For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,824 students in Essex, MD.
The top ranked public preschools in Essex, MD are Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, MD public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Maryland public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 39% statewide average). Pre schools in Essex have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public preschool average of 71% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Essex, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Middleborough Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
313 West Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Grades: PK-5
| 312 students
Rank: #22.
Orems Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
711 Highvilla Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Grades: PK-5
| 386 students
Rank: #33.
Sandalwood Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
900 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Grades: PK-5
| 460 students
Rank: #44.
Mars Estates Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1500 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Grades: PK-5
| 350 students
Rank: #55.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Mace Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Grades: PK-5
| 446 students
Rank: #66.
Middlesex Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
142 Bennett Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Grades: PK-5
| 425 students
Rank: #77.
Sussex Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
515 S Woodward Dr
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Grades: PK-5
| 445 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Essex, MD?
The top ranked public preschools in Essex, MD include Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Essex?
7 public preschools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public preschools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public preschools average of 71% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Essex include: Sandalwood Elementary School vs. Middleborough Elementary School, Middleborough Elementary School vs. Sandalwood Elementary School
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.