Columbia County Schools & Education
Columbia County, Georgia
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,528
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,405
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 50/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#89
of 159 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Columbia County
School Verdict
Columbia County performs at an average level with a school score of 47/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.0%.
Funding Context
At $6,528 per pupil, Columbia County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Columbia County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 6% below the Georgia average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 12% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Columbia County, Georgia
Extensive Schooling in a Growing County
Columbia County features 31 public schools, including 18 elementary and 5 high schools, serving nearly 30,000 students. The infrastructure supports a rapidly expanding population through two distinct school districts.
Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores
A standout 92.0% graduation rate puts Columbia County well ahead of the 87% national average. This high performance is achieved with efficient spending of $6,528 per pupil, which is lower than both state and national averages.
Local Districts and Charter Options
The Columbia County School District serves 29,025 students, while the SAIL Charter Academy adds specialized choice for 568 students. Large high schools like Grovetown High, with 2,236 students, act as major community anchors.
Spacious Suburban and Rural Campuses
The county offers a mix of 18 suburban and 12 rural schools, with an average school size of 955 students. Facilities are generally large, ranging from the sprawling Grovetown High to several elementary schools that exceed state size averages.
Exceptional Schools for Your Next Move
With a 92% graduation rate, Columbia County is a top destination for families seeking academic excellence. Home values in the Grovetown and Lakeside areas reflect the strong demand for these high-performing school zones.
School Overview
Total Schools
31
in Columbia County
Total Enrollment
29,593
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Columbia County
Columbia County
State Charter Schools II- SAIL Charter Academy - School for
31 Public Schools in Columbia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grovetown High School | Columbia County | 9–12 | High | 2,236 |
| Lakeside High School | Columbia County | 9–12 | High | 1,940 |
| Evans High School | Columbia County | 9–12 | High | 1,887 |
| Greenbrier High School | Columbia County | 9–12 | High | 1,801 |
| Harlem High School | Columbia County | 9–12 | High | 1,223 |
| Cedar Ridge Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,150 |
| Grovetown Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,080 |
| Baker Place Elementary | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,005 |
| Columbia Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 993 |
| Harlem Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 981 |
| Evans Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 980 |
| Grovetown Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 979 |
| Lewiston Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 892 |
| North Harlem Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 862 |
| Greenbrier Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 845 |
| Evans Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 840 |
| Stevens Creek Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 839 |
| River Ridge Elementary | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 782 |
| Riverside Middle School | Columbia County | 6–8 | Middle | 757 |
| Parkway Elementary School | Columbia County | PK–5 | Primary | 756 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,528
State avg $7,405
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Columbia County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Columbia County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Columbia County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Columbia County?
How much does Columbia County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Columbia County, Georgia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbia County, Georgia?
Columbia County features 31 public schools, including 18 elementary and 5 high schools, serving nearly 30,000 students. The infrastructure supports a rapidly expanding population through two distinct school districts.
How do schools in Columbia County perform academically?
A standout 92.0% graduation rate puts Columbia County well ahead of the 87% national average. This high performance is achieved with efficient spending of $6,528 per pupil, which is lower than both state and national averages.
What are the major school districts in Columbia County, Georgia?
The Columbia County School District serves 29,025 students, while the SAIL Charter Academy adds specialized choice for 568 students. Large high schools like Grovetown High, with 2,236 students, act as major community anchors.
What is the school experience like in Columbia County?
The county offers a mix of 18 suburban and 12 rural schools, with an average school size of 955 students. Facilities are generally large, ranging from the sprawling Grovetown High to several elementary schools that exceed state size averages.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbia County, Georgia?
With a 92% graduation rate, Columbia County is a top destination for families seeking academic excellence. Home values in the Grovetown and Lakeside areas reflect the strong demand for these high-performing school zones.
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.