For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,520 students in Marion County, MS (there are 3 private schools, serving 531 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Marion County, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Marion County, MS are West Marion Primary School, Columbia Elementary School and Columbia Primary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion County, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Marion County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Marion County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Marion Primary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
20 Cedar Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-3713
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-3713
Gr: PK-4 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Mary Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Gr: 3-5 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #33.
Columbia Primary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
913 West Avenue
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2216
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2216
Gr: PK-2 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
611 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Gr: 6-8 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
West Marion High School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2 West Marion Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-6381
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-6381
Gr: 9-13 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
East Marion Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Gr: PK-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Gr: 6-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Alt School
Alternative School
2 W Marion St., Building T
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Gr: Inquire with school
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
Rank: n/an/a
2 West Marion Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 731-2076
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 731-2076
Gr: 5-8 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Marion County, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Marion County, MS include West Marion Primary School, Columbia Elementary School and Columbia Primary School.
How many public schools are located in Marion County?
11 public schools are located in Marion County.
What percentage of students in Marion County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Marion County are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Marion County?
Marion County public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Marion County include: West Marion High School vs. East Marion High School, Columbia High School vs. East Marion High School, Columbia Primary School vs. East Marion Elementary School
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