For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 2,173 students in Sandy Spring, MD (there are 1 private school, serving 603 private students). 80% of all K-12 students in Sandy Spring, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Sandy Spring, MD are Sherwood High School and Sherwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sandy Spring, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Sandy Spring have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Sandy Spring, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sherwood High School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 Olney-sandy Spring Rd
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(240) 740-8110
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(240) 740-8110
Gr: 9-12 | 1,675 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
Sherwood Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1401 Olney-sandy Spring Rd
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(240) 740-0960
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(240) 740-0960
Gr: PK-5 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Sandy Spring, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in Sandy Spring, MD include Sherwood High School and Sherwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Sandy Spring?
2 public schools are located in Sandy Spring.
What percentage of students in Sandy Spring go to public school?
80% of all K-12 students in Sandy Spring are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Sandy Spring?
Sandy Spring public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Sandy Spring are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Sandy Spring include: Sherwood Elementary School vs. Sherwood High 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.