For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,778 students in Essex, MD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Maryland public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Essex have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public elementary school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Essex, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: PK-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #66.
Deep Creek Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1101 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Gr: K-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #88.
Stemmers Run Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Stemmers Run Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Gr: 6-8 | 812 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #99.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1010.
Deep Creek Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1000 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Gr: 6-8 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Essex, MD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Essex, MD include Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Essex?
10 public elementary schools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public elementary schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public elementary schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Essex include: Deep Creek Elementary School vs. Mars Estates Elementary School, Mars Estates Elementary School vs. Deep Creek Elementary School, Sandalwood Elementary School vs. Middleborough Elementary School
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