Columbia has a strong tradition of education and offers one of the finest school systems in the nation. Our schools, both public and private, offer a variety of educational programs.

Columbia is very supportive of education as evidenced by such community programs as Parents As Teachers, Caring Communities, Adventure Club and the city's Career Awareness and Related Experience Program (C.A.R.E.).

Elementary & Secondary Education

Public

 - Columbia Public Schools

Private

 - Apple School

- Children's House Montessori of Columbia

- Christian Chapel Academy

- Christian Fellowship School

- College Park Christian Academy

- Columbia Catholic School

- Columbia Independent School

- Columbia Montessori School

- Community Nursery Schools

- Garden Gate School

- Good Shepherd Lutheran School

- Heritage Academy

- Islamic School of Columbia

- Montessori Center for the Young Child

- The Moog School

- Shalom Christian Academy

- Stephens College Children's School

- Victory Baptist Church School

Higher Education

- Central Methodist University

- Columbia Area Career Center

- Columbia College

- Moberly Area Community College

- Stephens College

- University of Missouri-Columbia

- Westminster College

- William Woods University

Child Care

- Child Care Connection

- The Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network Mid-Missouri

- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Child Care