Excellent
#49 of 1,363 schools in MD
Top 4% in state
Sparks Elementary
Elementary School · Baltimore County Public Schools
601 Belfast Rd, Sparks, MD 21152
Enrollment
497
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
497
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Maryland schools
#49 of 1,363
In district
#9 of 169
Baltimore County Public Schools
Equity
9.9 / 10
Excellent
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Sparks Elementary
Elementary School in Sparks · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
The Trellis School
1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hereford Middle
2.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Sparks Elementary
Sparks Elementary is a public elementary school in Sparks, MD, part of Baltimore County Public Schools. Sparks Elementary serves approximately 497 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Sparks Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.2 out of 10 and ranks #49 of 1,363 schools in MD.
Structured state assessment records for Sparks Elementary show 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 9.2 · Excellent
- District avg 5.5
- MD avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
Sparks Elementary 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Sparks Elementary — Students at Sparks Elementary score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).
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 28 test records from MD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Sparks Elementary Compares
See how Sparks Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
601 Belfast Rd, Sparks, MD 21152
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sparks Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Pinewood Elementary (rated 9.3/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Timonium), with a very similar rating. Another option is Jacksonville Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Mays Chapel Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Timonium), with a comparable rating. 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 | 7.1 |
| 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 | 7.9 |
| Cockeysville Middle Cockeysville | 5.1 mi | 6.2 |
| ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL Cockeysville | 5.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Mays Chapel Elementary Timonium | 5.8 mi | 8.8 |
| Padonia International Elementary Cockeysville | 5.8 mi | 4.2 |
| Warren Elementary Cockeysville | 5.5 mi | 4.8 |
| 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 | 6.5 |
| Pot Spring Elementary Timonium | 6.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Pinewood Elementary Timonium | 6.9 mi | 9.3 |
| Jacksonville Elementary Phoenix | 5.8 mi | 9.0 |
| 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Butterfly Ridge Elementary Frederick, MD | 9.2 |
| Clearspring Elementary Damascus, MD | 9.2 |
| Fallsmead Elementary Rockville, MD | 9.2 |
| Glenarden Woods Elementary Lanham, MD | 9.2 |
| Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary Rockville, MD | 9.2 |
| Rodgers Forge Elementary Baltimore, MD | 9.2 |
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 ranks #49 of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is Sparks Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Sparks Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.2 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 Sparks Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sparks Elementary has 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 9.7%
- Phone
- (410) 887-7900
Resources & Links
District
Baltimore County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 110,275
- Schools in District
- 179
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,666
- District Rank
- #9 of 169
Other Schools in This District
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