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Hillcrest Elementary

Public Grades PK, KG-5

76^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 865 Maryland Elementary Schools

Better than 91% of Maryland elementary schools

Summary

Hillcrest Elementary is a high-performing public school in the Catonsville area of Baltimore, serving 678 students from Pre-K through 5th grade within the Baltimore County Public Schools district. The school stands out dramatically from its neighbors, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 91st percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year, with math proficiency rates (60.8%) nearly 2.4 times the district average and English Language Arts proficiency (75%) well above state norms.

What truly sets Hillcrest apart is its combination of strong academics and exceptionally low chronic absenteeism (7.8%), which is less than one-third of the district average. This creates a stable learning environment that benefits all students, including those from lower-income backgrounds—the school ranked in the 95th percentile statewide for its effectiveness with low socioeconomic status students. Interestingly, Hillcrest achieves these results with lower per-student spending ($15,963) than many nearby schools, including Arbutus Elementary ($20,254) and Johnnycake Elementary ($18,108), suggesting that factors like engaged families and school culture drive success rather than just funding levels.

When comparing Hillcrest to nearby schools, the differences are stark. While Westowne Elementary and Edmondson Heights Elementary have chronic absenteeism rates two to three times higher and math proficiency in the 20-30% range, Hillcrest excels. The only comparable peer is Westchester Elementary, located just 1.27 miles away, which shares similar demographics and low absenteeism. This contrast is even more pronounced when looking across district lines—schools like Beechfield Elementary/Middle in Baltimore City Public Schools have math proficiency below 5% and absenteeism rates above 44%, highlighting how district boundaries can create vastly different educational realities for families living just miles apart.

678

Students ?

17.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$15,963

Per pupil spending ?

33.8%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1500 Frederick Rd
Baltimore, MD 21228-5019

(410) 887-0820

District: Baltimore County Public Schools

Students who attend Hillcrest Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Catonsville Middle
High:	Catonsville High

Racial breakdown:

White:

50.9%

Asian:

19.5%

Hispanic:

15.0%

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Compare Hillcrest Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 88th percentile in 2016 → 91st in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Maryland average (67% vs 39% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 9% of Maryland elementary schools

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Baltimore County Public Schools

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school67%

District avg34%

Maryland avg39%

76^th of 865

Maryland public elementary schools ?

Top 9%▲ up 3 pts since 2016

From top 12% (2016) to top 9% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Maryland Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

14^th of 108Elementary Schools in the Baltimore County Public Schools

18^th of 24Baltimore County Public Schools among Maryland districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2026	91.4	76 of 865	91.2%	★★★★★
2025	87.5	104 of 865	88.0%	★★★★☆
2024	85.8	112 of 859	87.0%	★★★★☆
2023	77.6	186 of 855	78.2%	★★★★☆
2022	81.3	156 of 862	81.9%	★★★★☆
2021	81.5	113 of 802	85.9%	★★★★☆
2019	91.5	67 of 853	92.1%	★★★★★
2018	88.2	85 of 857	90.1%	★★★★★
2017	89.9	87 of 847	89.7%	★★★★☆
2016	88.5	100 of 845	88.2%	★★★★☆
2015	88.2	104 of 859	87.9%	★★★★☆
2014	86.1	52 of 867	94.0%	★★★★★
2013	86.9	25 of 847	97.0%	★★★★★
2012	86.0	25 of 857	97.1%	★★★★★
2011	87.2	22 of 853	97.4%	★★★★★
2010	85.5	49 of 855	94.3%	★★★★★
2009	84.5	65 of 850	92.4%	★★★★★
2008	83.1	90 of 838	89.3%	★★★★☆
2007	11.1	738 of 818	9.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2006	11.6	724 of 804	10.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2005	9.7	741 of 805	8.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2004	20.1	671 of 803	16.4%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	57.7	123 of 504	75.6%	★★★★☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	29.4	98 of 128	23.4%	★☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	80.4	114 of 796	85.7%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	27.8	263 of 347	24.2%	★☆☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	80.5	25 of 546	95.4%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	78.0	121 of 788	84.6%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	83.5	61 of 528	88.4%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Low Socio Economic Status (2021)95th percentile+10 vs school

White (2021)88th percentile+3 vs school

Female (2021)86th percentile~ school

Male (2021)85th percentile~ school

African American (2021)76th percentile-10 vs school

Hispanic (2021)24th percentile-62 vs school

Asian (2021)23rd percentile-62 vs school

By subject vs Maryland (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts75%+23 vs state

Science65%+32 vs state

Mathematics61%+34 vs state

★

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Schools Near Hillcrest Elementary

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				MCAP Mathematics (2026)							MCAP English Language Arts (2026)							MCAP Algebra I (2026)	MCAP Science (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCAP Mathematics 3rd Grade	MCAP Mathematics 4th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MCAP Mathematics All Grades	MCAP English Language Arts 3rd Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 4th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts All Grades	MCAP Algebra I End of Course	MCAP Science 5th Grade	MCAP Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Hillcrest Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1500 Frederick Rd	Baltimore	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 887-0820	678	39	17.6	33.8%	345 (50.9%)	71 (10.5%)	102 (15.0%)	132 (19.5%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (3.8%)	91.4	76^th of 865 public elementary schools	91.2%		87.5	104^th of 865 public elementary schools	88.0%	28	67.7	62.4	52.0				60.8	69.0	75.2	80.8				75.0		64.6		$15,963	$1,252	$14,711
Catonsville Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	106 Bloomsbury Ave	Catonsville	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(443) 809-0800	653	44	14.8	48.5%	279 (42.7%)	110 (16.8%)	77 (11.8%)	149 (22.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (5.8%)	69.2	264^th of 865 public elementary schools	69.5%		68.9	264^th of 865 public elementary schools	69.5%		62.7	38.5	31.9				43.4	66.3	59.6	53.2				59.4		37.0		$18,248	$1,738	$16,510
Westchester Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2300 Old Frederick Rd	Baltimore	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 887-1088	662	44	15.0	26.6%	369 (55.7%)	55 (8.3%)	86 (13.0%)	94 (14.2%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	56 (8.5%)	88.7	99^th of 865 public elementary schools	88.6%		76.5	209^th of 865 public elementary schools	75.8%	110	66.7	60.4	56.3				60.9	71.0	65.8	69.6				68.7		55.0		$16,919	$1,310	$15,609
Westowne Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	401 Harlem Ln	Catonsville	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(443) 809-0854	635	41	15.4	56.5%	153 (24.1%)	217 (34.2%)	96 (15.1%)	118 (18.6%)	3 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	48 (7.6%)	58.7	336^th of 865 public elementary schools	61.2%		50.5	402^nd of 865 public elementary schools	53.5%	66	45.1	38.5	35.1				39.4	49.4	58.3	45.8				51.2		31.6		$18,945	$2,175	$16,770
Johnnycake Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	5910 Craigmont Rd	Baltimore	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 887-0823	592	37	16.0	70.1%	27 (4.6%)	266 (44.9%)	194 (32.8%)	82 (13.9%)	5 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (3.0%)	31.1	568^th of 865 public elementary schools	34.3%		22.7	649^th of 865 public elementary schools	25.0%	81	32.3	28.0	18.1				26.1	29.2	38.6	35.1				34.1		20.4		$18,108	$2,281	$15,827
Woodbridge Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1410 Pleasant Valley Dr	Baltimore	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 887-0857	484	28	17.4	66.1%	31 (6.4%)	126 (26.0%)	90 (18.6%)	224 (46.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.7%)	77.4	202^nd of 865 public elementary schools	76.6%		68.4	270^th of 865 public elementary schools	68.8%	68	54.2	50.6	46.0				50.5	62.3	63.6	64.5				63.5		38.7		$17,278	$2,227	$15,051
North Bend Elementary/Middle	Public	PK, KG-8	181 North Bend Road	Baltimore	21229	Baltimore city	Baltimore City Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 396-0376	482	29	16.6	77.2%	15 (3.1%)	411 (85.3%)	45 (9.3%)	6 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.0%)	25.5	624^th of 865 public elementary schools	27.9%		27.1	587^th of 865 public elementary schools	32.1%	37	44.2	21.4	8.3	0.0	6.3	14.3	16.2	39.5	41.5	25.0	31.8	47.9	25.5	35.1		6.1	16.0	$24,706	$4,754	$19,952
Edmondson Heights Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1600 Langford Rd	Baltimore	21207	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 887-0818	556	34	16.5	70.1%	28 (5.0%)	352 (63.3%)	135 (24.3%)	16 (2.9%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	22 (4.0%)	20.2	679^th of 865 public elementary schools	21.5%		17.6	723^rd of 865 public elementary schools	16.4%	44	21.3	11.8	15.5				16.1	26.9	29.8	31.0				29.3		15.7		$17,065	$2,360	$14,705
Beechfield Elementary/Middle	Public	PK, KG-8	301 S Beechfield Avenue	Baltimore	21229	Baltimore city	Baltimore City Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 396-0525	510	30	17.0	87.8%	11 (2.2%)	446 (87.5%)	42 (8.2%)	6 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.0%)	7.2	850^th of 865 public elementary schools	1.7%		8	848^th of 865 public elementary schools	2.0%	2	1.6	6.3	3.7	1.9	2.0	4.2	3.5	8.2	21.3	7.5	15.1	18.4	23.4	15.2		1.8	10.6	$25,940	$4,732	$21,209
Ilchester Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	4981 Ilchester Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2524	482	38	12.6	13.7%	212 (44.0%)	58 (12.0%)	29 (6.0%)	132 (27.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	50 (10.4%)	88.4	101^st of 865 public elementary schools	88.3%		89.9	92^nd of 865 public elementary schools	89.4%	9	58.7	65.3	60.4				61.3	71.2	61.1	73.3				68.9		57.1		$21,779	$1,327	$20,452

Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest Elementary

How many students attend Hillcrest Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 678 students attended Hillcrest Elementary.

Is Hillcrest Elementary a good school?

Yes. Hillcrest Elementary ranks in the top 8.8% of Maryland elementary schools.

What schools do graduates of Hillcrest Elementary attend?

Students who attend Hillcrest Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Catonsville Middle
High : Catonsville High

What district is Hillcrest Elementary in?

Baltimore County Public Schools

What is the racial makeup of Hillcrest Elementary?

Students at Hillcrest Elementary are 51% White, 19% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 10% African American, 4% Two or more races.

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Latest Maryland data All new data »

2025–26 MCAP test scoresJul 28, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance data, dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 MCAP test scoresAug 26, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maryland State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.