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2020 Best School Districts in the Baltimore AreaAbout this List

The 2020 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.

1 – 5 of 5
Best Districts
5 results

  1. Howard County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Ellicott City, MD
    • 204 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 204 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76 Total Schools
    • 56,784 Students
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  2. Harford County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Bel Air, MD
    • 85 reviews
    #2 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area

    Sophomore: Harford County School System is an excellent District for students to attend. While it is close to many major cities for field trips and academic ventures, Harford County Schools maintain the smaller town feel with personalized attention from administrators and teachers that add to the overall quality of education in a safe and nurturing environment. There is a family feel among staff, students, parents, and adminstrators that contributes to the overall experience of being part of the Harford County School District.
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54 Total Schools
    • 37,780 Students
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  3. Baltimore County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Towson, MD
    • 211 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 211 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 173 Total Schools
    • 113,282 Students
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  4. Anne Arundel County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Annapolis, MD
    • 215 reviews
    #4 Best School Districts in Baltimore Area

    Junior: I love Anne Arundel County! The only problem is: teacher’s pay. If the county paid their teachers more then harder working teachers would want to join our county. This helps the county be more refined when hiring teachers. Some teachers are out of sorts and can’t teach the subject they’re suppose to have a degree in. The people are sweet and truly want the best for their students, I just wish their county wanted the best for them.
    Read 215 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 123 Total Schools
    • 82,777 Students
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  5. Baltimore City Public Schools

    • School District
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 127 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 127 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 172 Total Schools
    • 80,591 Students
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  6. Sponsored

    Mercy High School, Baltimore

    • Private School
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 9-12
    • 121 reviews

    Niche User: Mercy is an exemplary school, and most importantly, students love and are proud of their school. Now an International Baccalaureate World School, its curriculum is even more compelling. It has a wide range of student activities, and its facilities, both in athletics and the arts are world-class. And I have been impressed with the vigor and creativity with which the school has responded to the challenges presented by the coronavirus!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 360 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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