Summary:
In zip code 21152, there is one elementary school, Sparks Elementary, serving grades K-5 in the Sparks, MD area, which is part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district.
Sparks Elementary is a standout school with exceptional academic performance that far exceeds both its district and state averages. For the 2025-2026 school year, 84.5% of students were proficient in English Language Arts, compared to just 46.1% for the district and 51.7% for the state. In Mathematics, 66.9% of students were proficient versus 21.9% for the district and 27.1% for the state. The school consistently ranks in the top 3% of all elementary schools in Maryland, earning a 5-star rating each year, with a three-year ranking trajectory of 9th, 19th, and 25th in the state. Science performance is particularly impressive, with 72.5% of 5th graders proficient, more than double the district and state averages. The school also has a low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.6%, significantly lower than the district's 25.6%, and a low free/reduced lunch rate of 10.41%, indicating a supportive community.
While the Baltimore County Public Schools district ranks in the bottom half of Maryland with a 2-star rating, Sparks Elementary is a localized pocket of excellence. The school's per-student spending of $18,538 is notably high, and combined with its exceptional outcomes, suggests effective use of resources. However, there has been a slight dip in state ranking from 9th to 25th over three years, and Math proficiency dropped from 73.7% to 66.9% year-over-year, which warrants monitoring. Overall, this school offers a high-quality education with strong family engagement and a positive school culture.
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