📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (MCAP 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
7 Rated Districts in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metro Area
MCAP 2024–25 · percentile among Maryland districts
| Metro Rank | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Howard County Public Schools | Ellicott City | 10/10 Excellent | 94th |
| #2 | Carroll County Public Schools | Westminster | 10/10 Excellent | 90th |
| #3 | Queen Annes County Public Schools | Centreville | 8/10 Good | 70th |
| #4 | Harford County Public Schools | Bel Air | 7/10 Good | 66th |
| #5 | Anne Arundel County Public Schools | Annapolis | 7/10 Good | 62nd |
| #6 | Baltimore County Public Schools | Towson | 4/10 Below Average | 38th |
| #7 | Baltimore City Public Schools | Baltimore | 1/10 Poor | 6th |
Best School Districts in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metro Area (2026)
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from MCAP 2024–25 (Maryland) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area? ▼
Among the 7 rated districts in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area, the highest-rated is Howard County Public Schools (Ellicott City), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 94th percentile of Maryland districts on MCAP 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
How are these rankings calculated? ▼
Each district's rating comes from the share of its students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments, percentile-ranked against all rated districts in its state and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.