	804 of 1234	34.8%	★★☆☆☆
2018	46.6	607 of 1209	49.8%	★★☆☆☆
2017	41.1	685 of 1205	43.2%	★★☆☆☆
2016	47.0	610 of 1233	50.5%	★★★☆☆
2015	26.6	922 of 1240	25.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	26.0	1010 of 1231	18.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	32.6	950 of 1225	22.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	25.0	990 of 1201	17.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	28.5	981 of 1212	19.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	40.3	817 of 1183	30.9%	★★☆☆☆
2009	45.2	712 of 1133	37.2%	★★☆☆☆
2008	44.4	717 of 1134	36.8%	★★☆☆☆
2007	33.4	852 of 1125	24.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	24.1	925 of 1101	16.0%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	71.0	161 of 829	80.6%	★★★★☆
2025	46.8	411 of 892	53.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	58.4	304 of 879	65.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	54.9	321 of 870	63.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	56.0	320 of 876	63.5%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2025	34.9	759 of 1224	38.0%	★★☆☆☆
2024	39.3	708 of 1223	42.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	31.6	810 of 1212	33.2%	★★☆☆☆
2022	27.2	888 of 1206	26.4%	★☆☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2025	35.3	753 of 1225	38.5%	★★☆☆☆
2024	46.1	602 of 1220	50.7%	★★★☆☆
2023	31.4	809 of 1210	33.1%	★★☆☆☆
2022	44.9	626 of 1209	48.2%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

African American (2026)81st percentile+17 vs school

Male (2025)39th percentile~ school

Female (2025)38th percentile~ school

By subject vs Georgia (2025-2026) ?

Science60%+16 vs state

Mathematics48%~ state avg

4.7

3 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★2

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a principal
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy is an exceptional school for families looking for a positive school climate. The faculty and staff are friendly, resourceful, family-oriented, and challenge students academically to make academic gains. The school is an engineering magnet. Students have a variety of opportunities to participate in STEAM integrated activities to include after school programs and clubs. Interested families should reach out to the school for details about the magnet program. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, October 24, 2017

I don't know who rated this school but let me tell you what i've seen after traveling all over the world with the military...These are some of the best teachers & educators who are willing to go above and beyond for these kids. My daughters teacher made poodle skirts for their 50th day of school and celebrated the 50"s. they were amazing made out of felt. No one in all the years that i've had children in school. Ms. Heath is so talented as a teacher. Love Love Love the teaching ability of this school. They are strict but this is what it takes to have children excel. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, July 29, 2016

Great School! My children and I have had an awesome experience with everyone at Downtown Elementary. Great place to learn!!!!! Close Quote

Schools Near Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2026)			Milestones Assessment Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	1400 1st Ave	Columbus	31901	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(706) 748-2702	382	26	14.9	100.0%	17 (4.5%)	302 (79.1%)	34 (8.9%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (6.8%)	59.1	441^st of 1222 public elementary schools	63.9%		34.4	765^th of 1238 public elementary schools	38.2%	324	43.2	48.8	56.0	60.0	$17,120	$1,176	$15,944
Hannan Elementary	Public	K-5	1338 Talbotton Rd	Columbus	31901	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-2744	322	30	10.5	100.0%	37 (11.5%)	235 (73.0%)	20 (6.2%)	4 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (8.1%)	18.7	1019^th of 1222 public elementary schools	16.6%		31.3	815^th of 1238 public elementary schools	34.2%	204	34.7	27.3	17.1	25.5	$19,254	$2,685	$16,569
Fox Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	600 38th St	Columbus	31904	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-2723	383	28	13.6	100.0%	30 (7.8%)	296 (77.3%)	17 (4.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	40 (10.4%)	6	1204^th of 1222 public elementary schools	1.5%		4.3	1238^th of 1238 public elementary schools	0.0%	34	9.1	9.4	12.5	20.0	$15,350	$1,520	$13,830
Davis Elementary School	Public	K-5	1822 Shepherd Dr	Columbus	31906	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-2638	387	30	13.1	100.0%	20 (5.2%)	320 (82.7%)	11 (2.8%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.3%)	33 (8.5%)	5.9	1205^th of 1222 public elementary schools	1.4%		4.4	1237^th of 1238 public elementary schools	0.1%	32	15.3	9.4	7.8	16.9	$15,460	$1,631	$13,829
Wynnton Elementary School	Public	K-5	2303 Wynnton Rd	Columbus	31906	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-3147	332	29	11.6	100.0%	43 (13.0%)	225 (67.8%)	32 (9.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (9.6%)	17.4	1044^th of 1222 public elementary schools	14.6%		24.6	933^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	24.6%	111	22.8	21.4	23.6	32.7	$17,237	$1,400	$15,838
Johnson Elementary School	Public	K-5	3700 Woodlawn Ave	Columbus	31904	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-2795	336	31	11.0	100.0%	106 (31.5%)	138 (41.1%)	45 (13.4%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (13.4%)	22.8	953^rd of 1222 public elementary schools	22.0%		11.5	1154^th of 1238 public elementary schools	6.8%	201	13.0	31.4	34.8	32.6	$17,567	$2,538	$15,029
Rigdon Road Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1320 Rigdon Rd	Columbus	31906	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 565-2989	437	32	13.8	100.0%	25 (5.7%)	343 (78.5%)	31 (7.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	37 (8.5%)	19.8	998^th of 1222 public elementary schools	18.3%		8	1206^th of 1238 public elementary schools	2.6%	208	16.4	14.2	20.0	47.5	$17,132	$2,196	$14,936
River Road Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	516 Heath Dr	Columbus	31904	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-3072	454	33	13.7	100.0%	90 (19.8%)	123 (27.1%)	204 (44.9%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (7.5%)	9.8	1160^th of 1222 public elementary schools	5.1%		13.2	1127^th of 1238 public elementary schools	9.0%	33	19.7	25.0	12.6	17.5	$15,216	$1,118	$14,098
Brewer Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	2951 Martin Luther King	Columbus	31906	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 748-2479	367	36	10.2	100.0%	10 (2.7%)	231 (62.9%)	103 (28.1%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (5.2%)								(n/a)					$20,971	$1,840	$19,131
Clubview Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2836 Edgewood Rd	Columbus	31906	Muscogee County	Muscogee County	No	No	No	No	(706) 565-3017	566	38	14.8	65.7%	257 (45.4%)	181 (32.0%)	63 (11.1%)	10 (1.8%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	53 (9.4%)	55.3	495^th of 1222 public elementary schools	59.5%		54.2	512^th of 1238 public elementary schools	58.6%	17	46.0	47.7	43.9	50.0	$14,914	$919	$13,995

Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy

What schools do graduates of Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy attend?

Students who attend Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy usually go on to attend:

Middle : Eddy Middle School
High : Jordan Vocational High School

What district is Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy in?

Muscogee County

Is Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy a good school?

Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy ranks 441^st of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy?

Students at Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy are 79% African American, 9% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 4% White.

How many students attend Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 382 students attended Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy.

Rate Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy!

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Latest Georgia data All new data »

2025–26 attendance dataAug 6, 2026

2025–26 Milestones Assessment scoresAug 6, 2026

2021–22 through 2024–25 Milestones Assessment scores (updated)Aug 6, 2026

2024–25 dropout ratesFeb 19, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.