Columbia Elementary

Summary:

Columbia Elementary is a public elementary school located in Annandale, Virginia, serving grades PK-5 with a student population of 369. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools district, which is ranked 41 out of 130 school districts in Virginia and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Columbia Elementary consistently outperforms the Fairfax County and Virginia state averages in standardized test scores across multiple grade levels and subjects, including mathematics, science, and English reading. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 75.44% of 3rd graders, 76.81% of 4th graders, and 77.27% of 5th graders at Columbia Elementary were proficient or better in SOL/Mathematics, compared to 71.31% and 70.11% for Fairfax County and Virginia, respectively. The school also has a more diverse student population compared to some of the nearby schools, with a relatively even distribution of White, Hispanic, and Asian students, as well as a higher percentage of African American students.

While Columbia Elementary's overall performance is strong, there are some subgroups, such as students with disabilities and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, that perform relatively lower compared to their peers. Compared to the nearby schools, such as Belvedere Elementary and Beech Tree Elementary, Columbia Elementary generally outperforms them in academic metrics, particularly in mathematics and English reading proficiency rates.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 6720 Alpine Dr
       Annandale, VA  22003


(703) 916-2500

District: Fairfax County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
465th of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,986 Help


Students who attend Columbia Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Holmes Middle
High:    Annandale High

Student/teacher ratio:  13.0 Help
Number of students:  369

Racial breakdown:

White:
35.2%
Hispanic:
35.0%
African American:
12.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  42% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Columbia Elementary ranks better than 58.3% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks 68th among 137 ranked elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 61.98. (See more...)
Help
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
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Compare Details Columbia Elementary has the largest elementary school student body size in the Fairfax County Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Columbia Elementary is $11,986, which is the 63rd highest among 137 elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Columbia Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Elementary 465th of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See Columbia Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Fairfax County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Fairfax County Public Schools 41st of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Columbia Elementary.

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Rank History for Columbia Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 58.38 460th 1062 56.7%
2006 69.75 274th 1071 74.4%
2007 67.32 329th 1083 69.6%
2008 45.74 696th 1081 35.6%
2009 60.43 422nd 1082 61.0%
2010 46.46 710th 1113 36.2%
2011 58.96 469th 1117 58.0%
2012 66.77 327th 1117 70.7%
2013 54.58 532nd 1120 52.5%
2014 66.03 349th 1110 68.6%
2015 65.00 385th 1100 65.0%
2016 60.51 452nd 1096 58.8%
2017 58.71 483rd 1099 56.1%
2018 67.71 345th 1097 68.6%
2019 73.91 260th 1105 76.5%
2021 50.83 577th 1103 47.7%
2022 77.82 232nd 1109 79.1%
2023 72.23 309th 1114 72.3%
2024 61.98 465th 1114 58.3%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 68.26 87th 300 71.0%
2024 76.91 58th 306 81.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 49.26 563rd 1036 45.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 71.82 299th 1100 72.8%
2024 51.71 588th 1098 46.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 49.04 228th 355 35.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 69.96 314th 1093 71.3%
2024 67.40 370th 1101 66.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 53.42 304th 579 47.5%
2024 48.82 328th 588 44.2%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 77.61 101st 564 82.1%
2024 68.57 176th 580 69.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Columbia Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 78.00 140th 984 85.8%
2024 70.09 261st 979 73.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for White Students!

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

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Columbia Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Open Quote Very involved, concerned and compassionate professional staff. Responsive and informed. I have found you get as much from this school as you put in, like most things in life. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Columbia Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 399 399
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 411 411
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 461 461
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 473 473
1993 272 43 51 46 0 n/a n/a 0 412
1994 256 45 52 53 0 n/a n/a 0 406
1995 233 66 51 43 0 n/a n/a 0 393
1996 233 66 51 43 0 n/a n/a 0 393
1997 260 60 61 42 0 n/a n/a 0 423
1998 281 53 60 44 0 n/a n/a 0 438
1999 282 28 58 44 0 n/a n/a 0 412
2000 269 49 54 47 0 n/a n/a -4 415
2001 254 44 56 54 0 n/a n/a 0 408
2002 185 55 61 48 0 n/a n/a 34 383
2003 185 55 61 48 0 n/a n/a 34 383
2004 147 66 59 59 1 n/a n/a 40 372
2005 125 76 56 60 1 n/a n/a 44 362
2006 133 67 72 53 1 n/a n/a 33 359
2007 118 61 77 59 0 n/a n/a 34 349
2008 129 56 78 78 0 n/a n/a 36 377
2009 131 60 75 82 0 n/a n/a 38 386
2010 142 57 78 89 0 n/a n/a 32 398
2011 146 67 68 115 1 1 14 0 412
2012 146 69 78 135 0 1 21 0 450
2013 155 77 71 129 0 1 19 0 452
2014 163 69 85 142 0 0 21 0 480
2015 154 68 84 145 0 0 20 0 471
2016 150 76 86 141 0 0 19 0 472
2017 155 79 81 155 0 0 32 0 502
2018 167 80 84 141 1 0 30 0 503
2019 160 74 79 139 3 0 34 0 489
2020 154 79 69 136 0 0 30 0 468
2021 131 70 51 133 0 0 28 0 413
2022 148 58 47 127 1 0 29 0 410
2023 130 45 45 129 0 0 20 0 369

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 Columbia Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 399 24.0 16.6 n/a
1990 411 25.2 16.3 n/a
1991 461 25.5 18.0 n/a
1992 473 26.0 18.1 n/a
1993 412 3.5 117.7 n/a
1994 406 24.4 n/a 9.6
1995 393 n/a 0.0 10.7
1996 393 n/a 0.0 10.7
1997 423 n/a 0.0 10.6
1998 438 n/a 0.0 13
1999 412 27.0 15.3 16.7
2000 415 n/a 0.0 19.3
2001 408 27.0 15.1 16.9
2002 383 31.8 12.0 23.5
2003 383 31.8 12.0 23.5
2004 372 31.4 11.8 27.1
2005 362 30.0 12.1 30.2
2006 359 35.0 10.3 32.2
2007 349 37.6 9.3 32.4
2008 377 24.0 15.7 30.8
2009 386 25.0 15.4 33
2010 398 23.0 17.3 35.5
2011 412 26.5 15.5 36.2
2012 450 34.0 13.2 36.2
2013 452 33.9 13.3 36.3
2014 480 35.3 13.5 37.1
2015 471 37.0 12.7 37.4
2016 472 33.0 14.3 35.6
2017 502 33.2 15.1 34.3
2018 503 33.8 14.8 36.4
2019 489 32.9 14.8 32.9
2020 468 33.2 14.0 37.8
2021 413 33.6 12.2 n/a
2022 410 32.5 12.5 43.2
2023 369 28.2 13.0 42

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 Columbia Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 399 24.0 16.6 n/a
1990 411 25.2 16.3 n/a
1991 461 25.5 18.0 n/a
1992 473 26.0 18.1 n/a
1993 412 3.5 117.7 n/a
1994 406 24.4 n/a 9.6
1995 393 n/a 0.0 10.7
1996 393 n/a 0.0 10.7
1997 423 n/a 0.0 10.6
1998 438 n/a 0.0 13
1999 412 27.0 15.3 16.7
2000 415 n/a 0.0 19.3
2001 408 27.0 15.1 16.9
2002 383 31.8 12.0 23.5
2003 383 31.8 12.0 23.5
2004 372 31.4 11.8 27.1
2005 362 30.0 12.1 30.2
2006 359 35.0 10.3 32.2
2007 349 37.6 9.3 32.4
2008 377 24.0 15.7 30.8
2009 386 25.0 15.4 33
2010 398 23.0 17.3 35.5
2011 412 26.5 15.5 36.2
2012 450 34.0 13.2 36.2
2013 452 33.9 13.3 36.3
2014 480 35.3 13.5 37.1
2015 471 37.0 12.7 37.4
2016 472 33.0 14.3 35.6
2017 502 33.2 15.1 34.3
2018 503 33.8 14.8 36.4
2019 489 32.9 14.8 32.9
2020 468 33.2 14.0 37.8
2021 413 33.6 12.2 n/a
2022 410 32.5 12.5 43.2
2023 369 28.2 13.0 42

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 Columbia Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $195 (2.0%) $9,513 (98.0%) $9,708
2020 $217 (2.1%) $10,241 (97.9%) $10,458
2021 $344 (2.9%) $11,642 (97.1%) $11,986

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Columbia Elementary

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 260th of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 309th of 1114 Elementary schools
 4.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Columbia Elementary)8476.8
 7.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8571.3
 13.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (Columbia Elementary)7471.6
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7269.6
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Columbia Elementary)9073.8
 16.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8673.8
 12.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (Columbia Elementary)8474.6
 9.4%
   4th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7776.3
 0.8%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Columbia Elementary)8580.4
 4.6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)7763
 14%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (Columbia Elementary)9381.7
 11.3%
   5th Grade Science (Fairfax County Public Schools)8170.7
 10.3%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (Columbia Elementary)9492.5
 1.5%
   5th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8075.6
 4.4%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%
6th Grade Mathematics (Columbia Elementary)100100
   6th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8775
 12%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857
 21%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students489369
 24.5%
African American7445
 39.2%
American Indian30
 100%
Asian7945
 43%
Hispanic139129
 7.2%
Pacific Islander00
White160130
 18.8%
Two or More Races3420
 41.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients32.9%42%
 9.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Elementary

Students at Columbia Elementary are 35% White, 35% Hispanic, 12% African American, 12% Asian, 5% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 369 students attended Columbia Elementary.

Columbia Elementary ranks 465th of 1114 Virginia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Columbia Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Holmes Middle
High : Annandale High


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





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