Best Public Schools in Kensington, MD

The city of Kensington, Maryland is home to 7 schools that serve students from elementary through high school, all part of the Montgomery County Public Schools district. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools, with Kensington Parkwood Elementary and Garrett Park Elementary consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in the state, while other schools like Newport Mill Middle and Rock View Elementary struggle to meet proficiency standards.

The data suggests a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance, with schools serving higher percentages of students from low-income families tending to have lower proficiency rates. However, Kensington Parkwood Elementary stands out as an exceptional performer, significantly outpacing the district and state averages in both math and English language arts, regardless of the school's diverse student population. Understanding the practices and strategies employed at this school could provide valuable insights for other schools in the area.

The data also highlights the unique needs of Stephen Knolls School, an alternative school that serves students with specialized needs. With significantly higher spending per student and lower student-teacher ratios, this school requires a specialized approach to support its students. Examining the challenges and successes of this school could inform strategies for supporting students with special needs across the district.