For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 697 students in Columbia, MS.
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MS are Columbia High School and East Marion High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MS public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Mississippi public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 42% statewide average). High schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public high schools.
Columbia, MS public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Mississippi average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Columbia High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Mississippi or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public high school average of 57% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Columbia, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbia High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 Broad Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Gr: 9-12 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
East Marion High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Gr: 9-13 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Voc Complex
Vocational School
1140 Highway 13 South
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MS?
The top-ranked public high schools in Columbia, MS include Columbia High School and East Marion High School.
How many public high schools are located in Columbia?
3 public high schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public high schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public high schools average of 57% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Columbia include: Columbia High School vs. East Marion High School, East Marion High School vs. Columbia 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.
