2023 Best Public Schools in Columbia

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  353 reviews

Junior: Great education, but very high stress environment. Teachers are (generally) passionate about what they do and the school is big and has resources for students. The other staff like administrators and counselors are also friendly and helpful. There are also many clubs and initiatives for students to join and start with very diverse focuses. School spirit/events like games/dances/spirit days are also common and you can tell there's effort put into them. Again, it is a really competitive environment/school which does push you to work hard and go far, but it can get overwhelming. The school does make some effort to combat this- sometimes they call in therapy dogs for the students to pet during lunch periods- but again, I think the high stress mentality is pretty embedded into the school, so it's hard to fully break. Overall though, I would totally say there's more good than bad.... Read 353 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,470

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  365 reviews

Senior: Centennial is a small school that houses many students. The school is located in an extremely diverse county here in Maryland, and the diversity is shown through the schools many cultures. This school is known for its academics, and the students here are competitive when it comes to their grades. By senior year, a majority of the students are prepared for college and will graduate with the tools needed to be successful. Many teachers here are determined to provide students with an education needed for them to succeed beyond high school. Education and grades are so important in this school, that sports or any music & arts related activity is overlooked. The sports teams in this school are not very good. Any competition that this school is involved in relates to education. This school excels in competitions such as debate, mock trials, and even STEM related events. Although the school building may be small, this school packs a large group of diverse and intelligent students.... Read 365 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,467

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  460 reviews

Senior: Atholton High School provides it's students with a wide range of courses such as AP, Honors, GT, and even courses at the county's college; a great opportunity. The ability to take courses about specific professions or even shadow professionals is great. Atholton High School's advanced course teachers are all somewhat passionate about their subjects. You can hear it in their voices and in the stories they tell. They enjoy teaching. However, they fail to acknowledge their age group. Yes, they teach advanced courses, classes meant for college students; but they fail to acknowledge that their actual students are still somewhat children. I have never been explicitly on anything but these are things I feel a small handful of teachers need to hear. Kids are only young once. Let them be alive just a little. Don't be judgemental of that. Don't give them loads of HW, and then preach 8 hours of sleep. Still a fairly nice school overall.... Read 460 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,472

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  498 reviews

Senior: Howard High School cultivates an environment that facilitates academic and personal growth by employing thoughtful, qualified, and caring staff, using hands on techniques to instill valuable lessons to students, and providing daily support to students through multiple venues. The extensive extracurricular community allows for any student to find their niche and thrive in it. The only problem I have with the school is the slight overcrowding that makes it difficult to manueveur throughout the building sometimes. I would recommend this school to parents, students, and teachers alike.... Read 498 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,828

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing school, and I tell this over my experience with 3 elementary schools. Teachers are oriented towards great academics, but at the same time make a point to be there for children in all ways possible. Kids have a beautiful experience and best of both worlds, in getting good academic exposure, but also a less crowded appealing ambiance.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 501

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 779

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: I like the people in Clarksville Middle School, and many teachers. However, it is a competitive environment, but thats what makes this school exciting. Theres also many opportunities such as many clubs and county wide organizations.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 716

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Words I would use to describe the good side of my experience/ what I have noticed about Burleigh (not just super personal but more tied to the school) - Valuable, Challenging, Safe, Loving, Academic, Compelling, and Brisk Pros: -Pushes you to do and be better -Has lots of good/chill teachers -Don't worry too much if you have a hard time as a person making friends. People at first here may be intimidating because of competitiveness, but I've made friends over academics and association and it was enjoyable (you can find SOME place to fit in, just try a little) -Diverse -Lunch choices are nice/fine Cons: -In my experience, I have only had or felt 2 bad experiences with 2 teachers. One of them was just a little too over rigorous (in ways that weren't academic but unreasonably meticulous at times... don't worry it wasn't math or English) -They need to add mirrors in the girl's bathroom and add new durable curtains to the changing room. (When I was there I noticed this) All the best!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 844

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: I'm a student here right now, and I'm really loving it. Our teachers are very supportive and helpful, and a bunch of students are very smart. The GT classes are very helpful to higher-up students who want to go beyond. The extra curriculars are very enjoyable and fun! Math, science, history, and language arts are well taught by the teachers and whenever you need help, they'll be there for you. Can't wait to see what Lime Kiln has in store over years after I go away!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 642

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We love CLES. We have felt welcomed since day one. The staff and administration go above and beyond. My second grader has made good friends and is doing well academically.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 655

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Teachers, curriculum and diversity is excellent but not many clubs and after school activities to keep kids involved and no sports that needs to be changed.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 662

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This is such a top-notch school! The teachers and administrators are incredible. The parent involvement is amazing. We are lucky to be part of an amazing school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: Hammond Middle Schol provided students and faculty with a very safe and loving environment. I remember going to school and not worrying about being bullied and seeing others get bullied. The faculty and staff were very supportive and helped students in many aspects. Each teacher was dedicated to their job and really connected with each student to better cater to their needs.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 612

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 676

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Middle School Student: The teachers are all very kind for the most part and definitely try to always push you to your full potential. They take their time with teaching and really seem to like their roles in the community. I experienced kindness from most students, however I struggled to socialize and keep lots of friends due to personal dilemmas (couldn't hang out at all outside of school hours and hence it was hard to get super close to other students). One thing I would love to see is breaks between classes. Being in one tiny building with nothing but learning for almost 7 hours (excluding lunch) can get tiring. It's hard to constantly be in a learning state of mind for so long. Otherwise, I loved this school and I am proud to say I just graduated from it.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 789

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle School Student: Great teachers, great environment, great diversity, bullying is extremely rare and all conflicts that arise are handled professionally. Would highly recommend attending. School lunched aren't that bad either.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 624

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Stellar teachers and principal, very dedicated and enthusiastic. Students who need assistance obtain it readily. Excellent communication with parents. Very diverse student body. Involved parents.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 582

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  458 reviews

Junior: I really like how welcoming they are to new students. Let's students connect alot, which lets a lot of friendships blossom. It looks weird because of the building going on but it looks really nice. I like the new auditorum and its very big. They are also very LGBT+ friendly and opened with disabled people which is wonderful!... Read 458 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,316

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 481

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  339 reviews

Senior: Wilde Lake High School is a diverse and inclusive community, where any students can interact and become friends regardless of race, gender, economic standing, or any other factors. The school has a fantastic school spirit and the students will stand for their school, and school sports, no matter what. The majority of the staff is also very understanding towards students mental health, and work to make school more bearable.... Read 339 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,379

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Sophomore: pretty average school. this sis my second year there and going in as a 6th grader at a new school is always hard, but the amount of pressure put on you as well is crazy and once you get into 7th grade there’s a lot less. also as an eighth grader you have to worry about which high school you’re going to.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 693

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 620

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  313 reviews

Senior: Diversity is amazing. The teachers go out of their way to ensure a productive learning experience for each student and make them feel comfortable in their space. Administration takes the time to facilitate all activities and surroundings to make sure everything is safe and in shape. The school campus is kept clean by the diligent working janitorial staff and students. Long Reach is also very welcoming and they do not discriminate. Teachers respect students pronouns and they make sure it is respected. The school participated in lots of fun fundraising events and activities. Overall Long Reach has a great community where everyone can feel happy, safe, and most importantly comfortable. Long Reach staff makes sure all these qualities are enforced each day! I have enjoyed the past three years here at Long Reach as I have learned a ton and met lots of amazing students and staff along the way. I am constantly impressed at how the school is run and can’t wait to visit soon as an alumni!... Read 313 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,595

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 467

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1