Best Columbia Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,585 students in Columbia, KY.
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia, KY are Adair Learning Academy, Adair County Middle School and Adair County Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Columbia, KY (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Adair Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
401 Appleby Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-0811
Gr: 5-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Adair County Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
322 General John Adair Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-5308
Gr: 6-8 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Adair County Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
870 Indian Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-0077
Gr: 3-5 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Adair County High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
526 Indian Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-2751
Gr: 9-12 | 805 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
158 Col. Casey Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-3367
Gr: PK-2 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbia, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia, KY include Adair Learning Academy, Adair County Middle School and Adair County Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia?
5 public schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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