Education system and best schools in Maryland: Ranked among top public schools nationally. Curriculum adapts to modern educational standards. Strong emphasis on STEM programs. Maryland School Report Card for performance ratings. Advance Placement courses widely available. Notable institutions: Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore counties. Magnet and charter options offer specialized curricula. Rich extracurricular programs for student development. State funding supports varied educational initiatives. Renowned private schools like Sidwell Friends, Gilman School.
Ranked among top public schools nationally.
In Maryland, several Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have distinguished themselves by being ranked among the top public schools on a national scale. Notably, Walt Whitman High School proudly holds the distinction of being ranked second in the state and 139th nationally. Following closely is Poolesville High School, achieving third place in the state and 172nd in the nation. Additionally, six other MCPS schools have achieved remarkable standings, being listed within the top 20 in Maryland and top 1,100 nationally. For a detailed overview, visit the U.S. News & World Report for comprehensive school rankings and insights. This recognition underscores the commitment of MCPS to providing outstanding education to its students.
Curriculum adapts to modern educational standards.
Maryland has adopted Learning Forward's 2022 Standards for Professional Learning, ensuring a research-based framework to enhance teacher instruction and student outcomes, aligning with modern educational standards to address individualized learning needs. In conjunction with this, The Blueprint for Maryland's Future includes initiatives to transform public schools, focusing on early childhood education, high-quality teachers, and college and career readiness by the end of 10th grade, using internationally benchmarked curricula to meet modern educational standards.
Strong emphasis on STEM programs.
Maryland places a strong emphasis on STEM education, with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) offering a unique Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades STEM Education, addressing the critical shortage of STEM teachers in the state. Additionally, various high schools in Maryland are ranked among the best in the nation for STEM programs, such as those listed in Newsweek rankings.
Maryland School Report Card for performance ratings.
The Maryland School Report Card provides comprehensive performance ratings for schools, including star ratings based on indicators such as Academic Achievement, Academic Progress, and School Quality and Student Success. The report card also includes disaggregated data on student performance, enrollment, attendance, and postsecondary enrollment, offering a detailed view of school performance across the state. For more information, explore the detailed insights available on the Maryland School Report Card website.
Advance Placement courses widely available.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are widely available in Maryland, particularly through the Maryland State Department of Education's Maryland Virtual School (MVS) initiative, which offers online AP courses to students across the state, with registration available from August to April. Maryland students have shown high success in these programs, with a significant percentage earning scores of 3 or higher and participating in AP exams at rates above the national average. For more detailed information about these offerings, you can visit the Maryland Virtual School online. This initiative plays a crucial role in providing accessible and flexible learning opportunities for students eager to advance their education.
Notable institutions: Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore counties.
In Maryland, distinguished institutions recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, such as Chapel Hill Elementary in Baltimore County, Worthington Elementary in Howard County, and Bells Mill and Woodfield Elementaries in Montgomery County, exemplify exceptional academic achievements and innovative teaching practices. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) feature several top-ranked high schools, including Walt Whitman, Poolesville, Thomas S. Wootton, and Winston Churchill, which are celebrated for their college readiness, state assessment performance, and graduation rates according to the U.S. News & World Report. In Howard County, high achievers like River Hill High School, Centennial High School, and Marriotts Ridge High School are recognized for students' outstanding performance in math, reading, and science assessments, alongside impressive graduation rates and college preparedness. For more detailed insights, visit the National Blue Ribbon Schools website.
Magnet and charter options offer specialized curricula.
In Maryland, magnet schools offer specialized curricula in areas such as International Baccalaureate programs, STEM, and the performing arts, drawing students from across district lines and operating within the traditional public school system. Charter schools, though fewer in number, provide more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods, operating independently of local school districts while still meeting state and federal standards.
Rich extracurricular programs for student development.
Maryland schools, such as those in Charles County, offer rich extracurricular programs that include athletics, clubs, and student government associations, which are integral to providing a well-rounded educational experience and positively influencing academic achievement. Similarly, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) provide a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including leadership, service, and student-led programs, which aim to engage students, develop core competencies, and prepare them for college, career, and community involvement.
State funding supports varied educational initiatives.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future increases state funding for education over the next 10 years, using a weighted-student formula to allocate resources, and supports various initiatives to enhance student experiences and outcomes, particularly for historically underserved students. For more information, you can visit the Blueprint for Maryland's Future website.
Renowned private schools like Sidwell Friends, Gilman School.
Sidwell Friends School, a Quaker school with campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., is renowned for its rigorous academics, diverse student body, and selective admissions process, accepting only a small percentage of its applicants. It offers a comprehensive educational journey from pre-kindergarten through high school and is known for its deep intellectual and ethical inquiry. Meanwhile, Gilman School, an all-boys independent school in Baltimore, Maryland, is recognized for its strong academic programs, including a nationally ranked STEM curriculum. This historic institution prides itself on a structured educational approach that emphasizes community service and extracurricular activities. Gilman School holds the distinction of being the first country day school in the United States, reflecting its longstanding commitment to educational excellence.