Total enrollment
49,097
+1,662 (+4%) vs SY 2020-21
80 schools in Columbia
South Carolina · Public K-12
Across Columbia, 80 public K-12 schools serve approximately 49,097 students across 43 elementary, 12 middle, and 19 high.
4-year change in Columbia
SY 2020-21 vs SY 2024-25School count
75
0 (0%) vs SY 2020-21
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
Residents
139,643
all ages · ACS 5-yr
Students
49,097
public K-12 · NCES
Schools
80
public K-12
About Columbia
Public education in Columbia, South Carolina runs across 80 schools that educates roughly 49,097 students. By footprint, Columbia sits in the expansive bracket.
Looking at the level breakdown, the city consists of 43 elementary, 12 middle, 19 high, and 6 other.
Over the past 4-year window. Total public-school enrollment in Columbia has increased 4% since SY 2020-21, moving from about 47,435 students to 49,097.
On allk12, the community for Columbia discusses school events, board meetings, and seasonal calendars. Anyone with firsthand knowledge of these schools is welcome to weigh in.