2022 Best School Districts in the Baltimore Area

• Ellicott City, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  247 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 247 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 77

• Students 58,868

• Bel Air, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: During my high school experience I had to transfer schools. During that time everyone who I talked to on the phone was kind and patient with me through out the steps. They are a really warm and caring community. But I would really like to see that teachers get more days off and more appreciation for what they do. They have their own family, students, and work to do. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, so they deserve some break here and there.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 54

• Students 38,429

• Annapolis, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  258 reviews

Alum: I attended northeast high and it was honestly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There were certain things I did not like that much or certain things I wish were different but overall it was a great experience and a lot of my favorite memories and friendships originated from there. While I was there I took several honors and advanced placement courses and participated in several sports and just like anything in life I ran into some obstacles during those activities. However, I have now graduated. Those obstacles partially shaped who I am as a person, changed my opinions or behaviors, and positively affected my character. I am extremely grateful for everything my teachers have done for me in and out of the school building and I hope that others will appreciate them as well.... Read 258 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 124

• Students 84,984

• Towson, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  247 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 247 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 178

• Students 115,038

• Baltimore, MD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.21 out of 5  134 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 134 reviews

• grade C minus

• Total schools 162

• Students 79,187