- Westside Primary — 11.7 mi · Grades PK–1 · 201 students
- Bennett Middle — 15.4 mi · Grades 6–8 · 963 students
- Westside Intermediate — 15.9 mi · Grades 2–5 · 342 students
- Fruitland Intermediate — 15.9 mi · Grades 3–5 · 343 students
- Fruitland Primary — 16.4 mi · Grades PK–2 · 445 students
- Mardela Middle & High — 17.1 mi · Grades 6–12 · 742 students
- Pinehurst Elementary — 17.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 564 students
- Pemberton Elementary — 17.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 506 students
| Metric | Wicomico County Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 14,900 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 25 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,183/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicomico County Public Schools (this district) | 4/10 | 30th | 14,900 |
| Somerset County Public Schools | 2/10 | 10th | 2,773 |
| Dorchester County Public Schools | 3/10 | 22nd | 4,523 |
| Worcester County Public Schools | 10/10 | 98th | 6,841 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 25 rated districts in MD → 30th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Maryland State Dept. of Education MCAP, all grades Proficient Pct, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Wicomico County Public Schools
Wicomico County Public Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 21840 in Nanticoke, Maryland. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 21840. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
Wicomico County Public Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 4/10, placing it in the below average tier. 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.
Wicomico 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 21840
Children in zip code 21840 are assigned to Wicomico 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 21840, 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 Wicomico County Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Nanticoke
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Wicomico County Public Schools serves zip code 21840, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 21840. 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 Wicomico 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 21840.
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 Wicomico County Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 21840 data.