Photo: Rivers Langley; SaveRivers · CC BY-SA 3.0Columbiana’s public schools outscore 83% of Alabama districts
On the state math tests, 38% of Columbiana’s students scored proficient, above the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Columbiana, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Alabama, not nationally.
From Alabama state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Columbiana’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 183 Alabama towns with household incomes within a quarter of Columbiana’s, its schools beat 89%, higher than their 83% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 60% and math 38% in spring 2022, against 47% and 27% statewide; 94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,422 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Columbiana Middle School, then Shelby County High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Cornerstone Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Columbiana’s grade
A−: better than 83% of Alabama school districts, #23 of 187 Alabama towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Alabama average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Columbiana, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Columbiana
Elvin Hill Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 534 students · 17:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Columbiana
Columbiana Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 428 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Columbiana
Columbiana Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 428 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Columbiana
Columbiana Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 428 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Columbiana
Shelby County High School
Grades 9–12 · 572 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Columbiana
Shelby County High School
Grades 9–12 · 572 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Columbiana
Shelby County High School
Grades 9–12 · 572 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Columbiana
Shelby County High School
Grades 9–12 · 572 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Columbiana’s public schools are run by Shelby County School District, which also serves Calera, Chelsea, Harpersville and Helena and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Columbiana vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Columbiana’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Columbiana | A− | Shelby County |
| Chelsea | A− | Shelby County |
Every school in Columbiana
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Alabama’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Career Technical Education Center and New Direction).
Questions about Columbiana’s schools
Are Columbiana’s schools good?
By Alabama’s own tests, yes: the public schools Columbiana children attend outscore 83% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #23 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 89%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Columbiana in?
Shelby County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 20,638 students in 29 schools (2024–25).
Where do Columbiana kids go to high school?
Shelby County High School, with 572 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Columbiana’s graduation rate?
94% of the class of 2023 in Shelby County School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Columbiana spend per student?
$13,422 in Shelby County School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Columbiana?
Yes: Cornerstone Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 172 students).
Parents talk
What Columbiana families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Columbiana → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Alabama. Stars are from neighbors.