For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,706 students in 20879, MD (there are 3 private schools, serving 272 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 20879, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 20879, MD are Strawberry Knoll Elementary School, Watkins Mill High School and Judith A. Resnik Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 20879 have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 20879, MD have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 20879, MD Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Strawberry Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
18820 Strawberry Knoll Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-5140
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-5140
Gr: PK-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #22.
Watkins Mill High School
Magnet School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10301 Apple Ridge Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(301) 284-4400
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(301) 284-4400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,577 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
Judith A. Resnik Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7301 Hadley Farms Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-3240
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-3240
Gr: PK-5 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
Whetstone Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
19201 Thomas Farm Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-1060
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-1060
Gr: PK-5 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #55.
Flower Hill Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
18425 Flower Hill Way
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-5820
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 740-5820
Gr: PK-5 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 20879, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 20879, MD include Strawberry Knoll Elementary School, Watkins Mill High School and Judith A. Resnik Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 20879?
5 public schools are located in 20879.
What percentage of students in 20879 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 20879 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 20879?
20879 public schools minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
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