Columbus Middle School

Summary:

Columbus Middle School is a public middle school serving grades 6-8 in Columbus, Mississippi, with a student population of 667. The school is part of the Columbus Municipal School District, which is ranked 113 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's student body is predominantly African American (94% in 2022-2023).

Columbus Middle School consistently underperforms compared to the state average and nearby schools, such as Belle Shivers Middle School, Fifth Street School, Caledonia Middle School, and New Hope Middle School. In 2023-2024, the school's proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA) ranged from 19.8% to 20%, compared to the state average of 39.7% to 42%. In Mathematics, the school's proficiency rates ranged from 26.3% to 28.1%, compared to the state average of 51.8% to 57.2%. Additionally, Columbus Middle School has been ranked in the bottom quarter of Mississippi middle schools for the past several years, with a ranking between 215 and 251 out of 252 to 272 schools.

The high percentage of economically disadvantaged students (100% free and reduced lunch rate) and the relatively high student-teacher ratio (12.6 to 14.7 students per teacher) at Columbus Middle School may be contributing factors to the school's poor academic performance. These challenges can make it difficult to provide the necessary resources and individualized attention for student success. While the data suggests significant room for improvement, addressing the underlying factors and implementing targeted interventions could potentially help the school improve its educational outcomes for its students.

Detail:

Public 6-8

175 Highway 373
Columbus, MS 39705

(662) 241-7300

District: Columbus Municipal School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
240^th of 264 Mississippi Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $12,781

Students who attend Columbus Middle School usually attend:

High:

Columbus High School

Feeder schools for Columbus Middle School:

Elementary:	Cook Elementary School
	Fairview Elementary School
	Franklin Academy
	Sale Elementary School
	More...
	Stokes Beard Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 13.3

Number of students: 667

Racial breakdown:

African American:

94.0%

Hispanic:

2.2%

White:

2.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Mississippi middle schools

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Columbus Middle School ranks worse than 90.9% of middle schools in Mississippi. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 12.64. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (94%), Hispanic (2.2%), White (2.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Columbus Middle School is 13.3. (See more...)

Compare Columbus Middle School employs 49.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Columbus Middle School is $12,781.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Columbus Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Columbus Middle School 240^th of 264 Mississippi public middle schools. (See Columbus Middle School in the ranking list.)

Columbus Municipal School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbus Municipal School District 113^th of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Columbus Middle School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MS State Percentile
2012	30.69	195^th	270	27.8%
2013	21.21	221^st	269	17.8%
2014	22.76	211^th	264	20.1%
2015	12.66	251^st	266	5.6%
2016	16.82	223^rd	260	14.2%
2017	15.89	230^th	272	15.4%
2018	15.39	215^th	252	14.7%
2019	11.32	237^th	264	10.2%
2021	11.59	232^nd	257	9.7%
2022	11.63	234^th	257	8.9%
2023	10.48	227^th	243	6.6%
2024	12.64	240^th	264	9.1%

See the entire list of Mississippi Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Mississippi Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Columbus Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2012	64	896	8	10	0	0	1	979
2013	66	874	10	10	0	1	1	962
2014	59	882	4	8	1	0	1	955
2015	61	853	4	7	0	0	0	925
2016	51	812	4	12	0	0	0	879
2017	52	767	6	14	0	0	5	844
2018	36	803	8	14	0	0	2	863
2019	33	775	8	15	0	0	2	833
2020	37	783	6	11	0	0	5	842
2021	31	752	3	14	0	0	6	806
2022	24	683	2	14	0	0	5	728
2023	14	627	1	15	0	0	10	667

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Columbus Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2012	979	71.2	13.7	89.1
2013	962	62.0	15.5	87.4
2014	955	72.3	13.2	90.7
2015	925	68.0	13.6	100
2016	879	67.0	13.1	100
2017	844	60.0	14.0	100
2018	863	59.1	14.5	100
2019	833	59.8	13.9	100
2020	842	57.4	14.6	100
2021	806	54.7	14.7	100
2022	728	57.4	12.6	100
2023	667	49.9	13.3	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Columbus Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2012	979	71.2	13.7	89.1
2013	962	62.0	15.5	87.4
2014	955	72.3	13.2	90.7
2015	925	68.0	13.6	100
2016	879	67.0	13.1	100
2017	844	60.0	14.0	100
2018	863	59.1	14.5	100
2019	833	59.8	13.9	100
2020	842	57.4	14.6	100
2021	806	54.7	14.7	100
2022	728	57.4	12.6	100
2023	667	49.9	13.3	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Columbus Middle School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$8,121
2018	$8,593
2019	$9,618
2020	$9,584
2021	$10,903
2022	$12,781

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Columbus Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 237^th of 264 Middle schools	Ranks 227^th of 243 Middle schools	3.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Middle School)	15.4	21.2	5.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Municipal School District)	15.4	21.2	5.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	33.6	40.3	6.7%
6th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Middle School)	20.8	10.6	10.2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Municipal School District)	20.8	10.6	10.2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	47.6	45.5	2.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Middle School)	17.4	16.9	0.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Municipal School District)	17.4	16.9	0.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	39	40.2	1.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Middle School)	24.2	20.1	4.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Municipal School District)	24.2	20.1	4.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	51.1	55.6	4.5%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Middle School)	13.6	19.8	6.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Columbus Municipal School District)	13.6	19.8	6.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	35.5	40.5	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Middle School)	10	17.3	7.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Columbus Municipal School District)	10	17.3	7.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	44.8	46.1	1.3%
8th Grade Science (Columbus Middle School)	26.8	29.7	2.9%
8th Grade Science (Columbus Municipal School District)	26.8	29.7	2.9%
8th Grade Science (Mississippi)	52.7	53.3	0.6%
End of Course Algebra I (Columbus Middle School)	64.3	45	19.3%
End of Course Algebra I (Columbus Municipal School District)	26.9	33.6	6.7%
End of Course Algebra I (Mississippi)	49.3	64.9	15.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	833	667	19.9%
African American	775	627	19.1%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	8	1	87.5%
Hispanic	15	15
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	33	14	57.6%
Two or More Races	2	10	400%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	100%	100%

Schools Near Columbus Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAAP English Language Arts (2024)				MAAP Mathematics (2024)				MAAP Algebra I (2024)	MAAP Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAAP Algebra I End of Course	MAAP Science 5th Grade	MAAP Science 8th Grade	Total
Columbus Middle School	Public	6-8	175 Highway 373	Columbus	39705	Lowndes County	Columbus Municipal School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 241-7300	667	50	13.3	100.0%	14 (2.1%)	627 (94.0%)	15 (2.2%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.5%)	12.6	240^th of 264 public middle schools	9.1%		10.5	227^th of 243 public middle schools	6.6%	13		20.0	19.8	19.8		26.3	26.8	28.1			40.6	$12,781
Caledonia Middle School	Public	6-8	105 Confederate Drive	Caledonia	39740	Lowndes County	Lowndes County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 356-2042	498	34	14.5	99.4%	376 (75.5%)	89 (17.9%)	20 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.6%)	90.7	16^th of 264 public middle schools	93.9%		91.6	11^th of 243 public middle schools	95.5%	5		57.8	57.9	58.8		79.0	78.3	76.9	100.0		76.0	$10,008
New Hope Middle School	Public	6-8	3419 New Hope Road	Columbus	39702	Lowndes County	Lowndes County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 244-4740	613	47	13.1	99.5%	332 (54.2%)	267 (43.6%)	4 (0.7%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.3%)	5 (0.8%)	68.5	75^th of 264 public middle schools	71.6%		69.4	73^rd of 243 public middle schools	70.0%	2		41.5	43.5	50.0		63.4	60.0	62.1	100.0		62.3	$10,721
Fifth Street School	Public	5-7	418 Fifth Street	West Point	39773	Clay County	West Point Consolidated School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 494-2191	526	46	11.4	100.0%	72 (13.7%)	432 (82.1%)	5 (1.0%)	5 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	11 (2.1%)	43.8	154^th of 264 public middle schools	41.7%		36.3	149^th of 243 public middle schools	38.7%	5	40.8	20.5	33.3		41.6	47.9	67.1			57.6		$13,285
Belle Shivers Middle School	Public	5-8	518 West Vine Street	Aberdeen	39730	Monroe County	Aberdeen School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 369-2649	352	33	10.6	100.0%	7 (2.0%)	337 (95.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.0%)	29.5	184^th of 264 public middle schools	30.3%		27	172^nd of 243 public middle schools	29.2%	12	43.2	13.7	28.4	19.1	29.6	62.1	60.2	27.0		51.1	33.8	$16,119

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus Middle School

How many students attend Columbus Middle School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 667 students attended Columbus Middle School.

What high school do graduates of Columbus Middle School attend?

Students who attend Columbus Middle School usually go on to attend Columbus High School

Is Columbus Middle School a good school?

Columbus Middle School ranks in the bottom 9.1% of Mississippi middle schools.

What is the racial makeup of Columbus Middle School?

Students at Columbus Middle School are 94% African American, 2% Hispanic, 2% White, 1% Two or more races.

What district is Columbus Middle School in?

Columbus Municipal School District

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.