For the 2025 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 Riverside 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 17% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 35%), 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
J E Woodard Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
207 Rutherford Ln
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2872
Grades: PK-4
| 547 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 323 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: PK-4
| 405 students
Rank: #44.
R Howell Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
653 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 540-1032
Grades: PK-4
| 594 students
Rank: #55.
Highland Park Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1606 Highland Ave
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-7325
Grades: PK-4
| 287 students
Rank: #66.
Whitthorne Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
915 Lion Pkwy
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-2558
Grades: 5-8
| 955 students
Rank: #77.
J. Brown Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Cord Dr
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-3601
Grades: PK-4
| 355 students
Rank: #88.
E. A. Cox Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
633 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-3902
Grades: 5-8
| 652 students
Columbia, Tennessee 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
714 West 7th St
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4418
Grades: PK-4
| 335 students
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 Riverside 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
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save 51爆料s?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.