Columbia County Schools & Education
Columbia County, Wisconsin
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,541
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#66
of 72 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 88.4%.
Funding Context
At $7,541 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 27% below the Wisconsin average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 7% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Columbia County, Wisconsin
Columbia County’s Diverse School Infrastructure
Columbia County supports 8,696 students across 31 public schools and eight districts. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 15 elementary schools providing a strong foundation for the county's youth. The remaining 16 schools are split between middle and high school levels, ensuring a clear path to graduation.
Focusing on Foundations and Fiscal Efficiency
The county reports an 88.4% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,541, reflecting a lean budget compared to the state average of $8,113. While the composite school score of 53.9 is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the national median of 50.0.
Portage Community District Leads Enrollment
The Portage Community School District is the county's largest, operating 8 schools and serving 2,088 students. Charter schools make a small but important appearance here, with two campuses representing 6.5% of the total school landscape. Other major districts include Lodi and Columbus, which together serve over 2,600 students.
A Balance of Towns and Rural Scenery
With 19 schools in town settings and 12 in rural areas, Columbia County offers families a choice between central town hubs and quieter countryside campuses. Portage High is the county's largest school with 706 students, while the average school size remains manageable at 290 students. This mix provides a classic Wisconsin educational feel that caters to different lifestyle preferences.
Settle Near Wisconsin’s Heart in Columbia
Columbia County offers a variety of educational environments, from the charter options in Portage to the respected town schools of Lodi and Columbus. For families prioritizing a mix of community and academic reliability, this county is a prime choice for a new home. Discover how these local schools can serve as the cornerstone of your family's future.
School Overview
Total Schools
31
in Columbia County
Total Enrollment
8,696
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
2
6% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Columbia County
Portage Community School District
Lodi School District
Columbus School District
Poynette School District
Pardeeville Area School District
Fall River School District
Rio Community School District
Cambria-Friesland School District
31 Public Schools in Columbia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portage High | Portage Community School District | 6–12 | High | 706 |
| Spring Hill Elementary | Wisconsin Dells School District | PK–5 | Primary | 608 |
| Lodi High | Lodi School District | 9–12 | High | 451 |
| Columbus Elementary | Columbus School District | PK–5 | Primary | 438 |
| Muir Elementary | Portage Community School District | 2–5 | Primary | 422 |
| Poynette Elementary | Poynette School District | PK–4 | Primary | 412 |
| Wayne Bartels Middle | Portage Community School District | 6–8 | Middle | 406 |
| Lodi Primary | Lodi School District | PK–2 | Primary | 395 |
| Wisconsin Dells Middle School | Wisconsin Dells School District | 6–8 | Middle | 387 |
| Columbus High | Columbus School District | 9–12 | High | 385 |
| Pardeeville Elementary | Pardeeville Area School District | PK–4 | Primary | 355 |
| Lodi Middle | Lodi School District | 6–8 | Middle | 335 |
| Poynette High | Poynette School District | 9–12 | High | 307 |
| Poynette Middle | Poynette School District | 5–8 | Middle | 276 |
| Pardeeville High | Pardeeville Area School District | 9–12 | High | 266 |
| Columbus Middle | Columbus School District | 6–8 | Middle | 265 |
| Fall River High | Fall River School District | 6–12 | High | 265 |
| Pardeeville Middle | Pardeeville Area School District | 5–8 | Middle | 244 |
| Fall River Elementary | Fall River School District | PK–5 | Primary | 234 |
| Lodi Elementary | Lodi School District | 3–5 | Primary | 230 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,541
State avg $8,113
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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, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
Columbia County supports 8,696 students across 31 public schools and eight districts. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 15 elementary schools providing a strong foundation for the county's youth. The remaining 16 schools are split between middle and high school levels, ensuring a clear path to graduation.
How do schools in Columbia County perform academically?
The county reports an 88.4% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,541, reflecting a lean budget compared to the state average of $8,113. While the composite school score of 53.9 is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
The Portage Community School District is the county's largest, operating 8 schools and serving 2,088 students. Charter schools make a small but important appearance here, with two campuses representing 6.5% of the total school landscape. Other major districts include Lodi and Columbus, which together serve over 2,600 students.
What is the school experience like in Columbia County?
With 19 schools in town settings and 12 in rural areas, Columbia County offers families a choice between central town hubs and quieter countryside campuses. Portage High is the county's largest school with 706 students, while the average school size remains manageable at 290 students. This mix provides a classic Wisconsin educational feel that caters to different lifestyle preferences.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
Columbia County offers a variety of educational environments, from the charter options in Portage to the respected town schools of Lodi and Columbus. For families prioritizing a mix of community and academic reliability, this county is a prime choice for a new home. Discover how these local schools can serve as the cornerstone of your family's future.
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.