The 30 Best Elementary Schools in Maryland: Rankings and Performance Analysis

Maryland’s elementary education system consistently ranks among the nation’s strongest, with numerous schools achieving exceptional academic performance and maintaining high standards across diverse communities.

Parents seeking quality education for their children will find schools throughout the state that demonstrate excellence in student achievement, innovative teaching methods, and comprehensive support systems.

The following comprehensive analysis examines thirty of Maryland’s highest-performing elementary schools, evaluating their academic excellence, teaching quality, and unique programs that contribute to student success.

These institutions represent various counties and districts, offering families multiple options for exceptional elementary education while highlighting what makes each school distinctive in Maryland’s competitive educational landscape.

Here are the 30 best elementary schools in Maryland:

1. Seven Locks Elementary School

Seven Locks Elementary School stands among Maryland’s top-performing public elementary institutions. The school serves 372 students in grades kindergarten through fifth in Bethesda.

The school ranks within the top 5% of all public elementary schools statewide. It operates as part of Montgomery County Public Schools, which holds an 8th place ranking among Maryland’s 25 school districts.

Seven Locks Elementary maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.8 to 1. This ratio supports individualized attention and academic achievement across all grade levels.

The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. Students benefit from specialized instruction designed to challenge high-achieving pupils.

Located in Bethesda’s suburban setting, Seven Locks Elementary provides educational services to families in this established community. The school consistently ranks among Montgomery County’s highest-performing elementary schools.

2. Benfield Elementary School

Benfield Elementary School stands as one of Maryland’s premier educational institutions. Located in Severna Park, the school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.

The school ranks within the top 1% of all public elementary schools in Maryland. It operates as part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, which holds a 10th place ranking among Maryland’s 25 districts.

Benfield Elementary maintains a student population of approximately 455-462 students. The school offers a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced learners.

The student body composition includes 84% White students, 8% Hispanic students, and 4% Asian students. Class sizes remain manageable with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.6 to 1.

Benfield Elementary has earned recognition as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious designation honors schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement and educational excellence.

3. Bradley Hills Elementary School

Bradley Hills Elementary School ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Maryland. The school is located in Bethesda and serves 466 students in grades Kindergarten through 5.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. This ratio allows for focused attention on individual student needs.

Academic performance at Bradley Hills Elementary is strong. State test scores show 76% of students are proficient in math and 85% are proficient in reading.

Bradley Hills Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for advanced learners. The school operates within Montgomery County Public Schools, one of 142 elementary schools in the district.

The school consistently receives high ratings and recognition. It earned 5 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger and ranks among the top elementary schools statewide.

4. Bannockburn Elementary School

Bannockburn Elementary School stands among Maryland’s top-performing elementary institutions. Located in Bethesda, the school serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade within Montgomery County Public Schools.

The school earned recognition as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School. This designation highlights its academic excellence and overall performance standards.

Bannockburn consistently ranks in the top 1% of Maryland public elementary schools. The school received 88 out of 100 points on the Maryland State Department of Education accountability assessment, earning the highest score among elementary schools statewide.

The school enrolls approximately 420-424 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.2 to 1. This ratio allows for focused instruction and personalized attention.

Bannockburn Elementary maintains rigorous academic programs that contribute to its exceptional performance. The school’s location on Dalroy Lane places it in one of Montgomery County’s well-regarded educational districts.

5. Ocean City Elementary

Ocean City Elementary School in Ocean City, Maryland serves students in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, with an enrollment of about 540 students. It is part of Worcester County Public Schools.

The student-teacher ratio is low, around 11 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention. The school is fairly diverse: about 75 percent of students identify as White, roughly 14 percent Hispanic, with smaller percentages identifying as African American, Asian, or multiracial. Around 40-45 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Academically, the school’s outcomes are strong: proficiency in English Language Arts is above 80 percent, and in math is around 70-75 percent, both well above state averages.

Ocean City Elementary also offers a Gifted & Talented program and has earned high ratings in state performance and accountability measures, including among students from differing socioeconomic backgrounds.

6. Stone Mill Elementary School

Stone Mill Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Maryland. The school serves 534 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth in North Potomac.

The school operates as part of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of 142 elementary schools in the district. Stone Mill offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.

The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.6 to 1. This comprehensive PreK-5 elementary school is celebrating its 35th year of operation.

Stone Mill Elementary focuses on building relationships and community connections to support both academic and social-emotional development. The school’s diverse community provides a well-established foundation for student learning.

Staff members work to help children develop confidence as learners while encouraging academic risk-taking and excellence.

7. Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School

Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School opened in 2008 as the city’s first public Montessori institution. The school is located in Baltimore’s historic Greenmount West community within the Arts and Entertainment District.

The charter school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a total enrollment of 284 students. It maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 21.8 students per teacher.

Baltimore Montessori draws students from 26 different zip codes across the Baltimore area. The school was founded with a mission to build a diverse community of engaged learners in a small, family-like environment.

The institution transformed two vacant buildings and an empty lot to create its campus. Baltimore Montessori focuses on nurturing a love of learning through the Montessori educational approach.

8. Piney Branch Elementary School

Piney Branch Elementary School serves 599 students in grades 3-5 in Takoma Park, Maryland. The school operates within the Montgomery County Public Schools district.

The school ranks in the top 20% of all public elementary schools in Maryland. Within zip code 20912, Piney Branch Elementary stands out as the top performer among four schools in the area.

The school ranks in the top 12% of Maryland elementary schools according to performance metrics. This places it among the highest-achieving institutions in the state.

Piney Branch Elementary offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. The school is one of 142 elementary schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools system.

Montgomery County Public Schools is conducting a feasibility study for a major capital facility project at the school’s location on Maple Avenue.

9. Bloomingdale Elementary School

Bloomingdale Elementary School serves students in the Montgomery County Public Schools district. The school maintains a commitment to academic excellence and student development.

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects alongside enrichment programs. Students benefit from dedicated teachers who focus on individualized learning approaches.

Bloomingdale Elementary emphasizes STEM education and provides opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The school integrates technology into daily instruction to prepare students for future academic challenges.

The facility features modern classrooms and learning spaces designed to support various educational activities. Students have access to a library, computer lab, and other resources that enhance their educational experience.

Parent and community involvement plays an important role in the school’s success. The school maintains strong communication with families and encourages participation in school activities and events.

10. Glenallan Elementary School

Glenallan Elementary School serves 673 students in grades PreK-5 in Silver Spring, Maryland. The school operates within Montgomery County Public Schools, which ranks 8th out of 25 districts statewide.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.5 to 1. This allows for more individualized attention in classroom settings.

Glenallan Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for advanced learners. The school also provides four different sports programs for student participation.

The school’s mission focuses on creating one community with the shared goal of every student’s success. Their vision emphasizes developing a multicultural learning environment that builds character and 21st-century skills.

Located at 12520 Heurich Road, the school serves the Silver Spring community. Glenallan Elementary is one of 142 elementary schools operating within the Montgomery County Public Schools system.

11. Stoneleigh Elementary School

Stoneleigh Elementary School stands as one of Maryland’s top-performing public elementary institutions. The school consistently ranks within the top 15% of elementary schools statewide.

Located in Baltimore, this school serves 641 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It operates as part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district.

Students at Stoneleigh significantly outperform both district and state averages in mathematics and English language arts assessments. The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.5 to 1.

Stoneleigh offers a Gifted and Talented program for academically advanced students. The school reached as high as 7th place out of 865 Maryland elementary schools in recent rankings.

Parents seeking enrollment information can contact the school office at 443-809-3600. The office operates weekdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for registration assistance.

12. Thomas Johnson Elementary School

Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School stands as a high-performing institution in Baltimore’s public education system. The school serves 517 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Located in the Riverside neighborhood of South Baltimore, the school draws students from Riverside, Federal Hill, and Locust Point areas. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.1 to 1.

The school ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Maryland. Thomas Johnson has earned recognition as the highest performing elementary school in the Baltimore City Public Schools district based on standardized test scores.

The institution offers a Gifted and Talented program for academically advanced students. A higher percentage of teachers hold advanced professional degrees compared to district averages.

Recent rankings have placed Thomas Johnson among Baltimore’s top elementary schools, demonstrating consistent academic excellence within the city’s educational landscape.

13. William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School

William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School serves students in grades prekindergarten through fifth in Abingdon, Maryland. The school operates within the Harford County Public Schools district and was founded in 1956.

The school enrolls over 1,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13.7 to 1. It maintains a large student body compared to other Maryland elementary schools.

According to Maryland state assessments, 22% of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and 27% show proficiency in English language arts. These performance levels fall below the state average for elementary schools.

The school received the Family Friendly School Award in November 2023. This recognition highlights the institution’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for families and students.

William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary offers core subjects including English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and music education.

14. Catonsville Elementary School

Catonsville Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Maryland. The school serves 630 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth grade.

Located in Catonsville, Maryland, the school operates within the Baltimore County Public Schools district. It has earned recognition with a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award badge for educational excellence.

The school consistently receives high rankings based on standardized test scores and academic performance metrics. Catonsville Elementary stands out among local schools for its strong educational outcomes.

Students benefit from programs designed to support academic achievement across all grade levels. The school maintains a focus on providing quality elementary education to families in the Catonsville community.

Faculty and staff work to create an environment that promotes learning and student success. The school’s performance data demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence within Maryland’s public school system.

15. Williamsport Elementary School

Williamsport Elementary School ranks in the top 16% of all Maryland elementary schools. The school maintains a consistent 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Students at Williamsport Elementary significantly outperform both Washington County Public Schools district and state averages on MCAP assessments. This applies to both Mathematics and English Language Arts testing.

The school operates as a magnet school in Williamsport, Maryland. It offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.

Williamsport Elementary is one of 27 elementary schools within the Washington County Public Schools district. The school focuses on cultivating learning communities that encourage curiosity and creativity.

The institution has established itself as the top-performing elementary school in the Williamsport area. Its academic excellence places it among Maryland’s higher-ranked elementary schools.

16. Swansfield Elementary School

Swansfield Elementary School, located in Columbia, Maryland, is part of the highly respected Howard County Public School System.

Serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, Swansfield is known for its diverse and inclusive community, dedicated staff, and strong academic programs.

The school places a strong emphasis on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning, while also fostering creativity through art, music, and physical education.

Swansfield promotes a safe and respectful environment where every child is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Parents appreciate the school’s open communication, supportive leadership, and strong family engagement.

With a focus on equity and excellence, Swansfield Elementary prepares students to thrive academically and socially in a rapidly changing world.

It remains a top choice for families in the Columbia area seeking a well-rounded, community-focused elementary education.

17. Charlestown Elementary School

Charlestown Elementary School serves students in grades prekindergarten through fifth grade in Charlestown, Maryland. The school is part of the Cecil County Public Schools district and enrolls approximately 302 students.

The school ranks within the top 50% of all public elementary schools in Maryland. It consistently outperforms both state and district averages on standardized assessments in mathematics and reading.

Located in Cecil County, Charlestown Elementary stands out as one of the stronger-performing elementary schools in the region. The school has earned recognition for its academic achievement levels compared to other Maryland elementary institutions.

Students at Charlestown Elementary benefit from the school’s focus on foundational learning during these critical early education years. The school maintains its reputation as a solid educational option for families in the Charlestown area.

18. Westbrook Elementary School

Westbrook Elementary School, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is a top-performing public school within the Montgomery County Public Schools district.

Known for its academic excellence, Westbrook serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade in a nurturing, close-knit environment.

The school emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and science, while also encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

With a dedicated and experienced teaching staff, Westbrook fosters both academic achievement and personal growth.

Students benefit from enrichment programs in art, music, and physical education, along with a focus on character development and community involvement.

Parents praise the school’s welcoming atmosphere, high expectations, and strong home-school partnerships. Westbrook’s commitment to student success and its supportive school culture make it one of the most sought-after elementary schools in the Bethesda area.

19. Pleasant Plains Elementary School

Pleasant Plains Elementary School serves 521 students in grades PreK-5 in Towson, Maryland. The school operates within the Baltimore County Public Schools district.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.5 to 1 across its faculty. This ratio allows for manageable class sizes that can support individualized attention.

Pleasant Plains Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students. This specialized program provides enhanced learning opportunities for academically advanced children.

The school ranks in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools statewide in Maryland. It serves as one of 120 elementary schools within the Baltimore County Public Schools system.

Located in Towson, Pleasant Plains Elementary provides educational services to families in the surrounding community. The school follows standard district policies and curriculum guidelines established by Baltimore County Public Schools.

20. Elkridge Elementary School

Elkridge Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Maryland. The school serves 810 students across grades prekindergarten through fifth grade.

Located in Elkridge, Maryland, the school operates within the Howard County Public Schools district. This district holds a 5-star rating and ranks second out of 25 districts statewide.

The school provides educational services to a diverse student population in the Elkridge community. Students receive instruction in core academic subjects along with access to various extracurricular activities.

Howard County Public Schools maintains high academic standards across its elementary institutions. The district’s strong performance contributes to the quality of education students receive at Elkridge Elementary.

The school’s location in Howard County positions it within one of Maryland’s top-performing educational systems.

21. Norbeck Elementary School

Norbeck Elementary School serves students in Montgomery County Public Schools. The school operates within one of Maryland’s most recognized school districts.

The school focuses on providing foundational education to elementary-aged students. Teachers implement curriculum standards aligned with state requirements.

Norbeck Elementary maintains classroom environments designed for early childhood learning. The school offers programs that address different academic needs and learning styles.

Students at Norbeck Elementary participate in various educational activities throughout the school year. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and social development.

The facility includes standard elementary school resources such as classrooms, library spaces, and recreational areas. These resources support the daily educational activities and programs offered to students.

22. Highland Elementary School

Highland Elementary School serves over 530 students from Pre-K through fifth grade in Silver Spring, Maryland. The school sits approximately 12 miles north of Washington, D.C.

The student body represents significant cultural diversity. More than 80% of students speak a second language at home.

Highland Elementary ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Maryland. The school operates as part of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the state’s largest districts.

The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. Highland Elementary maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 11.6 to 1.

Located at 3100 Medway Street, the school serves the Silver Spring and surrounding communities. Highland Elementary is one of 142 elementary schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools system.

23. Calverton Elementary School

Calverton Elementary School serves 799 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade in Beltsville, Maryland. The school operates within the Prince George’s County Public Schools district.

The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.6 to 1. It offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students.

Academic performance shows 7% of students scoring at or above proficient level in mathematics. Reading proficiency reaches 30% of the student population.

Calverton Elementary ranks in the bottom 50% of Maryland public elementary schools. The school consistently places between 654th and 790th out of 855-865 schools statewide over recent years.

The school receives a 2 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools and a C rating from Niche. It stands as one of 160 elementary schools in the Prince George’s County system.

Calverton Elementary is located at 3400 Beltsville Road in Beltsville, Maryland.

24. Waverly Elementary School

Waverly Elementary School in Ellicott City serves 868 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. The school ranks within the top 5% of all public elementary schools in Maryland.

The school operates as part of Howard County Public Schools, which ranks 4th out of 25 districts statewide. Waverly maintains a consistent 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Students can participate in the school’s Gifted & Talented program. The school is one of 45 elementary institutions within the Howard County district.

Waverly earned recognition as the top-ranked elementary school in Howard County for 2024. It also received the number one ranking in the Baltimore area and third place statewide.

The school has maintained its position among Maryland’s top-performing elementary schools for over a decade. Test scores and academic performance contribute to these consistent high rankings.

25. Forest Oak Elementary School

Forest Oak Elementary School serves students in Montgomery County Public Schools in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.1 to 1, providing smaller class sizes for personalized attention.

Located in Gaithersburg, the school operates within one of Maryland’s largest and most established school districts. Montgomery County Public Schools consistently ranks among the top districts in the state.

The school’s location in Gaithersburg places it in a diverse suburban community with strong educational resources. Students benefit from the county’s comprehensive curriculum and support programs.

Forest Oak Elementary focuses on building foundational academic skills across core subject areas. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and character development for its student population.

The smaller student-to-teacher ratio allows educators to provide more individualized instruction and support. This structure helps teachers identify and address each student’s specific learning needs effectively.

26. Clopper Mill Elementary School

Clopper Mill Elementary School serves students in Germantown, Maryland as part of Montgomery County Public Schools. The school enrolls approximately 460-488 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth grade.

Located at 18501 Cinnamon Drive, the school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 12.4 to 1. This ratio allows for relatively small class sizes within the district.

The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for eligible students. This specialized program provides enhanced learning opportunities for academically advanced learners.

Clopper Mill Elementary is one of 142 elementary schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools system. The school emphasizes culturally responsive instruction and aims to provide equitable opportunities for all students.

Current rankings place the school within the bottom 50% of Maryland public elementary schools. The school community includes students, staff, parents, and local residents who collaborate to support educational goals.

27. Woodmore Elementary School

Woodmore Elementary School serves students in prekindergarten through 5th grade in Mitchellville, Maryland. The school operates within the Prince George’s County Public Schools district.

The school enrolls 411 students with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15-18 students per teacher. This ratio allows for more individualized attention in the classroom setting.

Woodmore Elementary ranks within the top 50% of all public elementary schools in Maryland. The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities.

The student population is predominantly African American, reflecting the demographics of the surrounding Mitchellville community. The school is one of 160 elementary schools within the Prince George’s County Public Schools system.

Woodmore Elementary provides educational services to families in both the Mitchellville and Bowie areas of Maryland.

28. Oak Crest Elementary School

Oak Crest Elementary School operates as a magnet school in Landover, Maryland. The school serves approximately 350-400 students from prekindergarten through sixth grade.

The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1. This ratio is lower than the Prince George’s County average of 16 to 1, providing students with more individualized attention.

Oak Crest Elementary employs approximately 25 full-time teachers. The school is located at 929 Hill Road in Landover, MD 20785.

As a magnet school, Oak Crest Elementary offers specialized educational programs designed to attract students from across the district. The magnet designation allows the school to provide unique academic opportunities and resources.

The school operates within Prince George’s County Public Schools system. Students and families can access various district-wide resources and support services through this affiliation.

29. Ballenger Creek Elementary School

Ballenger Creek Elementary School serves 709 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Frederick, Maryland. The school operates within Frederick County Public Schools, a district ranked fifth out of 25 districts statewide.

Located at 5250 Kingsbrook Drive, the school ranks within the top 50% of all public elementary schools in Maryland. This performance places it among the stronger academic institutions in the state.

The school is one of 45 elementary schools in the Frederick County Public Schools system. Frederick County Public Schools maintains a four-star rating from SchoolDigger, reflecting the district’s commitment to educational quality.

Ballenger Creek Elementary accepts new student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year through an online portal. The school’s location in Frederick provides families access to a well-established educational community with multiple school options nearby.

30. Fairhaven Elementary School

Fairhaven School operates as a private elementary institution in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade with a total enrollment of 60 students.

This smaller enrollment creates an intimate learning environment where students receive individualized attention. The low student-to-teacher ratio allows for more personalized instruction and closer monitoring of academic progress.

Fairhaven School ranks as the 288th largest private school within Maryland’s educational landscape. Nationally, it holds the position of 11,866th largest among private elementary institutions.

The school’s location in Upper Marlboro places it within Prince George’s County. This positioning provides families in the area with a private education alternative to public school options.

The extended grade range through eighth grade offers continuity for families seeking consistent educational philosophy and environment. Students can remain at Fairhaven throughout their elementary and middle school years.

What Sets Maryland’s Top Elementary Schools Apart

Maryland’s leading elementary schools distinguish themselves through rigorous STEM programs, comprehensive wraparound services, and strong family engagement initiatives. These institutions prioritize both academic excellence and student well-being through innovative teaching methods and community partnerships.

Academic Curriculum Innovations

Maryland’s top elementary schools implement advanced STEM curricula that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across grade levels. Many schools feature dedicated maker spaces and robotics labs where students engage in hands-on learning experiences.

These institutions utilize project-based learning approaches that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Students participate in interdisciplinary units that combine subjects like mathematics with environmental science or history with creative writing.

Dual-language immersion programs are common in high-performing schools, particularly in Montgomery County. Students develop bilingual proficiency while maintaining academic rigor in both languages.

Technology integration extends beyond basic computer literacy. Schools provide 1:1 device programs and incorporate coding instruction starting in kindergarten. Digital citizenship and media literacy form core components of the curriculum.

Advanced reading programs feature differentiated instruction that adapts to individual student needs. Many schools implement guided reading groups and provide accelerated tracks for advanced learners while offering intervention support for struggling readers.

Student Support Programs

Comprehensive mental health services include full-time counselors and social workers who address both academic and emotional needs. Schools provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning curricula.

Multi-tiered intervention systems ensure struggling students receive targeted support before academic gaps widen. Response to Intervention (RTI) programs offer small-group instruction and individualized learning plans.

Many top schools employ specialized support staff including reading specialists, math coaches, and English Language Learner coordinators. These professionals provide direct instruction and collaborate with classroom teachers.

Extended learning opportunities include before and after-school programs that combine academic support with enrichment activities. Summer learning programs prevent achievement gaps from expanding during breaks.

Schools maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and utilize paraprofessionals to provide additional classroom support. This staffing model ensures individual attention for students across all ability levels.

Community and Parental Involvement

Active parent-teacher organizations coordinate fundraising efforts that supplement school resources for technology, library materials, and enrichment programs. These groups often contribute thousands of dollars annually to enhance educational opportunities.

Schools establish volunteer programs that engage parents as classroom helpers, field trip chaperones, and special event coordinators. Many require specific volunteer hour commitments from families.

Community partnerships with local businesses and organizations provide guest speakers, mentorship opportunities, and real-world learning experiences. Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions offer educational programs tailored to elementary curricula.

Regular communication systems keep families informed through digital platforms, weekly newsletters, and parent conferences. Schools use multiple channels to ensure all families receive important updates regardless of language or technology access.

Family education workshops help parents support learning at home through sessions on reading strategies, homework assistance, and navigating educational technology. These programs strengthen the home-school connection essential for student success.

How to Evaluate an Elementary School in Maryland

Parents should examine official ratings, teacher credentials, and extracurricular programs when selecting an elementary school. Maryland offers multiple evaluation tools and standards that help families make informed decisions.

Accreditation and School Ratings

Maryland elementary schools receive ratings from several reputable organizations that measure academic performance and school quality. Niche provides comprehensive rankings based on test scores, parent reviews, and demographic data. GreatSchools offers ratings from 1-10 scales for over 4,700 Maryland schools.

SchoolDigger ranks all 865 elementary schools in the state from best to worst using standardized test scores. The Maryland State Department of Education publishes annual school report cards showing performance on state assessments.

Parents should examine multiple rating sources since each uses different criteria. Test scores in math and reading provide objective measures of academic achievement. Parent and student survey data reveals satisfaction levels with school climate and communication.

Key rating factors to review:

• Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) scores
• Student-to-teacher ratios
• Chronic absenteeism rates
• Per-pupil spending amounts
• Teacher Qualifications

Maryland requires elementary teachers to hold bachelor’s degrees and complete approved teacher preparation programs. All teachers must pass the Praxis Core and subject-specific Praxis II exams. The state mandates continuing education credits for license renewal every five years.

Highly qualified teachers typically possess:

• Master’s degrees in education or subject areas
• National Board Certification credentials
• Years of classroom experience
• Specialized training in reading or mathematics instruction

Parents can request information about teacher qualifications from school administrators. Schools with low teacher turnover rates often indicate positive working conditions and job satisfaction. New teacher mentorship programs help ensure consistent instruction quality.

The student-teacher ratio affects individual attention each child receives. Maryland’s average elementary class size is 20 students per teacher. Smaller classes generally allow for more personalized instruction and better classroom management.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Maryland elementary schools offer various programs beyond core academics to support student development. Common extracurricular activities include:

• Student government and leadership clubs
• Academic competitions like spelling bees and math olympiads
• Music programs including chorus and instrumental lessons
• Art clubs and after-school creative programs
• Sports teams and physical fitness activities

Technology integration varies significantly between schools. Modern schools provide computer labs, tablets, or one-to-one device programs. STEM programs introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts through hands-on activities.

Special education services must meet federal and state requirements. Schools should offer gifted and talented programs for advanced learners. English Language Learner support helps non-native speakers develop language skills.

Before and after-school care programs assist working families. Summer enrichment opportunities help prevent learning loss during breaks. Parent involvement opportunities like volunteer programs strengthen school community connections.