For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 7,382 students in 21045, MD (there are , serving 480 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 21045, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in 21045, MD are Waterloo Elementary School, Oakland Mills High School and Stevens Forest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 21045 have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 21045, MD have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best 21045, MD Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5940 Waterloo Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-5014
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-5014
Gr: PK-5 | 626 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #22.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Gr: 9-12 | 1,422 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Stevens Forest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6045 Stevens Forest Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6900
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6900
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Jeffers Hill Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6001 Tamar Dr
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6872
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6872
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #55.
Thunder Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9357 Mellenbrook Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6922
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6922
Gr: K-5 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Gr: 9-12 | 1,448 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #77.
Phelps Luck Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5370 Oldstone Ct
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6886
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6886
Gr: PK-5 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #88.
Talbott Springs Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9550 Basket Ring Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6915
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6915
Gr: PK-5 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Oakland Mills Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9540 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6937
Gr: 6-8 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1010.
Cradlerock Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 319-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 319-7601
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1111.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6680 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7600
Gr: 6-8 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
21045, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Gr: PK-8 | 932 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Gr: 6-8 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 21045, MD?
The top ranked public schools in 21045, MD include Waterloo Elementary School, Oakland Mills High School and Stevens Forest Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 21045?
11 public schools are located in 21045.
What percentage of students in 21045 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 21045 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 21045?
21045 public schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
