2023 Best Schools in North Laurel

• Sandy Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: We are a new family coming into the school & will most likely have more to say in the future, but our experience w/the admissions & leadership team deserves a review now. We are thrilled & feel like this is a very good fit for us- values, education & community-wise. From the very first moment I heard leadership and staff announce their pronouns, to throughout the many open houses, I feel like we were seen & belong. Both Shamika & Ashaki were phenomenal throughout the admissions process. Their responsiveness, attention to detail, kindness & professionalism were top notch. They both spent time really getting to know us, and contributed to a feeling that no matter what happened, we had a fairest opportunity in the process. Further, to have received an invite right away for my daughter to join a cooking class for new middle schoolers this week blew my mind- we are months away from start & they would be forgiven for taking a break before jumping into welcoming activities! Thank U SSFS!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 676

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Ellicott City, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  78 reviews

Parent: Peaceful, secure, country campus with outstanding teachers and hands on educational and extra curricular programs. Our son is flourishing in school academics, band, and in the middle school tennis program!... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 761

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  462 reviews

Senior: Atholton High School provides it's students with a wide range of courses such as AP, Honors, GT, and even courses at the county's college; a great opportunity. The ability to take courses about specific professions or even shadow professionals is great. Atholton High School's advanced course teachers are all somewhat passionate about their subjects. You can hear it in their voices and in the stories they tell. They enjoy teaching. However, they fail to acknowledge their age group. Yes, they teach advanced courses, classes meant for college students; but they fail to acknowledge that their actual students are still somewhat children. I have never been explicitly on anything but these are things I feel a small handful of teachers need to hear. Kids are only young once. Let them be alive just a little. Don't be judgemental of that. Don't give them loads of HW, and then preach 8 hours of sleep. Still a fairly nice school overall.... Read 462 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,472

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: The Barrie School is a very diverse high school in terms of the student population. The diversity between faculty and administration is definitely lacking. Since the staff is not very diverse students of color often experience many microaggressions. The school's academics are solid because they have a creative curriculum that uses a project-based learning approach. The student-to-teacher ratio is quite small which allows students to truly get one-on-one attention if they need it. Since the student body is so small the school is not great for socializing and activities. In terms of college prep, they have a specific college counselor that helps students with the college process throughout their high school career. The school offers a program called "extended study week" where students can travel locally or abroad and learn about different topics.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Spencerville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  64 reviews

Alum: As a student at Spencerville Adventist Academy, I have experienced numerous benefits including: small class sizes allowing for personalized attention, a focus on spiritual development, a wide range of extracurricular activities, opportunities for service and leadership, a strong sense of community, global awareness and cultural understanding, and a strong academic program that prepares students well for college. The teachers are dedicated and passionate about their subjects and provide the support and guidance necessary for students' academic success.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A

• Students 381

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• College Park, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  55 reviews

Alum: I've spent all of my formative years at Al-Huda School, and it is one of my most memorable experience by far. The school is a welcoming facility where they encourage all of the students to abide by the Quran and the Sunnah, which is exemplified by the excellent role models in the teachers, faculty, and staff. The smaller teacher to student ratio is ideal for learning and quality of attention provided to each students. In terms of education, I definitely never felt like the students fell behind, especially in high school. Although the offerings of secular courses are slightly more limited than other schools in the area, I formed a strong understanding of the core courses that matter most when applying to college (AP Biology, AP Calc AB, AP Government, AP Language). There is a particular emphasis on STEM, which was highly helpful when I continued my post secondary school journey into college.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A

• Students 531

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  386 reviews

Senior: Attending Reservoir High School was quite the experience, however it was very memorable. When I first started my freshmen year everyone was sure nice to me and everyone was full of spirit. Unfortunately my high school years were taken away from me because of Covid, but through virtual learning my teachers tried their best to motivate us and to make the most of it. Both teachers and administrators were there for me whenever I needed them. When we finally came back to the building there were lots of safety procedures put out to keep us safe. Despite that RHS has a variety of different clubs, and if you can't find what you want then you can create your own. I will never forget my experience here in Reservoir High School and it will have a place in my heart. Go Gators!... Read 386 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,788

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Washington Christian Academy is more than a Christian private school. It is a community of like minded parents, faculty, and staff who create an environment for the children to thrive - academically and extracurricularly. My son was able to try new sports and get extra resource support. He became part of a tight knit group of friends who got together regularly outside of school during the year and in the summertime. I was supported by other parents in many ways - carpooling, discussing school and family issues. I wouldn’t trade everything being a part of the WCA family has meant to our family!... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• Students 290

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

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

• grade A

• Students 838

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Marriottsville, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: My children transferred to CCA in 2020 and couldn't be happier. They each get individualized attention in the classroom and through athletics. There were many opportunities to play sports, join clubs, or participate in the school play through Covid to keep things "normal" for them. I was very impressed with the leadership and safety of the school when Covid began. Both children are thriving academically as well. I highly recommend Chapelgate!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A

• Students 356

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: Hammond Middle Schol provided students and faculty with a very safe and loving environment. I remember going to school and not worrying about being bullied and seeing others get bullied. The faculty and staff were very supportive and helped students in many aspects. Each teacher was dedicated to their job and really connected with each student to better cater to their needs.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 612

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Baltimore, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  166 reviews

Senior: As a senior at Mount Saint Joseph High School, I have enjoyed many aspects of my high school experience. One thing that stands out to me is the sense of community at MSJ. There is a strong brotherhood among the students, and the faculty and staff are supportive and caring. I have also appreciated the academic rigor of the curriculum, which has prepared me well for college. However, there are also areas where I feel the school could improve. One thing that comes to mind is the lack of diversity among the student body and faculty. As an all-boys Catholic school, MSJ has historically had a predominantly white student body, and there is a need for greater representation and inclusivity. Also, while the school has made strides in technology integration, I think there is still room for improvement in terms of offering more innovative and engaging learning experiences.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  458 reviews

Junior: I really like how welcoming they are to new students. Let's students connect alot, which lets a lot of friendships blossom. It looks weird because of the building going on but it looks really nice. I like the new auditorum and its very big. They are also very LGBT+ friendly and opened with disabled people which is wonderful!... Read 458 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,316

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Severn, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  226 reviews

Parent: A joyful, positive atmosphere where children are equipped by faculty and staff to boldly and calmly face the inevitable challenges of life. I have watched my child transform through consistent teaching that our identity is in Christ and not in what others think of you. This unfortunately (but thank God for AACS!) takes daily reminders from both parents and teachers, but also teaching all subjects through the lens of the Bible - not just church or youth group once a week.... Read 226 reviews

• grade A

• Students 826

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 620

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Our experience at Gorman Crossing has been wonderful for both of our children. The teachers really care and the administration is very helpful. The GT classes are challenging and the on grade level classes seem to meet kids where they are academically. Our PTA goes above and beyond. In our six years at this school we have only had one teacher who was mediocre; the rest were exceptional. We have been so impressed with the strings, band and music programs in particular. Our kids are developing a lifelong love of music because of the efforts the teachers put in. This community and school have been such a blessing to our family!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 786

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 663

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Baltimore, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  172 reviews

Senior: Although a challenging school, the friendships and experiences I’ve earned from going here are things that will last me a lifetime. Yes the rules are strict at times and the grading system is hard, but I feel quite prepared for college and the real world. The retreats are something that I will never forget too! I learned so much about leadership, friendship, time management, and more!... Read 172 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 463

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: What makes this school unique is it's caring and talented staff. Another aspect that we love is MHMS's diversity. It is a great place!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 723

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  25 reviews

Alum: The Yeshiva is an incredible school! The teachers are incredible, and really care about all their students. The school facility works hard to help every girl succeed. The students are are a wide mix from the Jewish community, and every girl feels valued for what they are. The Jewish experience in the school is beautiful - the teachers live what they teach, and work to pass on the depth and beauty of Judaism. The secular studies are also strong, and they offer AP classes, honors classes. An amazing place!... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 774

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Junior: Patuxent is a very energetic environment filled with people of many different backgrounds. I've met some of my closest friends there and I still talk to them 6 years later. The teachers are very passionate about what they do and Patuxent prepares you for high school by giving you rigorous and helpful work to stretch your academic skills.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 778

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Laurel, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  157 reviews

Parent: We have been so happy with Pallotti. We switched our kids from public to private, and we are delighted we made the change. My kids transferred from a school district that is supposed to be one of the best in the country, and it fell way short of that. The students at Pallotti are very kind, and everyone has a place there. Teachers are way better than where they previously were and make learning easier. Smaller classes give my kids more attention which they like. The teachers are there to teach and keep politics out of education. There is a much more diverse student population than where we were before, which is great in many ways, in my opinion (that's how the real world is). You can tell that the faculty and staff genuinely care about their students, and I know my kids are being looked out for. But the one thing that stands out to me, my kids are so happy there and thriving! They often thank us for sending them there!... Read 157 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade B+

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Takoma Park, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  96 reviews

Senior: The overall experience at Takoma Academy is very welcoming. There is a family environment created by the closeness between the students. The teachers are involved and active in student learning. They offer after school session times so that they can have the academic support they may need. The college counselor is well versed with many connections. They are very helpful with helping students make decisions about college, finding scholarships, and making connections.... Read 96 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1