Best Public Schools in Zip Code 20877

The 10 public schools in Gaithersburg, Maryland (zip code 20877), part of the Montgomery County Public Schools district, serve approximately 8,029 students across six elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school, with a high level of economic disadvantage reflected in an average Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS) rate of about 60.4%.

Among elementary schools, Rosemont Elementary stands out as the top academic performer, earning a 3-star rating and being the only school in the area to approach the district average in Mathematics (35.3% vs. 36.9%) and lead in English Language Arts (45.5%). Harriet R. Tubman Elementary shows a positive upward trend, improving its state ranking for three consecutive years and increasing proficiency in both Math and ELA. In contrast, Summit Hall Elementary and Gaithersburg Elementary have the highest FARMS rates (over 67%) and struggle with the lowest academic scores. For middle schools, Shady Grove Middle is the standout, with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (21.2%) and highest ELA proficiency (42%) among its peers, while Gaithersburg Middle and Forest Oak Middle face greater challenges. Gaithersburg High School is in a critical state, with a 51% chronic absenteeism rate, a 78.6% graduation rate, and a 16.4% dropout rate—all significantly worse than district averages.

A key takeaway is that high per-student spending (averaging $23,147) does not guarantee strong outcomes, as schools like Summit Hall spend the most yet rank in the bottom 10% statewide. The data reveals a strong link between poverty levels and academic performance, with schools having lower FARMS rates, such as Rosemont and Washington Grove Elementary, achieving better results. Year-over-year test score volatility, seen in schools like South Lake Elementary, suggests a highly mobile student population, making long-term trend assessment difficult. Overall, while the area faces systemic challenges tied to concentrated poverty, schools like Rosemont Elementary and Shady Grove Middle demonstrate that stability and targeted support can lead to brighter outcomes.