- Loch Raven High — 0.7 mi · Grades 9–12 · 780 students
- Cromwell Valley Elementary Regional Magnet — 0.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 395 students
- Central EDLP at Loch Raven High School — 0.7 mi · Grades 9–12
- Pleasant Plains Elementary — 1.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 575 students
- Loch Raven Technical Academy — 1.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 722 students
- Hampton Elementary — 1.6 mi · Grades K–5 · 555 students
- Oakleigh Elementary — 1.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 452 students
- White Oak School — 1.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 60 students
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| Metric | Baltimore County Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 111,082 | 3,544 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 178 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,356/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 25 rated districts in MD → 38th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Maryland State Dept. of Education MCAP, all grades Proficient Pct, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Baltimore County Public Schools
Families in zip code 21286 (Towson, Maryland) are assigned to Baltimore County Public Schools for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Baltimore County Public Schools 4 out of 10 — below average among Maryland public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Maryland’s MCAP assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Maryland is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Baltimore County Public Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Maryland benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 21286
Children in zip code 21286 are assigned to Baltimore County Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 21286, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Baltimore County Public Schools at (443)809-4554 or visit www.bcps.org. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Maryland districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Towson
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Baltimore County Public Schools serves zip code 21286, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 21286. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Maryland, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Baltimore County Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 21286.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Baltimore County Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 21286 data.