For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,102 students in 21223, MD (there are 2 private schools, serving 129 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in 21223, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 21223, MD are Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, Franklin Square Elementary Middle School and Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 21223 have an average math proficiency score of 4% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 21223, MD have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 21223, MD Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy
Vocational School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
100 N Calhoun Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(443) 984-2831
Baltimore, MD 21223
(443) 984-2831
Gr: 9-12 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Franklin Square Elementary Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1400 W Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-0795
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-0795
Gr: PK-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1001 W Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1290
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1290
Gr: 9-12 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
The Seed School Of Maryland
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 Font Hill Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 843-9477
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 843-9477
Gr: 6-12 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
James Mchenry Elementary Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
31 S Schroeder Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1621
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1621
Gr: PK-8 | 588 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Southwest Baltimore Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Herkimer Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(443) 984-3385
Baltimore, MD 21223
(443) 984-3385
Gr: PK-8 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #77.
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary At Bentalou
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
220 N Bentalou Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1385
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-1385
Gr: PK-5 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Rank: #88.
Frederick Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2501 Frederick Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-0830
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-0830
Gr: PK-5 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 21223, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 21223, MD include Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, Franklin Square Elementary Middle School and Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School.
How many public schools are located in 21223?
8 public schools are located in 21223.
What percentage of students in 21223 go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in 21223 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 21223?
21223 public schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.