For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,522 students in 20855, MD (there are 4 private schools, serving 11 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in 20855, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in 20855, MD are Candlewood Elementary School, Col. Zadok Magruder High School and Mill Creek Towne Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 20855 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 20855, MD have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best 20855, MD Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Candlewood Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7210 Osprey Drive
Derwood, MD 20855
(301) 284-4200
Derwood, MD 20855
(301) 284-4200
Gr: K-5 | 368 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Col. Zadok Magruder High School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5939 Muncaster Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5550
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5550
Gr: 9-12 | 1,622 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #33.
Mill Creek Towne Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
17700 Park Mill Dr
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-1820
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-1820
Gr: PK-5 | 497 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Sequoyah Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
17301 Bowie Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5880
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5880
Gr: PK-5 | 452 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Redland Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6505 Muncaster Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-0900
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-0900
Gr: 6-8 | 583 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 20855, MD?
The top ranked public schools in 20855, MD include Candlewood Elementary School, Col. Zadok Magruder High School and Mill Creek Towne Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 20855?
5 public schools are located in 20855.
What percentage of students in 20855 go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in 20855 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 20855?
20855 public schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.