For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,851 students in 21043, MD (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,028 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 21043, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 21043, MD are Worthington Elementary School, Ilchester Elementary School and Howard High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 21043 have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 21043, MD have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 21043, MD Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Worthington Elementary School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4570 Roundhill Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2825
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2825
Gr: PK-5 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Ilchester Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4981 Ilchester Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2524
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2524
Gr: PK-5 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #33.
Howard High School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
8700 Old Annapolis Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2867
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2867
Gr: 9-12 | 1,493 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Ellicott Mills Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4445 Montgomery Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2839
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2839
Gr: 6-8 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #55.
Bellows Spring Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8125 Old Stockbridge Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-5057
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-5057
Gr: PK-5 | 806 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
Patapsco Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8885 Old Frederick Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2848
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2848
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Veterans Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4355 Montgomery Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-1700
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-1700
Gr: PK-5 | 883 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #88.
Hollifield Station Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8701 Stonehouse Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2550
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2550
Gr: K-5 | 677 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #99.
Bonnie Branch Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4979 Ilchester Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2580
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2580
Gr: 6-8 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 21043, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 21043, MD include Worthington Elementary School, Ilchester Elementary School and Howard High School.
How many public schools are located in 21043?
9 public schools are located in 21043.
What percentage of students in 21043 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 21043 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 21043?
21043 public schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.