Score a Top-Notch Education in Columbus, GA
The region’s schools and programs prepare students for local, in-demand careers.
Greater Columbus schools play a pivotal role in preparing students for success in careers and in life. From fine arts schools and magnet programs to career and technical education and private schools, the Columbus region offers students and their families an impressive menu of high-quality educational options.
The Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, for example, offers a unique and enriching educational experience that provides students with numerous advantages. The school’s specialized focus on the arts allows students to cultivate their creative talents and passions, fostering an environment of self-expression and artistic growth.
Class Acts
Part of the Muscogee County School District, the school is a K-12 Steinway Select School that boasts a piano lab, black box theater, dance studios, art gallery, dark room, practice rooms, digital editing rooms, film edit suite, film screening auditorium and a 650-seat concert hall.
The region also offers several specialty private schools, including Emanuel Preparatory School of Math and Science, a private Christian school for elementary school boys. The school uses STEM and project-based learning models to teach students leadership skills, such as critical thinking, communication and teamwork. An inquiry and discovery lab, as well as an outdoor learning center, encourage students to explore, experiment and problem-solve.
Focused on the Future
Both the Muscogee County School District and the Harris County School District offer Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programming, which emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Students actively engage in real-world projects and simulations that mirror industry environments.
“The school district is the first part of the workforce development pipeline, and it plays a significant role in preparing students to be college and career ready,” says Victoria Thomas, director of career, technical and agricultural education for the Muscogee County School District.
“This involves purposeful career exploration, which evolves into skill development that equips students to be eligible for immediate employment or to continue to a postsecondary institution before beginning their careers.”
The district’s high schools offer CTAE programs in 16 career cluster areas as well as work-based learning programs. Middle schools offer career exploration programs in nine career areas, and many of the district’s elementary schools offer computer science and STEM-related instruction.
“The philosophy of CTAE is to provide students with real-world application of core academic content – English, math, science and social studies. Therefore, the goal is to provide all students, even those who are bound for a four-year university, with opportunities to explore careers.”
Victoria Thomas, Muscogee County School District
On the Right Pathways
The Harris County School District offers a diverse range of CTAE programs – including computer science and cybersecurity, early childhood education, construction and health care – that prepare students to enter the workforce with highly sought-after skills.
The Computer Science & Cybersecurity program is just one example of the rigorous courses the district provides.
“Students have the opportunity to develop technical expertise while also gaining a solid foundation in academic subjects,” says Tyler Dunn, CTAE and Science & Technology Center director for the Harris County School District.
In its health care pathways, the district collaborated with the Mercer University School of Medicine to address the health care needs in the community through a rural health care program called Mercer Medicine Harris County.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
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“This program not only provides primary care physicians to our citizens but also offers internship opportunities for our health care pathway students,” Dunn says.
The district reviews local and regional labor market reports to determine the current and projected workforce needs and tailors CTAE programming accordingly. The district regularly collaborates with local employers to ensure students are prepared for local workforce demands.
“We invite businesses … to collaborate with us and provide educational opportunities for our students. In the past, we have organized specific open-house nights where students can showcase their talents to industry representatives,” Dunn says. “Several of our CTAE Pathway programs include advisory councils comprising industry and community representatives, who review our labs and curriculum and ensure our students are prepared for the local workforce.”
Get to Know Columbus
Want to learn more about living and working in Columbus, GA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greater Columbus, Georgia.
