For the 2025 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 16,389 students in Ellicott City, MD (there are , serving 2,671 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Ellicott City, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%). Ellicott City has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
The top ranked public schools in Ellicott City, MD are Centennial High School, Mount Hebron High School and Worthington Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ellicott City, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Maryland public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Ellicott City have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Ellicott City, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Centennial High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4300 Centennial Ln
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2856
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2856
Grades: 9-12
| 1,364 students
Rank: #22.
Mount Hebron High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9440 Old Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2880
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2880
Grades: 9-12
| 1,518 students
Rank: #33.
Worthington Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4570 Roundhill Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2825
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2825
Grades: PK-5
| 404 students
Rank: #44.
Folly Quarter Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
13500 Triadelphia Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-1506
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-1506
Grades: 6-8
| 683 students
Rank: #55.
Waverly Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10220 Wetherburn Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2819
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2819
Grades: PK-5
| 868 students
Rank: #66.
Manor Woods Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
11575 Frederick Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7165
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7165
Grades: K-5
| 675 students
Rank: #77.
Centennial Lane Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3825 Centennial Ln
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2800
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2800
Grades: PK-5
| 742 students
Rank: #88.
Ilchester Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4981 Ilchester Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2524
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2524
Grades: PK-5
| 518 students
Rank: #99.
Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
13400 Triadelphia Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2560
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2560
Grades: PK-5
| 625 students
Rank: #1010.
Howard High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
8700 Old Annapolis Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2867
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2867
Grades: 9-12
| 1,529 students
Rank: #1111.
Burleigh Manor Middle School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4200 Centennial Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2507
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2507
Grades: 6-8
| 776 students
Rank: #1212.
Northfield Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
9125 Northfield Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2806
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2806
Grades: K-5
| 749 students
Rank: #1313.
St. Johns Lane Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2960 Saint Johns Ln
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2813
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2813
Grades: K-5
| 657 students
Rank: #1414.
Bellows Spring Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8125 Old Stockbridge Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-5057
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-5057
Grades: PK-5
| 825 students
Rank: #1515.
Ellicott Mills Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4445 Montgomery Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2839
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2839
Grades: 6-8
| 721 students
Rank: #1616.
Patapsco Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8885 Old Frederick Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2848
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2848
Grades: 6-8
| 638 students
Rank: #1717.
Dunloggin Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9129 Northfield Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2831
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2831
Grades: 6-8
| 638 students
Rank: #1818.
Veterans Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4355 Montgomery Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-1700
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-1700
Grades: PK-5
| 897 students
Rank: #1919.
Homewood School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10914 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7081
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7081
Grades: 6-12
| 131 students
Rank: #2020.
Bonnie Branch Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4979 Ilchester Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2580
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2580
Grades: 6-8
| 710 students
Rank: #2121.
Hollifield Station Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8701 Stonehouse Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2550
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2550
Grades: K-5
| 721 students
Rank: n/an/a
Applications And Research Laboratory
Alternative School
10920 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-6698
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-6698
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Ellicott City, MD?
The top ranked public schools in Ellicott City, MD include Centennial High School, Mount Hebron High School and Worthington Elementary School. Ellicott City has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
How many public schools are located in Ellicott City?
22 public schools are located in Ellicott City.
What percentage of students in Ellicott City go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Ellicott City are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ellicott City?
Ellicott City public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Ellicott City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Ellicott City include: Mount Hebron High School vs. Centennial High School, Ellicott Mills Middle School vs. Burleigh Manor Middle School, Dunloggin Middle School vs. Burleigh Manor Middle School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
