Photo: Rph92 · CC BY 4.0Essex’s public schools score below 76% of Maryland districts on tests and graduation
In Essex, 20% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Maryland average (25%). The grade covers the public school district serving Essex, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Maryland, not nationally.
From Maryland state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Essex’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 125 Maryland towns with household incomes within a quarter of Essex’s, its schools beat 34%, higher than their 24% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 40% of tested students were proficient in reading and 20% in math, against 45% and 25% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across Maryland. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,356 per student, against $20,258 across Maryland (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Seven elementary schools, then two middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (private) and St. Stevens Christian Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Essex’s grade
C−: better than 24% of Maryland school districts, #158 of 261 Maryland towns. Both inputs trail the Maryland average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Essex, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Stemmers Run Middle
Grades 6–8 · 831 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Deep Creek Middle
Grades 6–8 · 670 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
7th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Stemmers Run Middle
Grades 6–8 · 831 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Deep Creek Middle
Grades 6–8 · 670 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
8th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Stemmers Run Middle
Grades 6–8 · 831 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Deep Creek Middle
Grades 6–8 · 670 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
9th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Kenwood High
Grades 9–12 · 1,900 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Chesapeake High
Grades 9–12 · 1,052 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
10th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Kenwood High
Grades 9–12 · 1,900 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Chesapeake High
Grades 9–12 · 1,052 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
11th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Kenwood High
Grades 9–12 · 1,900 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Chesapeake High
Grades 9–12 · 1,052 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
12th grade in Essex · depends on your address
Kenwood High
Grades 9–12 · 1,900 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Chesapeake High
Grades 9–12 · 1,052 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Baltimore
Essex’s public schools are run by Baltimore County Public Schools. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Essex vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Maryland towns that share Essex’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Essex | C− | Baltimore County |
Every school in Essex
14 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Maryland’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Essex’s schools
Are Essex’s schools good?
On Maryland’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Essex children attend score below 76% of Maryland’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #158 of 261 Maryland towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 34%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Essex in?
Baltimore County Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 110,024 students in 175 schools (2024–25).
Where do Essex kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Kenwood High and Chesapeake High.
What is Essex’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Baltimore County Public Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across Maryland.
How much does Essex spend per student?
$19,356 in Baltimore County Public Schools (FY2024), against $20,258 across Maryland. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Essex?
Yes: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (Catholic, grades PK–12, 559 students) and St. Stevens Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–1, 41 students).
Parents talk
What Essex families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Essex → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Maryland. Stars are from neighbors.