Whittier Elementary

Whittier Elementary is a mid-sized school in Frederick, MD, serving 779 students from Pre-K through 5th grade as part of the high-performing Frederick County Public Schools district, and it stands out as a solid, reliable choice for families seeking a school that delivers strong results, especially in math, while effectively supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Whittier’s greatest strength is its exceptional performance for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, ranking in the 76th percentile statewide—a remarkable achievement compared to nearby schools like Hillcrest Elementary and Waverley Elementary, which serve higher poverty rates but rank in the bottom 20%. The school also consistently outperforms the district and state in math, with 42.2% of students proficient compared to the district’s 38.5% and the state’s 27.1%. This math success is a clear differentiator from neighbors like Lincoln Elementary and Butterfly Ridge Elementary, which fall below the district average. Additionally, Whittier spends $16,931 per student—less than many lower-performing peers such as Hillcrest ($24,563) and Butterfly Ridge ($22,353)—suggesting efficient use of resources to achieve better outcomes.

However, Whittier faces two key challenges. Fifth-grade science scores have dropped sharply to just 28.3% proficiency, well below the district average of 40.6%, and chronic absenteeism has risen to 18.2%, notably higher than its high-performing neighbor Yellow Springs Elementary (10.8%). Addressing these issues could help Whittier close the gap with top-tier schools like Yellow Springs, which is only 1.31 miles away but boasts lower poverty and higher test scores. For parents, Whittier offers a dependable, well-rounded education with a proven track record in math and equity, making it a strong middle-ground option in a diverse neighborhood.