| Metric | Howard County Public School System | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 57,000 | 3,700 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 78 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $16,000/yr | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near average |
| District Type | Suburban | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Great | — | Top 10% nationally |
Howard County Public School System is the suburban assigned to zip code 21042 in Ellicott City, MD. The district provides education from Pre-K – 12th. The district operates, serving approximately 57,000 students across 78 schools and has earned an overall rating of 9/10, classified as Great by SchoolDistrictFinder.
A rating of 9/10 places Howard County Public School System among the highest-performing school districts in MD. Families residing in zip code 21042 benefit from a district with a consistent record of strong academic outcomes, dedicated educators, and well-supported student programs at every grade level. High-performing schools in this district contribute to property values and community reputation in the Ellicott City area.
Parents researching schools for children from Pre-K – 12th in zip code 21042 should contact Howard County Public School System directly to confirm school assignments. District boundary lines are reviewed and updated annually, and school placements can vary by home address even within the same zip code. Open enrollment policies and magnet or specialized programs may also provide additional school choice options beyond the default attendance-zone assignment.
To verify your school assignment, ask about enrollment periods, or learn about district programs and services, contact Howard County Public School System by phone at (410)313-6600 or online at www.hcpss.org. The district office can provide information about registration requirements, required documentation (proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificate), and important dates for the upcoming school year.
Zip code 21042 is located in Ellicott City, MD. Families researching a move to this area frequently consider local school district quality as a primary factor in their decision. SchoolDistrictFinder provides data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to help families understand district ratings, school options, and enrollment information for zip code 21042 and surrounding communities. All ratings and data are estimates based on publicly available NCES records and should be verified directly with Howard County Public School System before making enrollment or real estate decisions.