Best Public Schools in Zip Code 21228

The 21228 zip code area of Baltimore County, Maryland is home to 10 schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district. The schools include 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative school, with a wide range of academic performance and student demographics.

Among the standout schools in the area is Western School of Technology, a public magnet high school that consistently ranks among the top in the state, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The elementary schools Hillcrest Elementary and Westchester Elementary also demonstrate strong academic performance, outpacing district and state averages in both math and English Language Arts proficiency. In contrast, Catonsville High School and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies struggle with lower graduation rates, higher dropout rates, and weaker test scores.

Across the schools in the 21228 zip code, there are concerning trends, such as consistently high chronic absenteeism rates and wide disparities in free/reduced lunch eligibility, indicating varying levels of economic disadvantage among the student populations. Addressing these challenges, along with the significant achievement gaps between the top-performing and lower-performing schools, will be crucial in ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students in this community.