MO
re Knowledge:
K-12 Education in Columbia.
Columbia, Missouri is a city that invests in its future — and it shows in its schools. Whether you’re returning with toddlers or teens, you’ll find public and private K–12 education options that are academically strong, socially supportive, and future-ready.
Columbia Public Schools (CPS)
Columbia Public Schools is the fourth-largest school district in Missouri, serving 18,370 students across 22 elementary schools, seven middle schools and four high schools, along with the Columbia Area Career Center, early-childhood programming and the Boone County Nature School.
Accolades & Highlights:
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Fully accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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All four district high schools and the Columbia Area Career Center are A+ designated
List Item Description -
82.2% of AP students earned a score of 3 or higher on AP exams in 2024–25
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Graduation rate above the state average (91.6%)
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Offers STEM learning, gifted education, early-college opportunities and career and technical education
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Emphasis on equity and inclusion, with services providing specialized support for multilingual learners, students with disabilities and students requiring additional academic assistance
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Rock Bridge and Hickman were ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among public high schools in the Columbia area by Niche for 2026
Public School Locator Tool
Enrollment Info
Columbia Area Career Center
Private & Parochial School Options
Columbia offers a wide range of private K–12 options for families seeking smaller class sizes, faith-based instruction, or specialized learning environments. Many have strong academic reputations and long histories in the community.
Christian Fellowship School
PreK–12, faith-based, strong college prep program
Established in 1981, Christian Fellowship School (CFS) is a well-established Pre-School through 12th grade private school alternative for families in the Columbia area. CFS provides an academically challenging curriculum with a Christian perspective, partnering with Christian parents from over 40 congregations to provide a nurturing, yet structured atmosphere for learning. Our instructional goals are based upon knowledge, faith and character and are intended to develop the student’s mind, as well as their spiritual life and character.
Columbia Independent School (CIS)
Non-sectarian PreK–12 with international curriculum, arts, and strong college prep
Heritage Academy
Independent Christian school offering individualized attention and dual-credit options
Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School
Catholic K–8, known for academic rigor and character formation
Fr. Tolton Catholic High School
Catholic college-prep high school with a growing reputation for academics and athletics
Fr. Tolton Catholic High School is Columbia’s first Catholic college-preparatory high school, serving students in grades 9–12. Open to students of all faith traditions, Tolton combines a rigorous academic curriculum with faith formation, service, athletics and extracurricular activities.
Calvary Lutheran High School
Offers small classes and faith-based high school education
Islamic School of Columbia
Elementary-level education with religious and academic instruction
Columbia is a Place Where Kids (and Families) Can Thrive
Whether you’re returning for a better lifestyle or a fresh start, Columbia’s schools provide a strong foundation for your child’s future — and a supportive community for your whole family.