Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 21811

Zip code 21811 in Berlin, Maryland, is home to two elementary schools, Showell Elementary and Buckingham Elementary, both serving grades PK through 4 as part of the top-ranked Worcester County Public Schools district, which is ranked 1st in Maryland.

These two schools present a fascinating contrast in academic strengths. Showell Elementary is a standout for its consistent, high-level performance in English Language Arts (ELA), with 73% of students proficient—significantly outpacing both Buckingham and the district average. It also boasts a lower chronic absenteeism rate (15.1%) and has maintained a top 90th percentile state ranking for three consecutive years. In contrast, Buckingham Elementary is a math powerhouse, achieving a remarkable 71.8% math proficiency rate that far exceeds the district (48.8%) and state (27.1%) averages. This math excellence drove a dramatic leap in its state ranking from the 81st to the 89th percentile in a single year, despite serving a higher percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (48.46% free/reduced lunch) and having a higher chronic absenteeism rate (18.2%).

Both schools are exceptional compared to state averages, with proficiency rates in math and ELA more than double Maryland's. The key takeaway for parents is that the "best fit" depends on a child's needs: Showell excels in reading and attendance consistency, while Buckingham shows incredible math growth and a powerful upward trajectory. Notably, Buckingham spends $1,301 more per student ($21,851 vs. $20,550), which may be directed toward supporting its higher-need population, while Showell achieves strong results with slightly lower spending. Reducing chronic absenteeism at Buckingham could be the key to closing the remaining gap with Showell and achieving even higher rankings.