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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 21221 Maryland Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,820 students in 21221, MD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 21221, MD are Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 21221 have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Maryland public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in 21221, MD have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public elementary school average of 69% (majority Black).

Best 21221, MD Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Middleborough Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
313 West Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Gr: PK-5 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Orems Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
711 Highvilla Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Sandalwood Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
900 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Mars Estates Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #55.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Mace Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Gr: PK-5 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Deep Creek Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1101 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Gr: K-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #77.
Middlesex Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
142 Bennett Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Gr: PK-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #88.
Stemmers Run Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
201 Stemmers Run Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Gr: 6-8 | 831 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #99.
Sussex Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
515 S Woodward Dr
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #1010.
Deep Creek Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 21221, MD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 21221, MD include Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 21221?
10 public elementary schools are located in 21221.
What is the racial composition of students in 21221?
21221 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public elementary schools average of 69% (majority Black).

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