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Below Average

#789 of 966 schools in NE

Columbus Middle School

Middle School · COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2200 26TH ST PO BOX 947, Columbus, NE 68602

Enrollment

1,207

Student-Teacher

16.3:1

Score

4.8

Grades

5th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Columbus

#4 of 10

public schools

Nebraska middle schools

#106 of 133

In district

#1 of 7

COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

About Columbus Middle School

Columbus Middle School serves 1,207 students in grades 5 through 8 in Columbus, Nebraska, making it a substantial educational institution for the community. With 74 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.3:1, providing reasonable class sizes for middle school learners. The school currently ranks 806th out of 974 middle schools statewide, placing it in the 17th percentile with room for academic growth.

Academic performance shows 37% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 36% reach proficiency in Mathematics. These metrics indicate the school is working to strengthen student outcomes across core subject areas. As a regular public middle school, Columbus Middle School serves the transitional years when students develop critical thinking skills and prepare for high school.

The substantial enrollment of over 1,200 students suggests the school offers diverse programs and activities that can benefit from economies of scale, though specific program details vary. Columbus Middle School is situated in the remote town of Columbus in Platte County, providing education in a close-knit community setting where families often value strong local connections and personalized attention that comes with small-town educational environments.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.9Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.43 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.3Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36%
Reading/ELA Proficiency37%
Overall Proficiency37%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected-12.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile24th
Resources & Environment3.6Fair25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,223

Columbus Middle School — Students at Columbus Middle School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

62.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 40.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 40.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from NE state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
47%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
39%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
36%
ELA
37%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.9/10.

How Columbus Middle School Compares

See how Columbus Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
18th percentile in NE
Academic
4.3/10
4.3/10
Growth
5.9/10
Above average
Environment
3.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
74 teachers

Location

2200 26TH ST PO BOX 947, Columbus, NE 68602

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbus Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 9.0/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Bellwood), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST ANTHONY SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PLATTE CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Platte Center), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.5 mi
School Distance Rating
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 0.3 mi 5.3
NORTH PARK ELEMENTARY Columbus 0.3 mi 4.0
EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 0.4 mi 3.5
KRAMER EDUCATION CENTER Columbus 0.7 mi
ST BONAVENTURE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 0.8 mi 6.4
LOST CREEK ELEMENTARY SCH Columbus 1.1 mi 4.2
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Columbus 1.1 mi
ST ANTHONY SCHOOL Columbus 1.4 mi 7.0
ST ISIDORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 1.2 mi 5.4
COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 1.4 mi 4.7
WEST PARK ELEMENTARY Columbus 1.3 mi 4.2
CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 2.0 mi 3.8
LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 4.0 mi 6.6
LAKEVIEW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 4.0 mi 6.4
SHELL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 4.8 mi 5.8
CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 8.6 mi
RICHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Richland 7.4 mi 4.4
BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bellwood 9.1 mi 9.0
PLATTE CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Platte Center 9.5 mi 7.0
ST JOHNS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Columbus 12.5 mi 4.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
IRVING MIDDLE SCHOOL Lincoln, NE 4.7
BRYAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.5
BEVERIDGE MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.2
GOODRICH MIDDLE SCHOOL Lincoln, NE 5.4
SCHOO MIDDLE SCHOOL Lincoln, NE 5.4
LEWIS & CLARK MIDDLE SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbus Middle School

What grades does Columbus Middle School serve?

Columbus Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Columbus Middle School?

Columbus Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,207 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbus Middle School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbus Middle School rank in NE?

Columbus Middle School is ranked #789 out of 966 schools in NE.

What is Columbus Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbus Middle School has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Columbus Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbus Middle School has 40.7% math proficiency and 40.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Columbus Middle School a charter school?

No, Columbus Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Columbus Middle School a Title I school?

No, Columbus Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbus Middle School?

62.6% of students at Columbus Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
67 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
52 Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,016/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
1,207
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
74
Free/Reduced Lunch
62.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Platte County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Enrollment
4,145
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,835
District Rank
#1 of 7

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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