2019 Best Schools in Howard CountyAbout this List

River Hill High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 260

Junior: The school is amazing, offering an enormous amount of opportunities for self-development and a pleasing studying environment: a lot of different clubs and sports teams; a safe space for students; passionately engaged teachers; always ready to help; an interesting variety of courses, including AP and GT; research department; thorough college preparation.
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks: an unnecessarily competitive, thus stressful, environment; some teachers, who are just rude and do not know what their class; and the class events organization is not quite strong enough - all the dances and fairs are just not fun.
Overall, the school is undoubtedly one of the best in Maryland at least.
Read 260 Reviews

• A+

• 1,207 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Marriotts Ridge High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 239

Senior: Marriotts Ridge is a school that provides a wide variety of strong academics, opportunities, and resources for students. Teachers are well-learned and care about their students; the students are generally friendly, though extremely competitive. Marriotts Ridge students graduate with a high level of college readiness as a result of organized and efficient administration, knowledgeable and effective teachers and a competitive and motivated student body.
Read 239 Reviews

• A+

• 1,198 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Centennial High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 279

Freshman: Centennial overall is a great school. The teachers are good, there are some great programs that you can't find anywhere else in the county, such as the Humanities program, and the test scores seem to speak for themselves. The biggest issue is the strain on students. Centennial is a highly competitive environment. Students have been known to stay up past midnight to complete assignments. Centennial is a great school if one is looking to be pushed academically and be challenged, however, it is important to know that Centennial can end up pushing too far.
Read 279 Reviews

• A+

• 1,465 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Glenelg Country School

• Private School
• Ellicott City, MD
• PK, K-12
• 38

Works Here: The administration at Glenelg Country School will reflect on both the positive and critical feedback that families and students have taken the time to provide, thank you. We strive to make every family’s experience positive, successful, and fruitful. When your child is enrolled at Glenelg Country School, you become a part of our community, and it’s our utmost goal to make sure every family feels supported throughout their child’s academic journey. As always, every door is open to speak with administration and teachers to address any and all concerns. We are genuinely invested in your child’s future and will provide every opportunity available to see that their potential is met. Sincerely, Glenelg Country School Administration
Read 38 Reviews

• A+

• 758 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mount Hebron High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 370

Senior: Mount Hebron is, without a doubt, the best possible school I could have attended when preparing for my future. The teachers really try to help out the students in every way possible. The only major thing that I would suggest should change is the student participation in supporting the teams and clubs that represent Mount Hebron. It is a wonderful feeling when we all get together to cheer on and take pride in our school. Of course there's always going to be something that we find to complain about and the school has it's minor flaws, but everyone who attends this school is fortunately privileged to have knowledge and a future easily handed to them. We are challenged to reach past our own ideas of our limits so that we can surprise ourselves with how much we can achieve. Go Vikings!
Read 370 Reviews

• A+

• 1,517 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Atholton High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 366

Alum: This is the place where I shed my antisocial past self and grew into the person I am today. I played on the freshman, junior varsity and varsity volleyball team and I ran track and field all throughout high school and made some wonderful friends that I'm still in touch with today. I was able to do all this and get into the university of my choice. I made so many memories at this school! I still go back and talk to the teachers.
Read 366 Reviews

• A+

• 1,437 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Reservoir High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 303

Senior: I transferred to Reservoir High School at the end of my sophomore year and ever since I have been there, I have only improved academically, mentally, and also as a person. There were so many resources and opportunities given to me. The encouragement I received from the school was very impressive. I was encouraged by my counselors and teachers to join many clubs and to take many challenging classes. I went from having no AP and honors classes to taking 3 AP classes and 2 honors classes and also being in 4 different extra-curricular activities. My GPA has increased greatly because the environment in which I was in persuaded me and challenged me to be the greatest I could possibly be. Reservoir High School truly shaped me into a better student and person by encouraging me and by introducing me to many types of people.
Read 303 Reviews

• A+

• 1,508 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Glenelg High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 162

Senior: I have had an overall good experience at Glenelg High School. It has a great reputation and prepared me well for college. The teachers and counselors are supportive and helpful when you are willing to put in the effort. Diversity abounds and there is a sense of community that I would say is remarkable. There are the challenges that come along with that, but all in all, they are dealt with respectfully and responsibly. I am proud to be a gladiator!
Read 162 Reviews

• A+

• 1,248 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Howard High School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 383

Senior: Throughout my four years at Howard, I have felt nothing but absolute support from my teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors. The teachers here are incredibly enthusiastic and care about each of their students. Furthermore, Howard offers several opportunities for students - from offering nearly every AP course to conducting research at internships through the Howard County Gifted and Talented Independent Research program. Our school environment is very diverse, including students from various racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds - creating an accepting culture, contributing to our welcoming culture. There are several opportunities for extracurriculars ranging from 4A Championship sports teams to dozens of Honor Societies to student-led organizations. Howard has prepared me for my future at Johns Hopkins as an incoming freshman through their rigorous AP courses. In the near-future I hope Howard creates a cultivating environment for females in STEM.
Read 383 Reviews

• A+

• 1,772 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Waverly Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5
• 1

Parent: Principal Jacobs excels in every dimension of her role at the helm of Waverly. It's no surprise to me that if Niche factored in the focus of a school on children's character development, parental involvement, teacher enthusiasm and responsiveness and the culture of inclusivity and open-mindedness, that Waverly well deserves it's spot at #1.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 775 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clarksville Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 1

• A+

• 465 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

West Friendship Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 3

Parent: We were pleasantly surprised by WFES when we moved to HOCO. Our child is happy here. The teachers are excellent, they along with the staff and admin are very approachable and responsive. Class sizes are generally small, so the teachers can give individual attention to the kids based on their respective ability. PTA does quite a few events to build a community throughout the year. Our child has made several good friends here. Overall, we have had a very positive Elementary School experience at WFES!
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• 312 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Centennial Lane Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 3

Parent: I have 1 child currentry enrolled here and 1 who attended K-5 recently. The teachers are excellent and have always listened to my concerns. Both of my children have had a great experience and love going to this school.
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• 728 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pointers Run Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5

• A

• 744 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lime Kiln Middle School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 6-8
• 1

Alum: Lime Kiln is a very well run school. The administration is very supportive of the students and are very knowledgeable about how and what they are teaching. They teach in a way for the kids to have fun but still understand and pick up the information in a timely manner. There are many clubs to further students interest in different topics and to help improve the school. There are clubs that take students to different places and restaurants so the students can learn about different cultures. The Drama Learning Center host a musical every year and the students at Lime Kiln audition. The current principal Lucy Lublin is doing a marvelous job running the school. The past principal Scott Conroy was very impressive and did lots of amazing things for the students. They have extracurricular activities such as a basketball team, an ultimate frisbee team, and a flag football team. Lime Kiln is a wonderful school and have done amazing things for kids.
Read 1 Review

• A

• 718 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 1

Parent: Most amazing school in Howard County. Staff is firm, empathetic, kind, caring and well versed in their task - educating our children!
Read 1 Review

• A

• 528 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Northfield Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5

• A

• 702 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Burleigh Manor Middle School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 6-8
• 2

Middle School Student: Burleigh Manor middle school is an excellent school! I attended there, and the teachers are amazing, the parents are involved, and there’s a lot of diversity. It’s an all around great school.
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• 771 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ilchester Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5
• 1

Parent: IES is a nurturing learning community that spring boards students into middle school ready to succeed!
Read 1 Review

• A

• 713 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Folly Quarter Middle School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 6-8

• A

• 634 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clarksville Middle School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• 6-8
• 1

Middle School Student: 6th grade is less of a challenge while 7th and 8th grade is quite difficult and much studying is clearly needed to excel. Much of the staff has been teaching for well over 10 years. As a student here I would say it's a fantastic school.
Read 1 Review

• A

• 598 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Worthington Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5

• A

• 539 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fulton Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 1

Parent: Fulton ES is a wonderful school! The environment is inclusive and diverse. Academics are strong and we moved into this school district for the fine school.
Read 1 Review

• A

• 753 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Manor Woods Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• K-5
• 1

Parent: We moved from NJ last fall, and this school has been fantastic with all aspects of kids development. Very courteous admin staff and very competitive teaching staff . Orchestra is awesome too....lots of good, after school clubs. The kids felt right at home and the parenting volunteers are also in abundance. Could not have asked for a better school....
Read 1 Review

• A

• 704 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dayton Oaks Elementary School

• Howard County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5
• 1

Parent: The teachers are enthusiastic and hands-on. They know all of the student families. The principal is the sweetest, most energetic and creative principal. She knows everyone and genuinely cares about each student and teacher. It is a real community. There is a lot of hard work for all levels, and there might be a bit too much stress, especially for younger kids. But, on the other hand, this accelerated pace means the kids can take on complex subjects and excel.
Read 1 Review

• A

• 646 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio