Choosing among Columbus, GA, high schools starts with a short list. The Muscogee County School District's high school directory names seven campuses: Carver, Hardaway, Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy, Kendrick, Northside, Shaw, and Spencer. The district's magnet pages also place a college-preparatory program at Columbus High School, so families will see that name too.

Where the schools are

Carver sits at 3100 Eighth Street and Hardaway at 2901 College Drive, both with 31906 addresses. Jordan is at 3200 Howard Avenue, and Spencer is at 1000 Fort Benning Road. Kendrick is at 6015 Georgetown Drive in the 31907 area, while Northside (2002 American Way) and Shaw (7579 Raider Way) share the 31909 ZIP code. The district lists a main phone number for each campus, which is the quickest way to ask about zoning and tours.

What each campus specializes in

The district's magnet listing gives most high schools a distinct focus. Carver offers a STEM magnet with technology, medical science or advanced mathematics tracks, and Hardaway hosts the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Kendrick runs an academy of communication arts and design, Northside centers on engineering and biotechnology with project-based coursework, and Shaw houses a mass communication academy. Spencer focuses on computer science and game design, and Columbus High School carries the college-preparatory magnet built around Advanced Placement coursework. Jordan is organized as a college and career academy, with career pathways, dual enrollment and internships.

Programs that ask for a commitment

Two options serve students in grades 6 through 12 rather than a single high school campus. Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts is the district's visual and performing arts magnet, and Lighthouse Virtual Academy is a fully online choice. The district's page describes Lighthouse as a yearlong commitment for students and parents, with limited space and no transportation. Check which school year it currently covers. Spencer's computer science pathway asks something similar: families are expected to commit to a rigorous academic track for the whole high school career, so it is worth asking what that means before applying.

How to narrow the list

Start with what your student wants to do after graduation. A teen drawn to design or media will find a different fit at Kendrick or Shaw than one headed toward engineering at Northside or the International Baccalaureate track at Hardaway. Students interested in early college credit, internships, or apprenticeships may want a close look at Jordan's career pathways and dual enrollment, which the district offers to juniors and seniors.

The magnet page does not spell out a general application process or eligibility rules for every program, so do not assume one set of steps covers all of them. Use the district's Magnet & Academy Applications link or call the school directly to learn deadlines, requirements, and how transportation works for the program you want. Ask about attendance zones too, since the right campus for your address may not be the one with the program you are eyeing.

Before you commit, visit if the school allows it, talk with the counselors, and compare the course lists side by side. This guide is a starting point based on the district's published pages, not a ranking, and details can change year to year. Confirm everything with the district before you plan around it.