For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 7,171 students in 21045, MD (there are 6 private schools, serving 445 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 21045, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 21045, MD are Waterloo Elementary School, Oakland Mills High School and Stevens Forest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 21045 have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 21045, MD have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 21045, MD Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5940 Waterloo Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-5014
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-5014
Gr: PK-5 | 666 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #22.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Gr: 9-12 | 1,413 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #33.
Stevens Forest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6045 Stevens Forest Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6900
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6900
Gr: PK-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Jeffers Hill Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6001 Tamar Dr
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6872
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6872
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #55.
Thunder Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9357 Mellenbrook Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6922
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6922
Gr: K-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #66.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Gr: 9-12 | 1,334 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #77.
Phelps Luck Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5370 Oldstone Ct
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6886
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6886
Gr: PK-5 | 681 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #88.
Talbott Springs Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9550 Basket Ring Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6915
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6915
Gr: PK-5 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #99.
Oakland Mills Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9540 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Gr: 6-8 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #1010.
Cradlerock Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 319-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 319-7601
Gr: PK-5 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1111.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6680 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Gr: 6-8 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
21045, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Gr: PK-8 | 932 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Gr: 6-8 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 21045, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 21045, MD include Waterloo Elementary School, Oakland Mills High School and Stevens Forest Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 21045?
11 public schools are located in 21045.
What percentage of students in 21045 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 21045 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 21045?
21045 public schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
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