Choosing the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions for parents. Maryland is home to several top-performing public elementary schools known for strong academics, excellent student–teacher ratios, and supportive learning environments. This 2026 guide highlights the 10 best elementary schools in Maryland, helping families compare rankings, enrollment data, and school quality to make an informed choice for their child’s early education.
Best Elementary Schools in Maryland (2026)
| Rank | School Name | City | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | West Towson Elementary School | Baltimore | 435 | 16:1 |
| #2 | Heather Hills Elementary School | Bowie | 349 | 17:1 |
| #3 | Rodgers Forge Elementary School | Baltimore | 393 | 17:1 |
| #4 | Rachel Carson Elementary School | Gaithersburg | 528 | 16:1 |
| #5 | Fallsmead Elementary School | Rockville | 520 | 15:1 |
| #6 | Centerville Elementary School | Frederick | 439 | 16:1 |
| #7 | Woodfield Elementary School | Gaithersburg | 317 | 11:1 |
| #8 | Ritchie Park Elementary School | Rockville | 384 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Urbana Elementary School | Frederick | 651 | 17:1 |
| #10 | Lakewood Elementary School | Rockville | 415 | 15:1 |
1. West Towson Elementary School
- Address: 6916 North Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21204
- Ranking: #1 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 435
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: West Towson Elementary School
West Towson Elementary School is a high-performing public K–5 school in the Baltimore County Public Schools district. Known for its strong academic outcomes and dedicated teaching staff, the school provides a well-rounded education focused on literacy, math, and social development. Its balanced class sizes and community involvement make it a preferred choice for families in the Towson area.
2. Heather Hills Elementary School
- Address: 12605 Heming Ln, Bowie, MD 20716
- Ranking: #2 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 349
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Link: Heather Hills Elementary School
Heather Hills Elementary School is a respected public magnet school serving grades 2–5 in Bowie, Maryland. The school is recognized for its enriched academic programs, student engagement, and supportive learning environment. With a focus on academic excellence and critical thinking skills, Heather Hills consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state.
3. Rodgers Forge Elementary School
- Address: 250 Dumbarton Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
- Ranking: #3 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 393
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Link: Rodgers Forge Elementary School
Rodgers Forge Elementary School is a public K–5 school in Baltimore County known for academic consistency and strong parent involvement. The school emphasizes foundational skills in reading and mathematics while encouraging creativity and collaboration. Its experienced faculty and positive school culture help students build confidence and achieve academic success.
4. Rachel Carson Elementary School
- Address: 100 Tschiffely Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
- Ranking: #4 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 528
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Rachel Carson Elementary School
Rachel Carson Elementary School is a top-rated public school within Montgomery County Public Schools. Serving grades K–5, the school is known for academic rigor, inclusive learning practices, and enrichment programs. Students benefit from strong test performance, modern teaching methods, and a well-structured curriculum that supports long-term academic growth.
5. Fallsmead Elementary School
- Address: 1800 Greenplace Ter, Rockville, MD 20850
- Ranking: #5 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 520
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Link: Fallsmead Elementary School
Fallsmead Elementary School in Rockville offers a nurturing K–5 learning environment with a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to give personalized attention to students. The school is well-regarded for its balanced curriculum, student support services, and commitment to continuous academic improvement.
6. Centerville Elementary School
- Address: 3601 Carriage Hill Dr, Frederick, MD 21704
- Ranking: #6 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 439
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Centerville Elementary School
Centerville Elementary School serves Pre-K through grade 5 and is part of Frederick County Public Schools. The school is known for its welcoming environment, dedicated teachers, and consistent academic results. Centerville emphasizes foundational learning, student engagement, and family involvement to support overall student success.
7. Woodfield Elementary School
- Address: 24200 Woodfield Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20882
- Ranking: #7 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 317
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Link: Woodfield Elementary School
Woodfield Elementary School stands out for its low student–teacher ratio, allowing for individualized instruction and strong academic support. Serving Pre-K through 5th grade, the school focuses on personalized learning, student confidence, and academic excellence. Its close-knit community environment makes it one of Maryland’s most student-focused schools.
Historical & Interesting Facts About Maryland Elementary Education
- Maryland consistently ranks among the top U.S. states for public education quality.
- Montgomery and Baltimore counties are nationally recognized for strong school systems.
- Maryland places a high emphasis on early literacy and math readiness programs.
- Many Maryland elementary schools integrate STEM and enrichment programs early.
8. Ritchie Park Elementary School
- Address: 1514 Dunster Rd, Rockville, MD 20854
- Ranking: #8 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 384
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Ritchie Park Elementary School
Ritchie Park Elementary School provides a supportive K–5 education with a strong academic framework. Located in Rockville, the school promotes student growth through structured instruction and enrichment activities. Its balanced approach to academics and student well-being contributes to consistent performance and high parent satisfaction.
9. Urbana Elementary School
- Address: 3554 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
- Ranking: #9 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 651
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Link: Urbana Elementary School
Urbana Elementary School serves a diverse PK–5 student population and is recognized for strong academic performance in Frederick County. The school emphasizes structured learning, collaborative classrooms, and student engagement. Its comprehensive curriculum prepares students with the skills needed for middle school and beyond.
10. Lakewood Elementary School
- Address: 2534 Lindley Terrace, Rockville, MD 20850
- Ranking: #10 Elementary School in Maryland
- Students: 415
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Link: Lakewood Elementary School
Lakewood Elementary School is a well-regarded public K–5 school offering a strong academic foundation and supportive learning atmosphere. With manageable class sizes and experienced educators, the school focuses on student achievement, social development, and preparing children for future academic challenges.
Conclusion
Maryland offers some of the best elementary schools in the United States, combining academic excellence, dedicated educators, and supportive learning environments. The schools listed above stand out for their performance, class size balance, and commitment to student success. By exploring rankings, school profiles, and individual strengths, families can confidently choose the 10 best elementary schools in Maryland that aligns with their child’s educational needs and future goals.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
FAQs
West Towson Elementary School, Heather Hills Elementary, and Rodgers Forge Elementary are among the top-ranked schools in Maryland for 2026.
Rankings are based on academic performance, test scores, student–teacher ratios, and overall school quality.
Woodfield Elementary School has one of the lowest ratios at approximately 11:1.
Yes, Maryland public elementary schools consistently perform above national averages in reading and math.
Parents should consider rankings, class sizes, academic programs, location, and school culture when choosing a school.
