Top 10 Best Howard County Public High Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 13 public high schools serving 16,724 students in Howard County, MD. The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, MD are River Hill High School, Glenelg High School and Centennial High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, MD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Maryland public high school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 60% statewide average). High schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Maryland public high schools.
Howard County, MD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Maryland average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is River Hill High School, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Maryland or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the Maryland public high school average of 65% (majority Black).

Best Public High Schools in Howard County (2024)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
River Hill High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
12101 Clarksville Pike
Clarksville, MD 21029
(410) 313-7120
Grades: 9-12
| 1,508 students
Rank: #22.
Glenelg High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
14025 Burnt Woods Rd
Glenelg, MD 21737
(410) 313-5528
Grades: 9-12
| 1,298 students
Rank: #33.
Centennial High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
4300 Centennial Ln
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2856
Grades: 9-12
| 1,377 students
Rank: #44.
Atholton High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7065
Grades: 9-12
| 1,456 students
Rank: #55.
Mount Hebron High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
9440 Old Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2880
Grades: 9-12
| 1,639 students
Rank: #66.
Howard High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
8700 Old Annapolis Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2867
Grades: 9-12
| 1,792 students
Rank: #77.
Reservoir High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
11550 Scaggsville Rd
Fulton, MD 20759
(410) 888-8850
Grades: 9-12
| 1,814 students
Rank: #88.
Long Reach High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
6101 Old Dobbin Ln
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7117
Grades: 9-12
| 1,639 students
Rank: #99.
Hammond High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
8800 Guilford Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-7615
Grades: 9-12
| 1,306 students
Rank: #1010.
Oakland Mills High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
9410 Kilimanjaro Rd
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-6945
Grades: 9-12
| 1,336 students
Rank: #1111.
Wilde Lake High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-6965
Grades: 9-12
| 1,360 students
Rank: #1212.
Homewood School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
10914 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7081
Grades: 7-12
| 86 students
Rank: #1313.
Cedar Lane Special Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
11630 Scaggsville Rd
Fulton, MD 20759
(410) 888-8800
Grades: PK-12
| 113 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Howard County, MD

Howard County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
10960 Grantchester Way
Columbia, MD 21044
(800) 382-6010
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
6700 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7601
Grades: PK-8
| 932 students
6700 Cradlewrock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 313-7607
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public high schools in Howard County, MD?
The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, MD include River Hill High School, Glenelg High School and Centennial High School. Howard County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
How many public high schools are located in Howard County, MD?
13 public high schools are located in Howard County, MD.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County, MD?
Howard County, MD public high schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the Maryland public high schools average of 65% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Banishing the Phone-based Childhood
Banishing the Phone-based Childhood
The article advocates for a dramatic cultural shift - delaying kids' smartphone ownership until high school and social media access until 16, promoting more free play, and fostering a healthier, screen-free childhood through collective action.
Spanking in Public Schools: The Ongoing Debate
Spanking in Public Schools: The Ongoing Debate
Indeed, there are still school districts today in America that allow teachers to spank students. Learn about the current spanking situation in schools and why the debate continues to heat up.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.