For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,560 students in Columbia County, AR (there are , serving 202 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Columbia County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, AR are Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and Taylor High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
508 W Main
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2218
Gr: K-6 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
506 E Pine St
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-5811
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-5811
Gr: K-6 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Taylor High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
506 E Pine St
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-2251
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 694-2251
Gr: 7-12 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Emerson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 Church St
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2862
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 547-2862
Gr: 7-12 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
East Side Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1310 Hollensworth St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Gr: K-2 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
456 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Gr: 3-5 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #77.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
540 E North St
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #88.
Magnolia High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 High School Dr
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Gr: 9-12 | 807 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
655 Hwy 79 S
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-8827
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-8827
Gr: PK | 119 students Minority enrollment: 86%
Columbia County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3312
Gr: PK-6 | 129 students Minority enrollment: 82%
202 Walnut St
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Mc Neil, AR 71752
(870) 695-3342
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Minority enrollment: 85%
Po Box 367
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5921
Gr: PK-6 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Po Box 367
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5825
Waldo, AR 71770
(870) 693-5825
Gr: 7-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
655 Highway 79 South
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4424
Gr: 7-12 | 97 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, AR include Emerson Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School and Taylor High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
9 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What percentage of students in Columbia County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Columbia County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia County include: Taylor High School vs. Emerson High School, Emerson High School vs. Taylor High School, Taylor Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School
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