Photo: Ammodramus · Public domainColumbus’s public schools score below 79% of Nebraska districts on tests and graduation
38% of students in Columbus’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Nebraska average (46%). The grade covers the public school district serving Columbus, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Nebraska, not nationally.
From Nebraska 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.
Columbus’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 439 Nebraska towns with household incomes within a quarter of Columbus’s, its schools beat 16%, lower than their 21% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 40% of tested students were proficient in reading and 38% in math, against 47% and 46% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87% across Nebraska. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,742 per student, against $15,602 across Nebraska (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 5 the district’s path is Columbus Middle School, then Columbus High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Scotus Central Catholic High School (private), St. Isidore Elementary School (private), St. Bonaventure Elementary School (private), Immanuel Lutheran School (private), St. Anthony School (private) and Columbus Christian School (private) are 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 Columbus’s grade
C−: better than 21% of Nebraska school districts, #48 of 57 Nebraska towns. Both inputs trail the Nebraska average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Columbus, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Columbus
Columbus Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,166 students · 16:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Columbus
Columbus Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,166 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Columbus
Columbus Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,166 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Columbus
Columbus Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,166 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Columbus
Columbus High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,337 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Columbus
Columbus High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,337 students · 17:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Columbus
Columbus High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,337 students · 17:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Columbus
Columbus High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,337 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Columbus’s public schools are run by Columbus Public Schools, which also serves Butler, Columbus and Duncan. 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 below the state in reading
Columbus vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Nebraska towns that share Columbus’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | C− | Columbus |
| Columbus Township | C | Lakeview PK–12 · Columbus PK–12 |
Every school in Columbus
15 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Nebraska’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Esu 7 Center, Esu 7 Learning Academy and Esu 7 Bridges).
Questions about Columbus’s schools
Are Columbus’s schools good?
On Nebraska’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Columbus children attend score below 79% of Nebraska’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #48 of 57 Nebraska towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 16%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Columbus in?
Columbus Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,171 students in 9 schools (2024–25).
Where do Columbus kids go to high school?
Columbus High School, with 1,337 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Columbus’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Columbus Public Schools graduated in four years, against 87% across Nebraska.
How much does Columbus spend per student?
$13,742 in Columbus Public Schools (FY2024), against $15,602 across Nebraska. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Columbus?
Yes: Scotus Central Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 7–12, 375 students), St. Isidore Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 273 students), St. Bonaventure Elementary School (Catholic, grades K–6, 200 students), Immanuel Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 195 students), St. Anthony School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 104 students) and Columbus Christian School (religious, grades PK–6, 24 students).
Parents talk
What Columbus families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Columbus → 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 Nebraska. Stars are from neighbors.