For the 2026-27 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,934 students in Essex, MD.
The top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD are Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, MD public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Maryland public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 39% statewide average). Pre schools in Essex have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public preschool average of 71% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Essex, MD (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD include Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Essex?
7 public preschools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public preschools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public preschools average of 71% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Essex include: Sandalwood Elementary School vs. Middleborough Elementary School, Middleborough Elementary School vs. Sandalwood Elementary School
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.