Columbia County Schools & Education
Columbia County, New York
School Score
67/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,979
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
67/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#20
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Columbia County, New York
A Streamlined and Efficient School System
Columbia County manages a focused network of 16 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 6,171 students. The landscape features six elementary schools and seven high schools, providing a clear path for students from early childhood to college prep. This streamlined structure allows for specialized attention across the county's academic offerings.
Exceptional Scores and Strong Graduation Rates
Columbia County shines with a composite school score of 73.5, placing it well above the state average of 67.7. The graduation rate of 87.0% matches the national average and beats the state's 85.3% mark. These results are fueled by an impressive per-pupil expenditure of $16,979, representing a major commitment to local youth.
Leading Districts in Columbia County
Kinderhook Central and Hudson City are the heavy hitters, serving 1,691 and 1,561 students respectively. These districts, along with Chatham Central, manage the bulk of the county's enrollment with no charter schools competing for resources. Each district maintains a high standard of traditional public education with modern facilities.
Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Haven
Schooling in Columbia County is defined by its rural character, with 13 of the 16 schools set in country environments. Montgomery C Smith Elementary is the largest building with 723 students, but the overall county average is a modest 386. The presence of specialized schools, including one alternative school, ensures diverse needs are met in these quiet settings.
Invest in a Home with Academic Excellence
Columbia County offers some of the highest per-pupil spending in the region, making it a standout choice for parents. Homes in the Kinderhook or Hudson areas offer access to schools with graduation rates and test scores that lead the state. Prioritize your child's education by exploring real estate in these high-performing districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Columbia County
Total Enrollment
6,171
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Columbia County
KINDERHOOK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHATHAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
GERMANTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW LEBANON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
16 Public Schools in Columbia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MONTGOMERY C SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 723 |
| ICHABOD CRANE MIDDLE SCHOOL | KINDERHOOK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–8 | Middle | 650 |
| TACONIC HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 562 |
| ICHABOD CRANE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | KINDERHOOK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 555 |
| TACONIC HILLSJUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 502 |
| ICHABOD CRANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KINDERHOOK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–3 | Primary | 486 |
| HUDSON HIGH SCHOOL | HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 454 |
| HUDSON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 384 |
| MARY E DARDESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CHATHAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 360 |
| CHATHAM HIGH SCHOOL | CHATHAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 323 |
| GERMANTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GERMANTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 276 |
| WALTER B HOWARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | NEW LEBANON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 230 |
| GERMANTOWN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | GERMANTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 209 |
| CHATHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL | CHATHAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 186 |
| NEW LEBANON JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | NEW LEBANON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 183 |
| BROOKWOOD SECURE CENTER FOR YOUTH | NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (OCFS) | 9–12 | Alternative | 88 |
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (OCFS)
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$16,979
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Columbia County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbia County, New York?
Columbia County manages a focused network of 16 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 6,171 students. The landscape features six elementary schools and seven high schools, providing a clear path for students from early childhood to college prep. This streamlined structure allows for specialized attention across the county's academic offerings.
How do schools in Columbia County perform academically?
Columbia County shines with a composite school score of 73.5, placing it well above the state average of 67.7. The graduation rate of 87.0% matches the national average and beats the state's 85.3% mark. These results are fueled by an impressive per-pupil expenditure of $16,979, representing a major commitment to local youth.
What are the major school districts in Columbia County, New York?
Kinderhook Central and Hudson City are the heavy hitters, serving 1,691 and 1,561 students respectively. These districts, along with Chatham Central, manage the bulk of the county's enrollment with no charter schools competing for resources. Each district maintains a high standard of traditional public education with modern facilities.
What is the school experience like in Columbia County?
Schooling in Columbia County is defined by its rural character, with 13 of the 16 schools set in country environments. Montgomery C Smith Elementary is the largest building with 723 students, but the overall county average is a modest 386. The presence of specialized schools, including one alternative school, ensures diverse needs are met in these quiet settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbia County, New York?
Columbia County offers some of the highest per-pupil spending in the region, making it a standout choice for parents. Homes in the Kinderhook or Hudson areas offer access to schools with graduation rates and test scores that lead the state. Prioritize your child's education by exploring real estate in these high-performing districts.
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.