Serving 490 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bester Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 490 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MD
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bester Elementary serves the northeast part of Hagerstown, MD, covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bester Elementary School's student population of 490 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
490 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Cultivating learning communities that spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and inspire success.
School Rankings
Bester Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bester Elementary School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1032 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
22%
24%
Black
30%
32%
White
29%
31%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
19%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)41.2%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bester Elementary School's ranking?
Bester Elementary School is ranked #1032 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Bester Elementary School often compared to?
Bester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cascade Elementary School, Boonsboro Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
How many students attend Bester Elementary School?
490 students attend Bester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Bester Elementary School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, and 19% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bester Elementary School?
Bester Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Bester Elementary School offer ?
Bester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bester Elementary School part of?
Bester Elementary School is part of Washington County School District.
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