CPS enrollment expected to increase by about 600; Columbia is now Missouri’s fifth-largest district

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is now Missouri’s fifth-largest school district, with 18,213 students, a number that’s expected to grow by hundreds. The numbers are contained in CPS’ annual report, which has been mailed to district patrons.

The 18,213 number was total enrollment at the end of 2020-2021. CPS’ Michelle Baumstark notes this fall’s initial enrollment is up about 600. Official numbers will be updated this fall. CPS has a 13 to 1 student to teacher ratio.

The annual report notes CPS patrons have approved six bond issues in the past 11 years. CPS has opened the John Warner middle school, and the addition and renovation at Rock Bridge elementary school is underway. New softball fields and a practice field have been added at Hickman high school.

CPS maintains 799 acres, and has about 2.4 million square feet of roofs.