Public Schools around Baltimore

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know which counties around Baltimore are considered to be good school districts?

There is a possibility we will relocate from Fairfax, NoVA.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Baltimore County, and my father was a public school teacher in the county and city, so I'll share my insight.

Baltimore County is huge like Fairfax, and it's the only county contiguous to the city. So if you want "close in," it's your best bet, but obviously as such a large jurisdiction the school quality varies widely. Traditionally, the north-central and north-west parts of the county have had the strongest schools. This means Towson, Lutherville, Timonium, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley in the north-central area and Pikesville, Owings Mills, and Reisterstown in the north-west area. Personally, I'd live in Towson if I were moving back to the area -- close in, nice community, great high school.

If you're willing to be a little farther from the city, Howard County has excellent schools. If you're more exurban in your preferences, Harford and Carroll Counties are options; my sense is that Harford's school system is better.

Happy to answer any specific questions....

[Anonymous]

I also grew up in Baltimore County as well as Carroll County. If you want to go public, stick to the Central district on Baltimore County. Check out the BCPS website for into on demographics, test scores, etc. Stay away from the Towson elementary schools since they are all overcrowded. There are plans to build a new ES to alleviate this problem but not anytime soon.