3305 5th St N
Columbus, MS 39705

We did not like this school at all. My child who has a medical condition would get sent home early by the nurse for reasons such as her head hurting all the time. Apparently they expect you to write a note for the next day when your child gets sent home early as well, or you will get contacted because the absence is considered unexcused. I am so glad that we were finally able to switch schools.

I host exchange students. I will no longer allow future students to attend Columbus High. The local private schools are affordable, offer better sports opportunities, and have acceptable college prep as standard curriculum (not just for the chosen few). Both of my exchange students reported the same problems I observed. Teachers don't give homework, very few students ever do it anyway. Teachers are not allowed to stop students from playing on phones or sleeping (I observed as much as 2/3 of the students completely ignoring teachers) in the general population. There is a strong failure culture among the poorest students, and they will bully anyone getting good grades and raising the curve. This was a problem for both of my exchange students. Pregnant students are normal and plentiful - as are STDs, according to the health department reports. Poverty is a big driver of behavior problems. Too many students have no adult supervision at home or support (lots of single relative's raising grandkid or siblings). The situation is tragic and NOT THE FAULT of the school administration. They sincerely try but are completely overwhelmed. School funding is ridiculously HIGH. The district has a $74+ million budget, so funding is not the problem (spending however...). The district in the city had a block party (pre-covid) when they finally got a "D" and the average student was "only" 2 years behind grade average. They have slipped since then but have not been re-rated with the "F" that is expected. Good things: breakfast and lunch are free (100% low-income school). This school produces a national champion sports kid every few years, the coaches are top notch. Arts and music is quite good, but supplies can be an issue. Graduation from here guarantees 2 free years at East Mississippi Community College. Student safety is very good & violence is delt with ASAP (normally girl fights). If you are interested in academics or careers, about 15% of the students qualify for the career program with training in ten careers to include nursing, building trades, automotive, or advanced STEM courses. These are quite excellent, but completely separate from the general student population (and the only reason to attend this school!). Any excessive absenteeism or problems and the students get booted back to general population. The few openings are very competitive, and a parent will need to strongly advocate to get their child enrolled.

This school is not equipped to handle children with emotional disabilities and would rather send a child home than work with any behavioral issues. There are a few teachers at Cook who care but as soon as a child becomes comfortable with a good teacher, the teacher gets moved. The director,of special education for the entire district has no idea about how to work with children who have special needs. This is by far the worst school district for a child with any special needs, I will move my child to another school district as soon as I find another school for him in the area!!

i love this scchool the teachers take time with the students and i think it is a great school overall.

This school is great I have 3 boys that go there and one that will be there next year. the teachers are wonderful and the main thing they want is your child to learn and know what they are learning. i love franklin. they are patient and kind and offer alot of parent and student breakfast i love those days.

My child attends this school and I am more than pleased. There are great teachers and staff that work harmoniously with each other. They teach not only academics but also the needed attributes for their future lives. I know this is why they are a High Performing School as they should be. I invite anyone to place their child at this school because they are indeed doing all of the necessary requirements for your child's success.

Just trying to register my child and cant get through