For the 2025 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, Mars Estates Elementary School and Orems 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 9% (versus the Maryland public elementary school average of 24%), 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 (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: #2 - 32. - 3.
Mars Estates Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
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: #2 - 32. - 3.
Orems Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | 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: #44.
Sandalwood Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
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: #55.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 16% | 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: #6 - 76. - 7.
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: #6 - 76. - 7.
Sussex Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
515 S Woodward Dr
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Grades: PK-5
| 445 students
Rank: #88.
Deep Creek Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1101 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0110
Grades: K-5
| 414 students
Rank: #99.
Stemmers Run Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Stemmers Run Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0177
Grades: 6-8
| 812 students
Rank: #1010.
Deep Creek Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1000 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 809-0112
Grades: 6-8
| 728 students
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, Mars Estates Elementary School and Orems 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
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.