2024 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Baltimore Area

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  364 reviews

Senior: River Hill overall has a very strong academic system and an excellent environment. The system encourages kids to pursue their dreams and provides them with the tools necessary to do so. Most of the teachers genuinely care about their students and will go the extra mile for them(after/before school help, providing resources, etc). Due to the number of kids who go on to prestigious universities, there is some pressure on the students that can be overbearing at times. However, school counselors are there to deal with these issues and anything else that may arise. Overall, River Hill is a great place to send your children!... Read 364 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,508

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  327 reviews

Junior: I love Marriotts Ridge. Almost all of my teachers have genuinely cared for the student’s education and put in full effort to teach them. I had a lot of teachers I was very comfortable and close with. I always felt safe at Marriotts Ridge. All the counselors are so kind and helpful as well. I love how involved with sports, clubs, etc everyone is. Most of the students value their education which sets a great example for everyone else, and creates a studious environment. Spirit weeks and athletic events are always so enjoyable, especially because so many people participate!... Read 327 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,662

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Baltimore, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  106 reviews

Senior: I came to FSB as a freshman in 2019, and even throughout the COVID pandemic, I loved my time there. The other students were always friendly, which I appreciated immensely, especially as I transitioned from a middle school where I did not fit in at all. I found several groups, formed either organically/randomly or by shared extracurriculars, that I felt entirely at ease with. The teachers were incredibly supportive. I am graduating with a stronger enthusiasm for subjects like English that I liked as a freshman, and a newfound love for math and music. While I was often stressed out by assignments or exams, when I look back that stress pales in comparison to how much I enjoyed my classes, rehearsals (I loved my time in chorus and the musicals), and friendships. The college counselors were also amazing and so helpful throughout the college process.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 790

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  375 reviews

Alum: Centennial must have been one of the best academic institutions I have ever been to. Ignoring the early start time, the teachers are all approachable and open to answer any discrepancies one can have. As someone who only took the highest level of classes there, these teachers convey their ideas well and all are adequately trained to teach these classes. Each teacher has a unique style of teaching, from lectures to largely student led classes; I believe it helps with college preparation really well. They are open to suggestions and letters of recommendation, enabling me to craft a beautiful college package senior year. Indeed, these stresses together deprived me of sleep. If I could come up with criticism for the school, it would not be of the teachers, but the building itself. It is in horrid need of a renovation. The inconsistency of AC in the classrooms and the infamous crowded intersection impedes traffic, making it almost impossible to get to class before the 5 minute bell rings.... Read 375 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,377

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  485 reviews

Junior: Most of Mount Hebron Highschool always reaches expectations and I rarely have had personal trouble with the school. If one teacher or activity is bad, another one will help you sort that specific problem out. I would say that most of the staff in the school are good educators and people. The activities presented to students have strong variety and easy access. I do not see many students being left behind in this school and when one is struggling, teachers are very willing to stay behind with that student and help them. There are a few things that I think could be improved. The environment between students very often toxic which I would like to see the school address. However, other than this minor issue the school is overall fantastic.... Read 485 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,639

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Sparks Glencoe, MD•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: Finding Oldfields has been incredible! My daughter absolutely loves it, has made incredible friends, and is receiving an excellent education. Oldfields values her for who she is, and has broadened her horizons to learn even more about herself. She discovered a love for theater she never knew she had and has relished having on stage roles and helping out behind the scenes. Top notch faculty and administration.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 10

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Baltimore County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  665 reviews

Senior: At Eastern Tech, you meet many smart, creative, hard-working individuals who drive you to go past your limits. More so, the teachers are remarkable. The teachers inspire you to be who you want, and pursue your dreams! I am so thankful to have had teachers who inspire me to not only grow, but work hard to pass my limits. Eastern Tech has taught me to fight all challenges thrown at me, and to not shut my character down for the opinion of others. Without Eastern Tech, I would not be who I am today.... Read 665 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,215

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  471 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 471 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,456

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  224 reviews

Junior: Glenwood is great, I am going into my third year and it has been great so far the school is very well taken care of and the teachers are very nice. I am actually doing a tree planting there this year which the school was very happy to do! Last year the school did flood a little so some of the floor tiles were taken out to replace, but they were not replaced for months after ward, closer to the end of school.... Read 224 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,298

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: The teachers and staff at Waverly help their students meet success. The school administrators are very responsive, and take the time to get to know each student and family. We love our school!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 892

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 796

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 382

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

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 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 868

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We love CLES. We have felt welcomed since day one. The staff and administration go above and beyond. My second grader has made good friends and is doing well academically.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Words I would use to describe the good side of my experience/ what I have noticed about Burleigh (not just super personal but more tied to the school) - Valuable, Challenging, Safe, Loving, Academic, Compelling, and Brisk Pros: -Pushes you to do and be better -Has lots of good/chill teachers -Don't worry too much if you have a hard time as a person making friends. People at first here may be intimidating because of competitiveness, but I've made friends over academics and association and it was enjoyable (you can find SOME place to fit in, just try a little) -Diverse -Lunch choices are nice/fine Cons: -In my experience, I have only had or felt 2 bad experiences with 2 teachers. One of them was just a little too over rigorous (in ways that weren't academic but unreasonably meticulous at times... don't worry it wasn't math or English) -They need to add mirrors in the girl's bathroom and add new durable curtains to the changing room. (When I was there I noticed this) All the best!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 785

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This is an excellent school. Your child will be treated as an individual, focusing on his/her academic strengths. Your child will be nurtured to the best of their potential. The school also takes pride in maintaining a safe and secure environment . I am so proud my daughter attended this beautiful diverse school, with amazing teachers. This is a grade A school. Please disregard the ignorant comments from those that have a problem with diversity. The diversity of the school makes it even better. Go Cougars!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 539

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Baltimore City Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  666 reviews

Senior: I have learned a lot from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. As the top STEM school in the state of Maryland, I have been prepared to excel in college-level math, science, and engineering courses. In addition to earning a Maryland state diploma, I've taken special, career-focused classes that will earn me a "Poly" diploma. My career focus is computer science, so I've taken classes such as Foundations of Computer Science, AP CS Principles, and AP Computer Science A. For those AP classes, I scored a 4 and a 5, respectively. Furthermore, BPI gives students the opportunity to take a variety of AP courses. In my freshman, sophomore, and junior years I studied in AP Modern World History and AP Language and Composition (plus the AP CS courses). Currently, I'm in AP Literature, AP Calculus AB, and AP Music Theory. I have no doubt that BPI has prepared me to excel far beyond expectations in my secondary education!... Read 666 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,601

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Baltimore County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  611 reviews

Freshman: Western Tech is a great school for those interested in the magnet programs they offer! Freshman year has been great and every day is certainly memorable. Each class always brings something exciting to the table and also allows students to actively participate during class time and group activities. Classes are not the only wonderful aspect about this school. In general, students get along well and there are not too many violence-related incidents on the campus. There are almost no instances of drugs, alcohol, or other addictive/unhealthy substances on school property. There is only one complaint I have about this school: size. Despite Western has a population of over 900 students, hallways are crowded and there are no sports fields for gym classes (students go to a nearby medical center field). Overall, this school is amazing. You will definitely be able to make friends, do your best in your classes as selected effectively by the guidance counselors, and have fun here at Western Tech!... Read 611 reviews

• grade A

• Students 937

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle school student: I have been at this school for only about 1.5 months but I like the teachers and academics. There are the occasional middle school fights but other than that it’s great... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Teachers, curriculum and diversity is excellent but not many clubs and after school activities to keep kids involved and no sports that needs to be changed.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 664

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Middle School Student: Mount View was a great time for me. I had multiple teachers who were my best friends! But they weren’t as focused teaching well- more just being a good support system for students which I found was better for middle school students. I participated in like eight clubs because there were so many extracurriculars available to its students. Food isn’t great, but what do you expect from a public middle school... overall I was happy at this school.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 866

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  397 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 397 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,814

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Carroll County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  392 reviews

Junior: Century is an incredible school with a mostly wonderful staff full of teachers who deeply care about their students and have a passion for teaching. It has very competitive athletics that continue to have successful season as well as a positive environment and high team moral. I truly do feel that I as a student has the ability to call for change within our school and that my suggestion will be considered and not just cast aside. There are so many opportunities for students to be involved whether it be through the countless student led clubs, student government, and honor societies there is a place for everyone.... Read 392 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,140

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Howard County Public Schools, MD•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

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 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 697

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1