📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (Georgia Milestones 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
Georgia: 6 Rated Districts
Georgia Milestones 2024–25 · percentile among Georgia districts
| Rank in GA | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Harris County School District | Hamilton | 10/10 Excellent | 92nd |
| #2 | Chattahoochee County School District | Cusseta | 7/10 Good | 63rd |
| #3 | Marion County School District | Buena Vista | 3/10 Below Average | 25th |
| #4 | Muscogee County School District | Columbus | 3/10 Below Average | 24th |
| #5 | Stewart County School District | Lumpkin | 2/10 Poor | 18th |
| #6 | Talbot County School District | Talbotton | 1/10 Poor | 2nd |
Alabama: 2 Rated Districts
EDFacts 2021–22 · percentile among Alabama districts
| Rank in AL | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Phenix City City School District | Phenix City | 6/10 Average | 55th |
| #2 | Russell County School District | Phenix City | 6/10 Average | 54th |
Best School Districts in the Columbus, GA-AL Metro Area (2026)
This metro area crosses state lines, so it is shown as one table per state. Each state rates its districts on its own test, and a 9/10 in one state is not comparable with a 9/10 in another.
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from Georgia Milestones 2024–25 (Georgia); EDFacts 2021–22 (Alabama) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Georgia part of the Columbus, GA-AL metro area? ▼
Among the 6 rated districts in the Georgia part of the Columbus, GA-AL metro area, the highest-rated is Harris County School District (Hamilton), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 92nd percentile of Georgia districts on Georgia Milestones 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
What is the best-rated school district in the Alabama part of the Columbus, GA-AL metro area? ▼
Among the 2 rated districts in the Alabama part of the Columbus, GA-AL metro area, the highest-rated is Phenix City City School District (Phenix City), rated 6/10 (Average) and in the 55th percentile of Alabama districts on EDFacts 2021–22 reading and math proficiency.
Can I compare districts across state lines here? ▼
No. Each state uses its own assessment, so ratings and percentiles are only comparable among districts in the same state. Full methodology here.