For the 2025 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 11,067 students in Columbus, IN (there are , serving 1,797 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Columbus, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN are Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Indiana public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Columbus, IN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Csa Lincoln Campus
(Math: 80% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
750 5th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Grades: K-6
| 366 students
Rank: #22.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1320 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Grades: PK-6
| 893 students
Rank: #33.
Rockcreek Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13000 E 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Grades: PK-6
| 352 students
Rank: #44.
Columbus North High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Grades: 9-12
| 2,267 students
Rank: #55.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 Parkside Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Grades: PK-6
| 724 students
Rank: #66.
W D Richards Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3311 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Grades: PK-6
| 608 students
Rank: #77.
Columbus East High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
230 S Marr Rd
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Grades: 9-12
| 1,518 students
Rank: #88.
Northside Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1400 27th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Grades: 7-8
| 878 students
Rank: #99.
Central Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
725 7th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Grades: 7-8
| 822 students
Rank: #1010.
L F Smith Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4505 Waycross Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Grades: PK-6
| 431 students
Rank: #1111.
Lillian Schmitt Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2675 California
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Grades: PK-6
| 689 students
Rank: #1212.
Csa Fodrea Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2775 Illinois St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Grades: PK-6
| 351 students
Rank: #1313.
Clifty Creek Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4625 E 50 N
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Grades: PK-6
| 679 students
Rank: #1414.
Mount Healthy Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
12150 S Sr 58
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Grades: PK-6
| 406 students
Rank: n/an/a
Columbus Area Career Connection
Vocational School
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1209 S Sycamore St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Grades: PK
| 83 students
Columbus, Indiana Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
4355 East 600 North 120
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 372-4849
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 372-4849
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
3136 N National Rd-suite E
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 314-7078
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 314-7078
Grades: 7-12
| 124 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN?
The top ranked public schools in Columbus, IN include Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
16 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbus include: Northside Middle School vs. Central Middle School, Central Middle School vs. Northside Middle School, Columbus East High School vs. Columbus North High School
Recent Articles
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
