Very Good
#288 of 1,363 schools in MD
Top 21% in state
Sparks Elementary
Elementary School · Baltimore County Public Schools
601 Belfast Rd, Sparks, MD 21152
Enrollment
497
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
497
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Maryland elementary schools
#281 of 882
In district
#26 of 169
Baltimore County Public Schools
Equity
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Sparks Elementary
Sparks Elementary serves 497 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Belfast Road area of Sparks, Maryland. This well-regarded public school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1 with 29 full-time equivalent teachers, creating an environment where students can receive meaningful individual attention. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a 7.5 out of 10 rating and ranking in the 90th percentile statewide at #137 out of 1364 Maryland elementary schools.
Students consistently achieve solid results, with 76% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and reading, while 67% demonstrate proficiency in mathematics. These outcomes reflect the school's commitment to helping students build essential foundational skills across core subjects. Sparks Elementary draws families from a stable, well-educated community where 58% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher and the median household income reaches $113,711.
The area maintains a low poverty rate of just 2.3%, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Home values averaging $500,500 reflect the community's investment in the neighborhood. The school enjoys a rural setting near the town of Sparks in Baltimore County, offering students a more spacious, peaceful learning environment while remaining accessible to the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Sparks Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Sparks Elementary — Students at Sparks Elementary score 85% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
13.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from MD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 8.5/10.
How Sparks Elementary Compares
See how Sparks Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 77% (2019) to 85.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 79% (2019) to 84.5% (2025).
Location
601 Belfast Rd, Sparks, MD 21152
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sparks Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Pot Spring Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 6.5 miles away, in nearby Timonium), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Pinewood Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Timonium), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Warren Elementary (rated 6.6/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Cockeysville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sparks, see our Sparks schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| THE TRELLIS SCHOOL Sparks | 1.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Hereford Middle Monkton | 2.2 mi | 5.3 |
| OLDFIELDS SCHOOL Sparks Glencoe | 2.2 mi | 8.0 |
| SHEPPARD PRATT SCHOOL Hunt Valley | 3.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Hereford High Parkton | 4.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Cockeysville Middle Cockeysville | 5.1 mi | 5.0 |
| ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL Cockeysville | 5.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Mays Chapel Elementary Timonium | 5.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Padonia International Elementary Cockeysville | 5.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Warren Elementary Cockeysville | 5.5 mi | 6.6 |
| APPLE TREE CHILDREN'S CENTER Cockeysville | 6.0 mi | 6.5 |
| ST JAMES ACADEMY Monkton | 5.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Dulaney High Timonium | 6.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Pot Spring Elementary Timonium | 6.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Pinewood Elementary Timonium | 6.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Jacksonville Elementary Phoenix | 5.8 mi | 5.4 |
| MONTESSORI MANOR Phoenix | 6.1 mi | — |
| ST PAUL'S SCHOOL Brooklandville | 7.7 mi | 7.0 |
| VILLA MARIA SCHOOL Timonium | 7.2 mi | 7.2 |
| MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lutherville | 7.8 mi | 6.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 21152 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$119,833
Median Home Value
$529,200
Median Rent
$1,639/mo
Population
6,402
College Educated
54.7%
Homeownership
71%
Avg Commute
25.2 min
Poverty Rate
1.7%
Median Age
44.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Sparks Elementary has a median household income of $119,833. It is a well-educated community where 55% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $529,200, with a median rent of $1,639/month. The local poverty rate of 1.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bells Mill Elementary Potomac, MD | 7.8 |
| C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School Waldorf, MD | 7.8 |
| FORCEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Silver Spring, MD | 7.8 |
| Featherbed Lane Elementary Baltimore, MD | 7.8 |
| Forest Lakes Elementary Forest Hill, MD | 7.8 |
| Fort Washington Forest Elem Fort Washington, MD | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sparks Elementary
What grades does Sparks Elementary serve?
Sparks Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Sparks Elementary?
Sparks Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 497 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sparks Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Sparks Elementary is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sparks Elementary rank in MD?
Sparks Elementary is ranked #288 out of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is Sparks Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Sparks Elementary has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Sparks Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sparks Elementary has 68.9% math proficiency and 72.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Sparks Elementary a charter school?
No, Sparks Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sparks Elementary a Title I school?
No, Sparks Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sparks Elementary?
13.3% of students at Sparks Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 497
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 13.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Baltimore County
- Phone
- (410) 887-7900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Baltimore County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 110,275
- Schools in District
- 179
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,666
- District Rank
- #26 of 169
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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