For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,137 students in Columbia, MD.
The top ranked public middle schools in Columbia, MD are Wilde Lake Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School and Harpers Choice Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia, MD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Maryland public middle school average of 18%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Columbia have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public middle school average of 71% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Columbia, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Wilde Lake Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
10481 Cross Fox Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Grades: 6-8
| 618 students
Rank: #22.
Oakland Mills Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9540 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Grades: 6-8
| 428 students
Rank: #33.
Harpers Choice Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5450 Beaverkill Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Grades: 6-8
| 469 students
Rank: #44.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6680 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Grades: 6-8
| 622 students
Columbia, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
10960 Grantchester Way
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Grades: PK-8
| 932 students
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Columbia, MD?
The top ranked public middle schools in Columbia, MD include Wilde Lake Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School and Harpers Choice Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Columbia?
4 public middle schools are located in Columbia.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia?
Columbia public middle schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public middle schools average of 71% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Columbia include: Lake Elkhorn Middle School vs. Oakland Mills Middle School, Oakland Mills Middle School vs. Lake Elkhorn Middle School, Harpers Choice Middle School vs. Wilde Lake Middle 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 Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.