About

This photo was taken in front of Columbia Public Schools District Building

Columbia Public Schools is the fourth largest school district in Missouri. It includes 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools and the Columbia Area Career Center, as well as an early childhood education program. Total enrollment is 18,801 students. The school district is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, citing such educational advantages as:

Comprehensive curriculum and services at all grade levels, including preschool and adult
Exceptional programs for at-risk students and students with disabilities
Extensive depth and breadth in middle school and high school course offerings
Award-winning career education programs designed for all students
Successful community partnerships and volunteer programs
Significant emphasis on staff development and school improvement efforts

Columbia’s students excel in the classroom and in their post-secondary education careers. Approximately 85-90 percent of Columbia students extend their education beyond high school, with more than 64.2 percent attending a college, university or post-secondary program. Our career and Technical Education students have a 91.6 percent placement rate.

Student performance on the ACT and SAT exams exceed state and national averages. In 2023, 82.5 percent of graduates took the ACT. Additionally, of the 947 students taking advanced placement courses in 2023, more than 79 percent earned college credit.

Our district’s teachers represent the primary reason Columbia’s schools and students are so successful. More than 71.8 percent of teachers hold a master’s degree or higher and average 13.2 years of professional experience.

The Columbia community understands the importance of maintaining a high-quality educational program. Most recently, bond issues were passed in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. A tax levy increase received voter approval in 1999, 2003, 2012 and 2016. Columbia Public Schools is also ranked as a top 10 district for exemplary and innovative use of technology by the National School Boards Association and continually receives national recognition for financial reporting excellence and transparency.

The district's focus, from preschool to adult career education, is excellence.

Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Facility and Bond Plan Construction Website

Student Achievement

Columbia students continue to excel academically, with ACT and SAT scores surpassing state and national averages. Notable achievements include a 91.55% graduation rate, 425 seniors graduating with honors, and 79.5% of AP students earning a score of 3 or higher. Students also excel in early college programs and career technical education, with high placement rates and significant academic honors, such as six students earning perfect ACT scores.

Staff Excellence

The district's educators are integral to its success, with 71.8% holding advanced degrees and averaging over 13 years of experience. Columbia Public Schools regularly receives recognition for its teachers and programs, such as a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and state-level awards for counselors, school psychologists, and administrators.

Financial Stability

Columbia Public Schools maintains a balanced budget with a focus on growth, innovation, and achievement. For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the district's revenues were primarily derived from local property taxes, state funding, and federal contributions. Salaries and benefits accounted for nearly 62% of expenditures, reflecting the district's commitment to supporting its staff.

Athletics and Activities

School Improvements

Recent bond projects have enabled significant advancements in facilities, such as new additions at the Columbia Area Career Center and Battle Elementary School, playground upgrades, and safety enhancements. The district remains committed to providing state-of-the-art learning environments through projects like the Boone County Nature School and a new elementary school in southwest Columbia.

Follow construction project progress