For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 2,957 students in Columbia County, FL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, FL are Belmont Academy, Columbia Virtual Instruction Program and Lake City Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, FL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Florida public middle school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 52% statewide average). Middle schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Florida public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public middle school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Belmont Academy
Charter School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1476 Sw Walter Ave
Lake City, FL 32024
(386) 487-0487
Lake City, FL 32024
(386) 487-0487
Gr: PK-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Columbia Virtual Instruction Program
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
372 W Duval St
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8020
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8020
Gr: K-12
Rank: #33.
Lake City Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
843 Sw Arlington Blvd
Lake City, FL 32025
(386) 758-4800
Lake City, FL 32025
(386) 758-4800
Gr: 7-8 | 809 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #44.
Columbia Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
372 W Duval St
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8053
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8053
Gr: 5-12 | 7 students
Rank: #55.
Fort White High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
17828 Sw State Road 47
Fort White, FL 32038
(386) 319-7272
Fort White, FL 32038
(386) 319-7272
Gr: 6-12 | 1,101 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Pathways Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1301 Nw Labonte Ln
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8296
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 755-8296
Gr: 6-12 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, FL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Columbia County, FL include Belmont Academy, Columbia Virtual Instruction Program and Lake City Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Columbia County?
7 public middle schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public middle schools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public middle schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Columbia County include: Columbia Virtual Instruction Program vs. Lake City Middle School, Lake City Middle School vs. Belmont Academy
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