Elementary School In Columbia Is No. 2 In Maryland: Niche.com

COLUMBIA, MD — A Columbia elementary school is among the top 10 public elementary schools in Maryland, based on a new study.

Clemens Crossing Elementary School, in the 10300 block of Quarterstaff Road, ranked second in the state, according to Niche.com, which uses data science to evaluate the nation's best neighborhoods and schools annually. To see how public elementary schools across the state stacked up, Niche.com used a combination of surveys and U.S. Department of Education reports.

The only other Maryland school that topped Clemens Crossing in the 2017 best public elementary schools rankings was the Carl Sandburg Learning Center in Rockville, which serves 115 students with disabilities in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

Clemens Crossing has 531 students enrolled, according to the Howard County Public School System. Among those, 6.7 percent receive special education and 8.4 percent received free and reduced price meals, officials report.

Overall, Niche.com gave Clemens Crossing an "A+" rating. It reported that 72 percent of students scored proficient in reading and 66 percent were proficient in math, based on state tests.

"Their GT programs are amazing, teachers are extraordinarily hardworking and disciplined. There is no racism whatsoever. We send our kids to school with a peace of mind," according to one Niche.com review by a person who identified as a parent.

"Safe, clean and forever friendly environment, extreme hard working teachers. 5 years with this school and never had any complaints," another parent reviewer wrote on the website.

Howard and Montgomery county schools represented the bulk of the top 100 public elementary schools in the state, according to Niche.com.

“Howard County can be proud of its public schools,” Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent Dr. Renee A. Foose said in a statement. “HCPSS prepares children for success throughout their academic careers and provides students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”

Top 10 Public Elementary Schools in Maryland: Niche.com

1. Carl Sandburg Learning Center, Montgomery County Public Schools
2. Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
3. Northfield Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
4. Pointers Run Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
5. Waverly Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
6. West Friendship Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
7. Clarksville Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
8. Centennial Lane Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
9. Manor Woods Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools
10. Stone Mill Elementary School, Montgomery County Public Schools

Related: Top 100 Elementary Schools In Maryland: Niche.com's 2017 List

Image via Clemens Crossing PTA/Facebook.