For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,579 students in Derwood, MD (there are 2 private schools, serving 11 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Derwood, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Derwood, MD are Candlewood Elementary School, Col. Zadok Magruder High School and Mill Creek Towne Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Derwood, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Derwood have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Derwood, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Candlewood Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7210 Osprey Drive
Derwood, MD 20855
(301) 284-4200
Derwood, MD 20855
(301) 284-4200
Gr: K-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Col. Zadok Magruder High School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5939 Muncaster Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5550
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5550
Gr: 9-12 | 1,671 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Mill Creek Towne Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
17700 Park Mill Dr
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-1820
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-1820
Gr: PK-5 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #44.
Sequoyah Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
17301 Bowie Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5880
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-5880
Gr: K-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Redland Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6505 Muncaster Mill Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-0900
Derwood, MD 20855
(240) 740-0900
Gr: 6-8 | 562 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Derwood, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in Derwood, MD include Candlewood Elementary School, Col. Zadok Magruder High School and Mill Creek Towne Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Derwood?
5 public schools are located in Derwood.
What percentage of students in Derwood go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Derwood are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Derwood?
Derwood public schools minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Derwood are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Derwood include: Mill Creek Towne Elementary School vs. Candlewood Elementary School, Candlewood Elementary School vs. Mill Creek Towne Elementary School, Sequoyah Elementary School vs. Mill Creek Towne Elementary School
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.