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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Cities For Public Schools in Maryland (2026)

The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 24% 100% Avg. Statewide: 62%

Top-Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Maryland (2026)

City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
Clarksville, MD
100%
(4 out of 4)
Rank: #22.
Bethesda, MD
81%
(13 out of 16)
Rank: #33.
Potomac, MD
78%
(7 out of 9)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Severna Park, MD
75%
(6 out of 8)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Chevy Chase, MD
75%
(3 out of 4)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
Ellicott City, MD
55%
(12 out of 22)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
Sykesville, MD
55%
(6 out of 11)
Rank: #88.
Ijamsville, MD
50%
(3 out of 6)
Rank: #99.
Rockville, MD
27%
(8 out of 30)
Rank: #1010.
Towson, MD
24%
(4 out of 17)

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Did You Know?

Testing rankings and test scores should not be compared across states - there is large variation in how states define "proficiency" on their standardized tests. In states with the lowest expectations, "proficiency" can be several grade levels below proficiency in states with the highest expectations.