Best Elementary Schools
in Columbus, Ohio
We ranked the 153 elementary schools in Columbus with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.3 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Columbus for 2026 are Maryland Elementary School (9.6/10), Montrose Elementary School (9.5/10), and Stevenson Elementary (9.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 153 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Columbus?
Every elementary school in Columbus is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Maryland Elementary School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Montrose Elementary School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Stevenson Elementary
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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
Montrose Elementary School
Stevenson Elementary
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 with weights that vary by school level:Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades.Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations.Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance.College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 153 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 9.6/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 5.6/10. 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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.