Superintendent Search
Columbia Public Schools, the fourth largest school district in Missouri, is looking for a superintendent who can build onto the district’s legacy and mission of providing an excellent education for all students. More information and details on the application process are available on the Missouri School Boards’ Association website.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Columbia Public Schools includes 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools and the Columbia Area Career Center, as well as an early childhood education program, with an enrollment of 18,801 students.
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 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.
Learn more about the highlights from the 2023-24 school year in our Annual Report.
Milestone Celebration
The 2022-23 school year included the 150th anniversary of the founding of Columbia Public Schools. While our community and district have grown and changed considerably since 1873, our commitment to children, families and our community remains the same.
Though our celebration is over, enjoy a virtual time capsule of the last 150 years in CPS.