2023 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Baltimore Area

• Ellicott City, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  259 reviews

Junior: Overall, I've really enjoyed attending Howard county schools for my entire education so far and feel extremely fortunate to live in a district with so many resources! Almost every teacher I've had has been kind and patient, and you can tell that most teachers do truly care about their students and want them to succeed later in life. I strongly feel as though I am prepared to handle college due to the amount of GT and AP level courses I have been given the opportunity to take throughout high school. Both fine arts and athletics are well supported, and there is a strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement. However, I do think that the homework load at times is quite excessive, and it can be very difficult to manage taking multiple GT/AP/Honors courses while also being involved in other activities. Because it is such a wealthy county, there are many pretentious and overachieving students who do create a very competitive and at times stressful learning environment.... Read 259 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 77

• Students 57,293

• Bel Air, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  121 reviews

Alum: My experience with Harford County Public Schools, through the opportunities given to me by my magnet program and advanced educational programs, felt consistently a lot better than what was experienced by others, and I wish these privileges could be provided to more people. In Churchville Elementary and Edgewood High School I was put in advanced programs. These programs had extremely tight communities, with a diversity of people with a passion for learning. The schools did very well to facilitate this community and encourage our learning with dedicated spaces. However, there were a lot of elements outside of that space that needs work. For example, Edgewood High School had a ton of issues with its cleaning and policies that did not facilitate learning, but instead discouraged courage. The schools have shown the ability to tend to students properly, but (especially with recently announced budget cuts) I worry for its ability to give it to all students.... Read 121 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 54

• Students 37,333

• Annapolis, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  273 reviews

Senior: This is the only place where I have lived for more than three years. When I first arrived there were so many terrible reviews on the county. They had me terrified to attend school here, but I absolutely loved my experience here. I made connections to other students, and teachers who helped me overcome academic challenges through my time here. There is no school in the world that won't have its problems and my high school is no different, but I enjoy going to school everyday, this county is very inclusive, each school has their rivalry in the county and it makes sporting events that much enjoyable because the entire county comes and supports. I wouldn't change anything in the world to attend a different school in another county.... Read 273 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 125

• Students 83,044

• Towson, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: I go to Perry Hall High School, but I've gone to Baltimore County Public Schools my whole life, and from at least what I've seen, they're doing a great job! I have classmates of all religions and ethnicity, there's a multitude of clubs already and if you feel there's one that should be added you're free to make one! There also several different types of classes for each subject so everyone has a place where they need to be instead of making large groups of students who may not be in the same capabilities-it's just a great school district for students. The only thing is that bathrooms could be a little nicer and we could be given more money to help some more departments in our schools that aren't top priority like art programs!... Read 258 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 178

• Students 111,084

• Baltimore, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: I have been lucky enough to attend some of the best schools in Baltimore City since we don’t have to attend zoned schools, however city schools are drastically underfunded. Funding is made up from local revenue from property tax and money from the state, which has remained flat in regards to inflation since 2008. Due to the levels of concentrated poverty in Baltimore, we get very little local funding compared to wealthier counties. This leaves us at a major deficit and it shows through our lack of properly maintained school buildings. Many lack proper heat, fully functioning bathrooms and technology. Despite all this, there are some truly great schools in the district that you’re able to get into if you maintain good grades that will afford you priceless opportunities to follow your passions, which I am genuinely grateful for.... Read 135 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 159

• Students 77,856