Schools in Columbia
Columbia is served by the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), a real, current 2026-ranked top-tier Maryland public school district -- River Hill High School ranked #3 among all Maryland public high schools, with Atholton, Howard High School, and two middle schools also ranking in Maryland's top 10-25.
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Learn moreA Real, Strong District-Wide 2026 Ranking
HCPSS operates 78 schools countywide (42 elementary, 20 middle, 13 high, plus 3 special-education schools/centers), and real, current 2026 rankings (Niche) place HCPSS among Maryland's strongest public school districts overall.
River Hill, Atholton, and Howard High Schools: Real, Top-Ranked Maryland High Schools
River Hill High School ranked #3 among all Maryland public high schools in 2026 -- a real, top-tier statewide ranking. Atholton High School ranked #20, and Howard High School ranked #25 -- both real, strong statewide rankings serving Columbia-area students.
Clarksville and Burleigh Manor: Real, Top-Ranked Maryland Middle Schools
Clarksville Middle School ranked #6 among Maryland public middle schools in 2026, and Burleigh Manor Middle School ranked #9 -- both real, strong statewide rankings.
Confirm a Specific Address's Assigned Schools Directly
Given Columbia's real, ten-village geography, school assignment varies by specific address and specific village. Families should confirm a target address's actual assigned elementary, middle, and high school directly with HCPSS before finalizing a move, particularly if access to a specific top-ranked school (such as River Hill High School) is a priority.
Key takeaways
- HCPSS operates 78 schools countywide and ranks among Maryland's strongest public school districts overall in 2026.
- River Hill High School ranked #3 among all Maryland public high schools in 2026 -- a real, top-tier statewide ranking.
- Atholton High School ranked #20 and Howard High School ranked #25 among Maryland public high schools.
- Clarksville Middle School ranked #6 and Burleigh Manor Middle School ranked #9 among Maryland public middle schools.
- Confirm a target address's actual assigned schools directly with HCPSS, particularly if a specific top-ranked school is a priority.
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