For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 9,102 students in Essex, MD (there are 3 private schools, serving 935 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Essex, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Essex, MD are Eastern Technical High School, Middleborough Elementary School and Orems Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Essex have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Essex, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eastern Technical High School
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1100 Mace Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0190
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0190
Gr: 9-12 | 1,330 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
Middleborough Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
313 West Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Gr: PK-5 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Orems Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
711 Highvilla Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Sandalwood Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
900 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #55.
Mars Estates Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1500 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #66.
Kenwood High School
Magnet School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
501 Stemmers Run Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0153
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0153
Gr: 9-12 | 1,900 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Chesapeake High School
Magnet School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1801 Turkey Point Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0100
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,052 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #88.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Mace Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Gr: PK-5 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #99.
Deep Creek Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1101 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Gr: K-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #1010.
Middlesex Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
142 Bennett Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Gr: PK-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #1111.
Stemmers Run Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Stemmers Run Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Gr: 6-8 | 831 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1212.
Sussex Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
515 S Woodward Dr
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #1313.
Deep Creek Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1000 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Essex, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in Essex, MD include Eastern Technical High School, Middleborough Elementary School and Orems Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Essex?
13 public schools are located in Essex.
What percentage of students in Essex go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Essex are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Essex include: Deep Creek Elementary School vs. Mars Estates Elementary School, Chesapeake High School vs. Kenwood High School, Mars Estates Elementary School vs. Deep Creek Elementary School
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