For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 4,282 students in Essex, MD.
The top-ranked public high schools in Essex, MD are Eastern Technical High School, Kenwood High School and Chesapeake High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, MD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Maryland public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 56% statewide average). High schools in Essex have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Maryland public high schools.
Essex, MD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 85%, which is less than the Maryland average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Eastern Technical High School, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Maryland or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Maryland public high school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public High 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.
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: #33.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Essex, MD?
The top-ranked public high schools in Essex, MD include Eastern Technical High School, Kenwood High School and Chesapeake High School.
How many public high schools are located in Essex?
3 public high schools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public high schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Maryland public high schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Essex include: Chesapeake High School vs. Kenwood High School, Kenwood High School vs. Chesapeake High School, Kenwood High School vs. Eastern Technical High School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.