Columbia County Schools & Education
Columbia County, Florida
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
96.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
96.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,638
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,118
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#8
of 67 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Columbia County, Florida
A Concentrated Network in Columbia
Columbia County maintains 19 public schools for its 9,887 students. The system includes 9 elementary schools and 4 high schools, all operating within a single district. This smaller network allows for a more focused educational community across the county.
State-Leading Graduation Rates in Columbia
Columbia County achieves a remarkable 96.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 89.8%. The school score of 53.7 is also higher than the state average, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,638. These numbers suggest a high level of academic efficiency and student success.
The Columbia District Connection
The Columbia District oversees the entire student body of 9,887 across 19 schools. Belmont Academy stands out as the county's single charter school, representing 5.3% of total schools and serving 759 students. The district remains the primary provider of education, maintaining high standards across its campuses.
The Classic Town School Experience
Thirteen of the county's 19 schools are located in town settings, giving the district a classic community feel. Schools average 582 students, with Columbia High School being the largest at 1,737 students. This smaller average size helps maintain a local, accessible atmosphere for families.
Join a High-Achieving Town Community
With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Columbia County is a hidden gem for families. Homes near top-performing schools like Fort White High offer a great quality of life. Explore the local market to find a home where academic excellence is the norm.
School Overview
Total Schools
19
in Columbia County
Total Enrollment
9,887
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
1
5% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Columbia County
COLUMBIA
19 Public Schools in Columbia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | 9–12 | High | 1,737 |
| FORT WHITE HIGH SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | 6–12 | High | 1,158 |
| LAKE CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | 7–8 | Middle | 970 |
| BELMONT ACADEMY | COLUMBIA | PK–12 | Charter | 759 |
| WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 696 |
| FORT WHITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 681 |
| EASTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 631 |
| COLUMBIA CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 615 |
| SUMMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 517 |
| PINEMOUNT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 486 |
| RICHARDSON SIXTH GRADE ACADEMY | COLUMBIA | 6 | Middle | 450 |
| FIVE POINTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 400 |
| MELROSE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 398 |
| NIBLACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | COLUMBIA | PK–5 | Primary | 282 |
| PATHWAYS ACADEMY | COLUMBIA | KG–12 | Alternative | 87 |
| COLUMBIA VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (DISTRICT PROVIDED) | COLUMBIA | 6–12 | High | 16 |
| PREK ESE | COLUMBIA | PK | Special Education | 4 |
| COLUMBIA VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM | COLUMBIA | KG–12 | Other | 0 |
| COLUMBIA VIRTUAL FRANCHISE | COLUMBIA | 6–12 | High | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,638
State avg $6,118
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Columbia County, Florida — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbia County, Florida?
Columbia County maintains 19 public schools for its 9,887 students. The system includes 9 elementary schools and 4 high schools, all operating within a single district. This smaller network allows for a more focused educational community across the county.
How do schools in Columbia County perform academically?
Columbia County achieves a remarkable 96.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 89.8%. The school score of 53.7 is also higher than the state average, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,638. These numbers suggest a high level of academic efficiency and student success.
What are the major school districts in Columbia County, Florida?
The Columbia District oversees the entire student body of 9,887 across 19 schools. Belmont Academy stands out as the county's single charter school, representing 5.3% of total schools and serving 759 students. The district remains the primary provider of education, maintaining high standards across its campuses.
What is the school experience like in Columbia County?
Thirteen of the county's 19 schools are located in town settings, giving the district a classic community feel. Schools average 582 students, with Columbia High School being the largest at 1,737 students. This smaller average size helps maintain a local, accessible atmosphere for families.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbia County, Florida?
With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Columbia County is a hidden gem for families. Homes near top-performing schools like Fort White High offer a great quality of life. Explore the local market to find a home where academic excellence is the norm.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.