2021 Best School Districts in the Baltimore Area

About this List

The 2021 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Districts

5 results

Howard County Public Schools
School District
Ellicott City, MD
Rating 4.17 out of 5 230 reviews
#1 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area
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 230 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
77 Total Schools
57,907 Students
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Harford County Public Schools
School District
Bel Air, MD
Rating 3.87 out of 5 98 reviews
#2 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area
Sophomore: Harford County is a good county. However, the administration tends to struggle with winter decisions and calling off school. They also struggled with lesson planning when the pandemic had started. There is not a whole lot of diversity in the county and the administration. However, academics in Harford County is disciplined and organized.
Read 98 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
54 Total Schools
37,826 Students
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Baltimore County Public Schools
School District
Towson, MD
Rating 3.76 out of 5 238 reviews
#3 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area
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 238 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
174 Total Schools
113,814 Students
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Anne Arundel County Public Schools
School District
Annapolis, MD
Rating 3.87 out of 5 246 reviews
#4 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area
Junior: Anne Arundel County schools have offered great academic opportunities. High academic achievement is common and multiple levels of class rigor are available to students. My experience with various teachers has been excellent and most teachers are good at helping students. The sports program is also competitive and fun. The one problem has been their covid-19 response. Schedules have constantly changed, guidelines and protocols have been limited and plans to start in person school were delayed.
Read 246 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
124 Total Schools
83,300 Students
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Baltimore City Public Schools
School District
Baltimore, MD
Rating 3.19 out of 5 131 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 131 Reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
166 Total Schools
79,297 Students
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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Private School
Alexandria, VA
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 10 reviews
Parent: My husband and I wanted an inclusive school that would be an extension of our family, and we found that in the Burgundy Community. We made the decision to send my son to Burgundy in JK and looking back now as he is in the midst of 2nd grade, choosing Burgundy was the best decision. Burgundy is a nurturing community that fosters the whole child, ensuring life long learners. Burgundy leans into a child's individual character and ensures every child is heard and has a voice. My son loves Burgundy and is thriving. I know without a doubt that Burgundy will lay the foundation for my son's continued success, not only in his future academic pursuits, but in life as a whole!
Read 10 Reviews
262 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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