Best Columbia County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 936 students in Columbia County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, AR are Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).

Best Public Middle Schools in Columbia County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Taylor High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
506 East Pine
Taylor, AR 71861
(870) 626-3303
Gr: 7-12 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Emerson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
212 Grayson
Emerson, AR 71740
(870) 626-3305
Gr: 7-12 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
456 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-4911
Gr: 3-7 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Magnolia Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
540 East North Street
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 234-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, AR include Taylor High School, Emerson High School and Central Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Columbia County?
3 public middle schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public middle schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Columbia County include: Taylor High School vs. Emerson High School, Emerson High School vs. Taylor High School

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links