Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 21012

There are three elementary schools in zip code 21012 (Arnold, MD), serving grades PK-5 within the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, an area known for its strong community and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.

Arnold Elementary is the standout school in this zip code, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 10% of all Maryland elementary schools (86th out of 864). It leads all local schools in academic performance, with 63.5% math proficiency, 73% ELA proficiency, and an impressive 78.9% science proficiency—more than double the state average. Broadneck Elementary and Belvedere Elementary are both strong 4-star schools, ranking closely at the 83rd and 82nd percentiles respectively. Broadneck slightly outperforms Belvedere in math (52.1% vs. 50.9%) and ELA (70.4% vs. 68.8%), despite having a higher student-teacher ratio (16.7 vs. 14.1) and lower per-student spending ($16,138 vs. $18,220). This suggests that Broadneck may have a more efficient instructional model, while Belvedere’s higher spending and lower ratio may be a response to serving a slightly more disadvantaged student population.

Key takeaways for parents include that spending does not directly correlate with performance, as Belvedere spends the most per student but ranks lowest among the three. Chronic absenteeism is a critical differentiator: Arnold Elementary has the lowest rate at 7.3% (well below the district average of 19.9%), while Belvedere has the highest at 11.0%, mirroring the academic rankings. All three schools serve relatively affluent populations, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 13% at Arnold to 21.59% at Belvedere, and socioeconomic factors still play a role in outcomes. Overall, Arnold Elementary is the top choice for academic excellence, while Broadneck and Belvedere offer strong, closely matched alternatives with distinct profiles.