Summary:
Zip code 21704 in Frederick, MD, is home to three high-performing elementary schools—Sugarloaf Elementary, Urbana Elementary, and Centerville Elementary—all part of the Frederick County Public Schools district, which ranks in the top 20% of Maryland districts.
Centerville Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking 27th out of 864 elementary schools statewide (97th percentile) for the 2025-2026 school year—a dramatic rise from 76th place two years prior. It leads all three schools in math (69.7% proficient), English Language Arts (79.1% proficient), and 5th-grade science (66.7% proficient). This success coincides with the highest spending per student ($19,107) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (16.1) in the area, suggesting targeted investments in resources and smaller class sizes. Sugarloaf Elementary is a consistent top-10% performer (91st percentile) with strong academics, the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (6.0%), and the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (12.19%), indicating a highly engaged student body. Urbana Elementary remains solid but has slipped slightly to the 88th percentile, though it still posts strong scores.
All three schools significantly outperform both district and state averages across every subject. For instance, even the lowest science proficiency rate (Sugarloaf at 50%) exceeds the state average (32.4%) by over 17 points. Chronic absenteeism is a non-issue here, with rates well below the district average of 16.7%. Notably, Centerville Elementary achieves its top ranking despite a higher disadvantage rate than Sugarloaf Elementary, highlighting how its higher spending and smaller classes may effectively support all students. This zip code offers families exceptional elementary education options, with each school providing a strong foundation for academic success.
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