Columbia County is located in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of Georgia, approximately 135 miles east of Atlanta and five miles northwest of Augusta, the dominant urban center of the area. Columbia County, which encompasses a land area of 290 square miles and a population of 92,160, is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Georgia outside of the metro-Atlanta area. Rapid growth in the county has transformed the county from a rural neighbor of Augusta to a major suburban county. Columbia County is predominantly residential with household and per capita income levels that rank well above the state average. These factors combined with low-cost living, affordable housing, a premier school system, access to world-class health care and a mild climate marks the area as a destination of choice for many people.
AWARD WINNING SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Columbia County School System has established a pattern for consistent excellence and achievement making it one of the premier school systems in the state of Georgia. Columbia County students at the elementary and secondary school level consistently excel at a level greater than their peers at both the state and national level in the areas of academic achievement.
Expansion Magazine, a leading national publication for expansion and relocation, has honored Columbia County School System with a “Blue Ribbon” rating. This Blue Ribbon rating is determined by evaluating college-board scores, graduation rates, and the community’s financial commitment to education. Expansion Magazine has evaluated school districts around the country for the past 15 years.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
The Columbia County School System currently operates seventeen elementary schools, pre-kindergarten through fifth grade; eight middle schools with grades six through eight, five high schools, grades nine through twelve and one alternative school, grades six through twelve. Building new or renovating and upgrading existing facilities is a constant process which enables the Columbia County School System to maintain leading edge facilities and accommodate future growth while providing a world class education for all students.
