Best Public Schools in Zip Code 21042

The 21042 zip code area of Ellicott City, Maryland is home to 12 schools that are part of the highly-ranked Howard County Public Schools district. The schools include 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Several schools in the area stand out as top performers, including Centennial High School, ranked 23rd out of 220 Maryland high schools with a 5-star rating, and Burleigh Manor Middle School, ranked 6th out of 337 Maryland middle schools with a 5-star rating. These high-performing schools consistently outpace state and district averages on standardized tests, with exceptional proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics. In contrast, the lower-performing Homewood School struggles across multiple subject areas.

While the top schools excel, the data also reveals areas for improvement across the district, such as the high chronic absenteeism rate and the significant spending disparities, with the alternative Homewood School spending over four times more per student than the average elementary or middle school. Overall, the 21042 zip code area offers a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools, providing parents with a range of educational options to consider for their children.