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Best Public Schools in Zip Code 21401


At a glance
11
Schools
5,382
Students
1
5-star school
Top rankedWest Annapolis Elementary57th of 864 Maryland elementary schools
Biggest riser
Monarch Academy Annapolis Elementary School up 95 spots statewide this year
Smallest classes
Annapolis Elementary 7.7 students per teacher
SchoolDigger ratings
5★
3★
2★
1★
0★
2 schools without a SchoolDigger rating (too few tested students)
Summary:

The 10 public schools in Annapolis, MD (zip code 21401), part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, serve a diverse range of students from elementary through high school, revealing a stark contrast in academic performance and socioeconomic conditions within a single geographic area.

West Annapolis Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 93rd percentile statewide with 84% proficiency in English Language Arts and a low 6.8% chronic absenteeism rate, while serving a student population with only 17.52% receiving free/reduced lunch. In contrast, Annapolis Elementary and Walter S. Mills - Parole Elementary face significant challenges, with free/reduced lunch rates above 82% and math proficiency rates below 18%. The alternative schools Phoenix Academy and Mary Moss at Adams Academy report the most alarming metrics, including 0% proficiency in core subjects and chronic absenteeism rates exceeding 84%, highlighting the need for intensive intervention. Rolling Knolls Elementary is a strong middle-ground performer, achieving a 3-star rating with math proficiency (38.5%) well above the district average.

A critical takeaway is the systemic crisis of chronic absenteeism, which averages 35% across the zip code—nearly double the district's 19.9%—and affects even traditional schools like Annapolis High (31.2%) and Monarch Academy Annapolis Elementary School (25.4%). Additionally, high per-student spending does not guarantee success; Annapolis Elementary spends $36,018 per student but ranks in the 16th percentile, while West Annapolis Elementary spends $20,791 and excels. Wiley H. Bates Middle is a bright spot, consistently earning 3 stars and achieving 71.8% proficiency in Algebra I, far exceeding the district's 26.3%. These insights underscore that while some schools thrive, the area as a whole struggles with deep educational inequities that require targeted support.

Ranking:
Map legend
E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private




Cities Near Zip Code 21401

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maryland State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics