Waterloo Elementary School

5940 Waterloo Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 666 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Waterloo Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 666 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 68%
  • : Top 20% in MD
  • : 52% (Top 20%)
  • : 68% (Top 20%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : Waterloo Elementary serves the eastern part of Columbia, MD, covering an area of approximately 2.1 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 3.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Waterloo Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Waterloo Elementary School's student population of 666 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
666 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar
School Motto
Providing a Safe and Supportive Environment

School Rankings

Waterloo Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waterloo Elementary School is 0.77, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (MD)
#169 out of 1338 schools
(Top 20%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

52%
27%

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

68%
45%

Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

40-44%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
15%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
14%
24%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

Black
30%
32%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓

White
32%
31%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
9%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
68%
0.77

Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
16.1%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
46%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
Navy and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waterloo Elementary School's ranking?
Waterloo Elementary School is ranked #169 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Waterloo Elementary School often compared to?
Waterloo Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Thomas Johnson Elementary Middle School, Bellows Spring Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
How many students attend Waterloo Elementary School?
666 students attend Waterloo Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Waterloo Elementary School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 15% of students are Asian, 14% of students are Hispanic, and 9% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waterloo Elementary School?
Waterloo Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waterloo Elementary School offer ?
Waterloo Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Waterloo Elementary School part of?
Waterloo Elementary School is part of Howard County School District.
In what neighborhood is Waterloo Elementary School located?
Waterloo Elementary School is located in the Kendall Ridge neighborhood of Columbia, MD.

School Reviews

5   10/10/2025
The school is awesome!!!!!!!! The teacher's teach better than any other teachers in different schools!!!!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Nicol

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 666 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 68%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 52% (Top 20%)
  • : 68% (Top 20%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : Waterloo Elementary serves the eastern part of Columbia, MD, covering an area of approximately 2.1 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 3.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education

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