Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 20706

This analysis examines ten elementary schools in zip code 20706 (Lanham/Seabrook/Glenarden, MD), serving grades PK-8 within the Prince George's County Public Schools district, revealing a landscape of extreme contrasts where a world-class school and several struggling schools coexist.

The standout performer is Glenarden Woods Elementary, ranked #1 in Maryland for two years and currently #2, with a 5-star rating and proficiency rates 3-4 times higher than the state average. A strong alternative is Robert Goddard Montessori, a consistent 4-star school with exceptionally low chronic absenteeism (5.1%). In stark contrast, James McHenry Elementary, Magnolia Elementary, and Judge Sylvania W. Woods Senior Elementary are in the bottom 25% of the state, facing high poverty rates and chronic absenteeism above 30%. Gaywood Elementary shows the most improvement, jumping from the 15th to the 31st percentile. Notably, Legends Public Charter School and Catherine T. Reed Elementary have the highest spending per student but rank in the bottom 35%, while Glenarden Woods has the lowest spending ($16,503).

A key takeaway is that money does not equal success; school culture and low absenteeism are stronger drivers. The two top schools have dramatically lower chronic absenteeism (5-8%) compared to struggling schools (30-37%). Another finding is a "3rd grade bump" in math at several schools, including Legends Public Charter, where proficiency drops from 43.3% in 3rd grade to 7.7% in 4th grade, suggesting a curriculum gap. Finally, Phyllis E. Williams Elementary and Robert Goddard Montessori share the same address but have different outcomes, with Phyllis E. Williams showing a remarkable strength in ELA (67.1% proficient) despite lower math scores.