For the 2025 school year, there are 14 alternative public elementary schools serving 793 students in Maryland.
The top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Maryland are Center For Educational Opportunity, Homewood School and Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Maryland alternative public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Maryland public elementary school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public elementary school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Alternative Public Elementary Schools in Maryland (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Center For Educational Opportunity
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
253 Paradise Rd
Aberdeen, MD 21001
(410) 273-5594
Aberdeen, MD 21001
(410) 273-5594
Grades: 6-12
| 87 students
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Homewood School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10914 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7081
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-7081
Grades: 6-12
| 131 students
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Robert D. Stethem Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7775 Marshall Corner Rd
Pomfret, MD 20675
(301) 932-1003
Pomfret, MD 20675
(301) 932-1003
Grades: 5-12
| n/a students
Rank: #44.
Pride School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1100 Gist Road
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 751-3653
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 751-3653
Grades: K-4
| 9 students
Rank: #55.
Baltimore County Home & Hospital
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
105 W. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-3222
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-3222
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
Rank: #66.
Aacps Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
241 Peninsula Farm Road
Arnold, MD 21012
(410) 544-1082
Arnold, MD 21012
(410) 544-1082
Grades: 3-12
| 427 students
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Crossroads Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
45 Kate Wagner Road
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 751-3691
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 751-3691
Grades: 6-8
| 14 students
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Heather Ridge
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1445 Taney Ave
Frederick, MD 21702
(240) 236-8000
Frederick, MD 21702
(240) 236-8000
Grades: 6-12
| 57 students
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Mary Moss At Adams Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
245 Clay Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 222-1639
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 222-1639
Grades: 6-9
| 42 students
Rank: #1010.
Alternative Programs
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
14501 Avery Road
Rockville, MD 20853
(240) 740-5000
Rockville, MD 20853
(240) 740-5000
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: #1111.
Meadowood Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1849 Gywnn Oak Ave
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
(443) 809-6888
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
(443) 809-6888
Grades: 6-8
| 25 students
Rank: n/an/a
Home Assignments-elementary
Alternative School
105 W. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-3222
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-3222
Grades: 4
| 1 students
Rank: n/an/a
Howard B. Owens Science Center
Alternative School
9601 Greenbelt Rd
Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 918-8750
Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 918-8750
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
William Schmidt Environmental Center
Alternative School
18501 Aquasco Rd
Brandywine, MD 20613
(301) 888-1185
Brandywine, MD 20613
(301) 888-1185
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Maryland?
The top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Maryland include Center For Educational Opportunity, Homewood School and Robert D. Stethem Educational Center.
How many alternative public elementary schools are located in Maryland?
14 alternative public elementary schools are located in Maryland.
What is the racial composition of students in Maryland?
Maryland alternative public elementary schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public elementary schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
