Best 21044 Maryland Public Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,145 students in 21044, MD (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,297 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in 21044, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 21044, MD are Atholton High School, Clemens Crossing Elementary School and Wilde Lake Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 21044 have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 21044, MD have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).

Best 21044, MD Public Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Atholton High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
10320 Quarterstaff Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6866
Gr: K-5 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
Wilde Lake Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
10481 Cross Fox Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6957
Gr: 6-8 | 643 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #44.
Wilde Lake High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Gr: 9-12 | 1,197 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #55.
Bryant Woods Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5450 Blue Heron Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6859
Gr: PK-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #66.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5470 Hesperus Dr
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6879
Gr: PK-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #77.
Swansfield Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5610 Cedar Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6907
Gr: PK-5 | 594 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #88.
Running Brook Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5215 W Running Brook Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6893
Gr: PK-5 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #99.
Harpers Choice Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5450 Beaverkill Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6929
Gr: 6-8 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 81%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 21044, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 21044, MD include Atholton High School, Clemens Crossing Elementary School and Wilde Lake Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 21044?
9 public schools are located in 21044.
What percentage of students in 21044 go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in 21044 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 21044?
21044 public schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.

Quick Links