For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 3,827 students in Columbia County, NY.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, NY are Ichabod Crane Middle School, Ichabod Crane Elementary School and Hudson High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, NY public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the New York public elementary school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 48% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New York public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New York public elementary school average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ichabod Crane Middle School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2910 Rt 9
Valatie, NY 12184
(518) 758-7675
Valatie, NY 12184
(518) 758-7675
Gr: 4-8 | 647 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Ichabod Crane Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
State Farm Rd
Valatie, NY 12184
(518) 758-7575
Valatie, NY 12184
(518) 758-7575
Gr: K-3 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Hudson High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
215 Harry Howard Ave
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4360
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4360
Gr: 1-12 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Germantown Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
123 Main St
Germantown, NY 12526
(518) 537-6281
Germantown, NY 12526
(518) 537-6281
Gr: PK-6 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Walter B Howard Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1478 Rte 20
New Lebanon, NY 12125
(518) 794-7600
New Lebanon, NY 12125
(518) 794-7600
Gr: PK-6 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Taconic Hills Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
73 County Rte 11a
Craryville, NY 12521
(518) 325-2821
Craryville, NY 12521
(518) 325-2821
Gr: PK-6 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Chatham Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
50 Woodbridge Ave
Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-1560
Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-1560
Gr: 6-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Hudson Junior High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
215 Harry Howard Ave
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4360
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4360
Gr: 6-8 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #99.
Mary E Dardess Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
50 Woodbridge Ave
Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-1530
Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-1530
Gr: PK-5 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1010.
Montgomery C Smith Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
102 Harry Howard Ave
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4350
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4350
Gr: PK-5 | 689 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, NY?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, NY include Ichabod Crane Middle School, Ichabod Crane Elementary School and Hudson High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia County?
9 public elementary schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New York public elementary schools average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbia County include: Ichabod Crane Elementary School vs. Taconic Hills Elementary School, Taconic Hills Elementary School vs. Ichabod Crane Elementary School, Mary E Dardess Elementary School vs. Taconic Hills Elementary School
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
