For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 4,118 students in Columbia, TN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia, TN are J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, TN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 36% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbia, TN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
J E Woodard Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
207 Rutherford Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Gr: PK-4 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
J. R. Baker Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1301 Hamphire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3319
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3319
Gr: PK-4 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
J. Brown Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
301 Cord Dr
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Gr: PK-4 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #44.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
203 Carter St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4422
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4422
Gr: PK-4 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
Highland Park Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1606 Highland Ave
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Gr: PK-4 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
R Howell Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
653 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Gr: PK-4 | 594 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #77.
Whitthorne Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
915 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Gr: 5-8 | 955 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
E. A. Cox Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
633 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Gr: 5-8 | 652 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Columbia, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
714 West 7th St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Gr: PK-4 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia, TN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia, TN include J E Woodard Elementary School, J. R. Baker Elementary School and J. Brown Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia?
8 public elementary schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbia include: Riverside Elementary School vs. R Howell Elementary School, J. Brown Elementary School vs. Highland Park Elementary School, R Howell Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School
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