Photo: Joseph E. B. Elliot · Public domainColumbia’s public schools score below 92% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
In Columbia, 13% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Columbia, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Pennsylvania, not nationally.
From Pennsylvania state tests taken in spring 2022, when 92% 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.
Columbia’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1257 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Columbia’s, its schools beat 1%, lower than their 8% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% of tested students were proficient in reading and 13% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 92% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
65–69% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania (the state reports Columbia’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,073 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Columbia MS Hill Campus, then Columbia HS. Enrollment is up 6% since 2022–23. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Our Lady of the Angels 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 Columbia’s grade
D: better than 8% of Pennsylvania school districts, #1,026 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Both inputs trail the Pennsylvania average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Columbia, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Columbia
Park El Sch
Grades K–4 · 511 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Columbia
Park El Sch
Grades K–4 · 511 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Columbia
Park El Sch
Grades K–4 · 511 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Columbia
Park El Sch
Grades K–4 · 511 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Columbia
Park El Sch
Grades K–4 · 511 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Columbia
Columbia MS Taylor Campus
Grades 5–6 · 202 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Columbia
Columbia MS Taylor Campus
Grades 5–6 · 202 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Columbia
Columbia MS Hill Campus
Grades 7–8 · 202 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Columbia
Columbia MS Hill Campus
Grades 7–8 · 202 students · 13:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Columbia
Columbia HS
Grades 9–12 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Columbia
Columbia HS
Grades 9–12 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Columbia
Columbia HS
Grades 9–12 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Columbia
Columbia HS
Grades 9–12 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Columbia’s public schools are run by Columbia Borough School District. 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
Columbia vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Columbia’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | D | Columbia Borough |
| West Hempfield | A− | Hempfield |
| Manor | A− | Penn Manor |
Every school in Columbia
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Pennsylvania’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Columbia’s schools
Are Columbia’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Columbia children attend score below 92% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #1,026 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 1%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Columbia in?
Columbia Borough School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,312 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Columbia kids go to high school?
Columbia HS, with 397 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Columbia’s graduation rate?
65–69% of the class of 2023 in Columbia Borough School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Columbia spend per student?
$19,073 in Columbia Borough School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Columbia?
Yes: Our Lady of the Angels School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 117 students).
Parents talk
What Columbia families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Columbia → 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 Pennsylvania. Stars are from neighbors.