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
Grades
Students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 626 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,422 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 328 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 397 students
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
Grades: K-5
| 454 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,448 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 704 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 488 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 428 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 465 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 622 students
21045, Maryland Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Grades: PK-8
| 932 students
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students
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
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
