Columbia Elementary School

Columbia Elementary School is a grades 3–5 elementary school in Columbia, Mississippi, serving 378 students as part of the Columbia School District, which ranks among the stronger districts in the state. The school earns a solid 3-star state rating and compares favorably to nearby schools in several important ways, making it a dependable choice for families in the area.

One of the most striking strengths is attendance: just 9.6% of students are chronically absent, far below the district average of 24.2% and the state average of 23.9%. This is also dramatically better than nearby schools like Carver Elementary (15.6%), East Marion Elementary (23.3%), and West Marion Primary School (21.6%). Academically, the school shines in 3rd grade math, with proficiency rates consistently 12–16 points above the state average, and in 5th grade science, where scores have exceeded state averages in most recent years. Columbia Elementary also benefits from a lower student–teacher ratio (13.1) than many Marion County schools, and its student body is less economically disadvantaged than those at nearby schools like Dexter Elementary School and East Marion.

That said, there are a few trends worth watching. Math proficiency tends to decline as students move from 3rd to 5th grade—by 5th grade, scores fall slightly below the state average. The school’s overall state ranking has also slipped from a 4-star peak a few years ago, though it has rebounded somewhat recently. English language arts performance is generally at or above state averages, though less consistent than math and science. Overall, Columbia Elementary offers strong attendance, solid early math instruction, and good science outcomes, all within a well-regarded district. With continued attention to upper-elementary math, it has the potential to climb back to its former top-100 status.