For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 6,643 students in Columbia, MD.
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD are Atholton High School, Hammond High School and Oakland Mills High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Maryland public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 56% statewide average). High schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public high schools.
Columbia, MD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Maryland average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Atholton High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Maryland or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Atholton High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Hammond High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8800 Guilford Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Gr: 9-12 | 1,159 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Gr: 9-12 | 1,413 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #44.
Wilde Lake High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Gr: 9-12 | 1,197 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #55.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Gr: 9-12 | 1,334 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD?
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MD include Atholton High School, Hammond High School and Oakland Mills High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia?
5 public high schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public high schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public high schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia include: Hammond High School vs. Atholton High School, Oakland Mills High School vs. Hammond High School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.