For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,520 students in Marion County, MS (there are , serving 614 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Marion County, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Marion County, MS are West Marion Primary School, Columbia Elementary School and Columbia Primary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion County, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Marion County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Marion County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
West Marion Primary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
20 Cedar Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-3713
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-3713
Grades: PK-3
| 365 students
Rank: #22.
Columbia Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Mary Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2362
Grades: 3-5
| 369 students
Rank: #33.
Columbia Primary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
913 West Avenue
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7666
Grades: PK-2
| 433 students
Rank: #44.
Columbia High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 Broad Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-5334
Grades: 9-12
| 471 students
Rank: #55.
Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
611 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-2786
Grades: 6-8
| 357 students
Rank: #66.
West Marion High School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2 West Marion Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-6381
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-6381
Grades: 7-12
| 587 students
Rank: #77.
West Marion Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2 West Marion Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 731-2076
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 731-2076
Grades: 4-6
| 234 students
Rank: #88.
East Marion High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-3006
Grades: 7-12
| 345 students
Rank: #99.
East Marion Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Grades: PK-6
| 359 students
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Alt School
Alternative School
2 W Marion St., Building T
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-7290
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Marion Co Voc Complex
Vocational School
1140 Highway 13 South
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-6095
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Marion County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1730 Hwy 44
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 736-4591
Grades: 2-12
| 10 students
527 East Marion School Road
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-7936
Grades: 7-8
| 194 students
527 East Marion School Rd
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Columbia, MS 39429
(601) 731-1498
Grades: 4-8
| n/a students
2 West Marion Street
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-5236
Foxworth, MS 39483
(601) 736-5236
Grades: 7-8
| 222 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Marion County, MS?
The top ranked public schools in Marion County, MS include West Marion Primary School, Columbia Elementary School and Columbia Primary School.
How many public schools are located in Marion County?
11 public schools are located in Marion County.
What percentage of students in Marion County go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Marion County are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Marion County?
Marion County public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Marion County include: Columbia High School vs. East Marion High School, West Marion High School vs. East Marion High School, East Marion High School vs. West Marion High School
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