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Very Good

#413 of 1,363 schools in MD

Top 30% in state

Preston Elementary School

Elementary School · Caroline County Public Schools

Po Box 69, Preston, MD 21655

Enrollment

396

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

7.4

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#413 of 1,363

In district

#2 of 9

Caroline County Public Schools

Academic performance

8.7 / 10

Excellent

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Preston Elementary School

7.4/10

Elementary School in Preston · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Smithson's Christian School

Nearby

4.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Colonel Richardson High School

6.6/10

5.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Preston Elementary School

Preston Elementary School is a public elementary school in Preston, MD, part of Caroline County Public Schools. Preston Elementary School serves approximately 396 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Preston Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #413 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for Preston Elementary School show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts above district
  • This school 7.4 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.5
  • MD avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Preston Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.7Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.91 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics8.7Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency48.2% (2025 MCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency50% (2025 MCAP)
Math vs. State Avg+18 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.1 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected+12.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile79th
Resources & Environment7.4Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,385
Chronic Absenteeism22.7%

Preston Elementary School — Students at Preston Elementary School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 52.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
30.2% (2025 MCAP)
ELA Proficiency 57.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.1% (2025 MCAP)

Based on 28 test records from MD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
91%
ELA
88%
2011
Math
93%
ELA
88%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
48.2%
ELA
50%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.7/10.

How Preston Elementary School Compares

See how Preston Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
70th percentile in MD
Academic
8.7/10
Excellent
Growth
6.7/10
Average
Environment
7.4/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
55%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

Po Box 69, Preston, MD 21655

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Preston Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Chapel District Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Cordova), which scores notably higher. Another option is Warwick Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Secretary), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, White Marsh Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Trappe), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Preston, see our Preston schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.1 mi
School Distance Rating
SMITHSON'S CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Preston 4.0 mi
Colonel Richardson High School Federalsburg 5.1 mi 6.6
Hurlock Elementary School Hurlock 6.0 mi 7.4
Colonel Richardson Middle School Federalsburg 5.2 mi 6.6
Warwick Elementary School Secretary 7.3 mi 8.3
North Dorchester High School Hurlock 8.7 mi 6.1
Federalsburg Elementary School Federalsburg 6.9 mi 5.9
North Dorchester Middle School Hurlock 8.9 mi 7.0
Easton High Easton 9.2 mi 6.2
SAINTS PETER & PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Easton 9.3 mi 5.8
SS PETER & PAUL HIGH SCHOOL Easton 9.2 mi 5.8
White Marsh Elementary Trappe 9.2 mi 7.9
THE COUNTRY SCHOOL Easton 9.6 mi 7.2
Denton Elementary School Denton 11.7 mi 7.5
Easton Middle Easton 9.9 mi 5.7
CHESAPEAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Easton 10.4 mi 6.6
Chapel District Elementary Cordova 11.8 mi 8.6
Easton Elementary Easton 10.6 mi 5.3
COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cambridge 12.5 mi 6.1
Lockerman Middle School Denton 13.1 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 21655 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$85,608

Median Home Value

$291,200

Median Rent

$1,313/mo

Population

4,995

College Educated

25.4%

Homeownership

82.2%

Avg Commute

29.3 min

Poverty Rate

7.3%

Median Age

42.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bel Pre Elementary Silver Spring, MD 7.4
Benjamin D. Foulois Academy Morningside, MD 7.4
Calvert Elementary Prince Frederick, MD 7.4
Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter Frederick, MD 7.4
Cresaptown Elementary Cresaptown, MD 7.4
Greenbrier Elementary Boonsboro, MD 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Preston Elementary School

What grades does Preston Elementary School serve?

Preston Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Preston Elementary School?

Preston Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 396 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Preston Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Preston Elementary School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Preston Elementary School rank in MD?

Preston Elementary School ranks #413 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Preston Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Preston Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Preston Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Preston Elementary School has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Preston Elementary School a charter school?

No, Preston Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Preston Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Preston Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Preston Elementary School?

55.1% of students at Preston Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
29 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
396
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Caroline County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.7%

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