Columbia has consistently offered one of the finest school systems in the nation. Both the public and private schools offer a wide variety of programs to suit most any need. Additionally, Columbia offers a choice for those seeking higher education. With three colleges within the city limits, higher education plays a major economic and social role.

Public Schools

Columbia Public Schools continue to earn national and state honors for excellence in education. Enrollment is over 16,000 students and Columbia produces a very high rate of college bound graduates and merit scholars. In addition, Columbia implements several programs such as Parents As Teachers (a free educational program for parents with young children), Partners in Education (a program that works with local businesses), and many more.

Private & Parochial Schools

Several different private and parochial schools are available in the Columbia area. A few of these schools are: Christian Fellowship School, a non-denominational, church-based school with approximately 300 students (K-12); Columbia Catholic School (573-445-6516), which offers education for children K-8; Columbia Independent School, which offers grades 6-12; and Morningside School (573-447-3636) which offers grades K-7.

Colleges

The University of Missouri–Columbia has approximately 16,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate and professional students, and offers a choice of over 200 degrees through its 18 colleges and schools, a few of which are Journalism, Law, Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.

Columbia College is a private college that offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees. Students may enroll in classes at the home campus in Columbia, or in the Extended Studies Division at one of the many sites around the country.

Stephens College is the only four–year women’s college in Missouri (men may enroll in graduate programs). A private college, Stephens offers 23 majors and 20 minors, and a few master degree programs.