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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 5,210 students in Columbus, IN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, IN are Southside Elementary School, Rockcreek Elementary School and Parkside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, IN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the Indiana public pre school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 39% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Indiana public preschool average of 36% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Columbus, IN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1320 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Gr: PK-6 | 891 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Rockcreek Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
13000 E 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1400 Parkside Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Gr: PK-6 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #44.
W D Richards Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3311 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Gr: PK-6 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #55.
L F Smith Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4505 Waycross Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Gr: PK-6 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #66.
Lillian Schmitt Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2675 California
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Gr: PK-6 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #77.
Csa Fodrea Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2775 Illinois St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
Clifty Creek Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4625 E 50 N
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Gr: PK-6 | 705 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #99.
Mount Healthy Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
12150 S Sr 58
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Gr: PK-6 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Richard L Johnson Early Educ Center
1209 S Sycamore St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Gr: PK | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 33%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, IN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, IN include Southside Elementary School, Rockcreek Elementary School and Parkside Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
10 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Indiana public preschools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

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