For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,560 students in Columbia County, AR (there are 1 private school, serving 250 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Columbia County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
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 43% (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 West Main
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3306
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3306
Gr: K-6 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Taylor Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
506 East Pine
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3304
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3304
Gr: K-6 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Taylor High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
506 East Pine
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3303
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3303
Gr: 7-12 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Emerson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
212 Grayson
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3305
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3305
Gr: 7-12 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
East Side Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1310 Hollensworth
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5611
Gr: K-2 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
456 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Gr: 3-7 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #77.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
540 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #88.
Magnolia High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 High School Drive
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2610
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2610
Gr: 9-12 | 797 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
655 Highway 79 South
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5654
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-5654
Gr: PK | 119 students Minority enrollment: 81%
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?
93% of all K-12 students in Columbia County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
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 43% (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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