Best Elementary Schools
in Columbus, Ohio
We ranked all 168 elementary schools in Columbus. The top 25 scored between 6.8 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
Columbus is one of Ohio's largest metros for elementary school choice, with 134 ranked schools spanning the city and its surrounding districts. Quality varies significantly across that field — the average composite score sits at 4.7 out of 10, meaning strong performers stand well above the middle. Maryland Elementary School leads all ranked schools with a 9.3, followed closely by Montrose Elementary at 9.1 and Stevenson Elementary at 8.9. Only 13 schools — roughly 10% of the ranked pool — score 7 or higher, so the table below is worth sorting carefully. Families searching for high performers will find them concentrated in specific districts rather than spread evenly across the metro. Use the filters and columns to compare schools by score, district, and other factors that matter most to your household. The data does the work; this page just puts it in one place.
Maryland Elementary School
COLUMBUS MONTESSORI EDUCATION CENTER
Montrose Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Columbus's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Ohio education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Ohio. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Columbus
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Columbus's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Columbus
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Columbus's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Ohio, with 168 schools spanning 84 school districts, plus 38 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Columbus, Ohio?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Maryland Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Columbus with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Columbus, Ohio?
Columbus has 168 elementary schools, including 38 charter schools. Of these, 158 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Columbus?
The average composite score for Columbus elementary schools is 5.0/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Ohio).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Ohio, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Ohio, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Columbus elementary school rankings?
Yes. Columbus has 38 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.