Best Elementary Schools
in Baltimore, Maryland
We ranked all 226 elementary schools in Baltimore. The top 25 scored between 8.3 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Maryland education data
Baltimore's elementary landscape spans 183 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. Scores run the full spectrum, with an average composite of 6.5/10 — but 67 schools clear the 7/10 mark, meaning strong options are distributed across the city rather than concentrated in a single pocket. Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle leads the rankings at 9.3/10, followed closely by Clay Hill Public Charter School (9.2/10) and Harford Heights Elementary (9.1/10). The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key metrics to find the schools that fit your priorities. Whether you're weighing proximity, academics, or school type, the data gives you a direct comparison across all 183 schools. Use the filters to narrow the list and dig into individual school profiles for a closer look.
Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle
Clay Hill Public Charter School
Harford Heights Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Baltimore's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Maryland so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 9.3 |
| 2 | Clay Hill Public Charter School Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 9.2 |
| 3 | Harford Heights Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools | 9.1 |
| 4 | Moravia Park Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools | 9.0 |
| 5 | Oliver Beach Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 9.0 |
| 6 | North Bend Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 7 | Fort Garrison Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 8 | Powhatan Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 9 | Windsor Hills Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 10 | Martin Boulevard Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 11 | City Neighbors Hamilton Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 12 | Charlesmont Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 13 | Perry Hall Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 14 | Hampden Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 15 | Battle Grove Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 16 | AL-RAHMAH SCHOOL | 8.6 |
| 17 | Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 18 | Matthew A. Henson Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 19 | Rosemont Elementary/Middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 20 | Sandalwood Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 21 | Winand Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 22 | Woodbridge Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 23 | WALDORF SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE | 8.4 |
| 24 | Curtis Bay Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 25 | George Washington Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Maryland education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Maryland. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Baltimore
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Baltimore's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Baltimore
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Baltimore's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Maryland, with 226 schools spanning 4 school districts, plus 23 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Baltimore, Maryland?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle is the top-rated elementary school in Baltimore with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore has 226 elementary schools, including 23 charter schools. Of these, 213 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Baltimore?
The average composite score for Baltimore elementary schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Maryland).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Maryland, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Maryland, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Baltimore elementary school rankings?
Yes. Baltimore has 23 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.