Best Elementary Schools
in Baltimore, Maryland
We ranked the 210 elementary schools in Baltimore with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.5 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Maryland education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Baltimore for 2026 are Fort Garrison Elementary (9.5/10), Rodgers Forge Elementary (9.2/10), and West Towson Elementary (9.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 210 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Baltimore?
Every elementary school in Baltimore is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Fort Garrison Elementary
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Rodgers Forge Elementary
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
West Towson Elementary
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Fort Garrison Elementary
Rodgers Forge Elementary
West Towson 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 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Maryland so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 210 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Garrison Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 9.5 |
| 2 | Rodgers Forge Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 9.2 |
| 3 | West Towson Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 9.2 |
| 4 | Oliver Beach Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 5 | Hampstead Hill Academy Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 6 | Al-rahmah School | 8.6 |
| 7 | Cromwell Valley Elementary Regional Magnet Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 8 | Woodbridge Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 9 | Waldorf School of Baltimore | 8.4 |
| 10 | Clay Hill Public Charter School Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 11 | Westchester Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 12 | Federal Hill Preparatory Academy Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 13 | Hillcrest Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 14 | Stoneleigh Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 15 | Thomas Johnson Elementary/middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.1 |
| 16 | Francis Scott Key Elementary/middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 17 | City Neighbors Hamilton Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 18 | Glenmount Elementary/middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 19 | Perry Hall Elementary Baltimore County Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 20 | The Green School of Baltimore Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 21 | Tunbridge Public Charter School Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 22 | Gateway School | 7.6 |
| 23 | Rock Church Academy | 7.6 |
| 24 | Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.5 |
| 25 | Hampden Elementary/middle Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.5 |
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, Fort Garrison Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Baltimore with a composite score of 9.5/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 5.1/10. 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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.