Best Public Schools in Zip Code 20871

The seven public schools in zip code 20871 (Clarksburg, MD) are part of the highly-rated Montgomery County Public Schools district and serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a mix of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

This area presents a striking contrast in school performance. The standout is Wilson Wims Elementary School, which ranks in the 96th percentile statewide with top math (71.9%) and English Language Arts (81.7%) proficiency, along with the lowest chronic absenteeism at just 9.9%. Snowden Farm Elementary School is also a strong performer, ranking in the 90th percentile and showing consistent improvement. Among middle schools, Hallie Wells Middle School significantly outperforms Rocky Hill Middle School, with more than double the math proficiency (43.8% vs. 19.9%) and a much lower rate of students receiving free/reduced lunch (18.47% vs. 45.64%). However, Clarksburg High School faces a math crisis, with only 17.8% proficiency—a dramatic drop from the strong elementary feeder schools that average 60% math proficiency—and the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the zip code at 30%.

A key takeaway is the "Clarksburg Paradox": while elementary schools are exceptional, the high school struggles academically, suggesting either high-performing students leave the public system before 9th grade or there are systemic issues with math instruction and engagement at the secondary level. English Language Arts is a clear strength across all schools, with even the lowest performer (Rocky Hill Middle at 51%) nearly matching the state average. Overall, families should note the strong elementary options but be aware of the significant performance gap that emerges in middle and high school, particularly in mathematics.