Bellows Spring Elementary

Q: Is Bellows Spring Elementary a good school?

Bellows Spring Elementary ranks 173 rd of 859 Maryland elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Bellows Spring Elementary is a public elementary school located in Ellicott City, Maryland, serving 799 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the highly-ranked Howard County Public Schools district and has consistently maintained a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger, ranking among the top 20-25% of Maryland elementary schools.

Bellows Spring Elementary stands out for its diverse student population, with significant representation of Asian (35.04%), African American (28.41%), and White (19.02%) students. The school's academic performance is exceptional, with students consistently outperforming state and district averages in both Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) assessments. In the 2023-2024 school year, 56.9% of Bellows Spring students were proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to 41.1% in the Howard County district and 24.1% statewide. In ELA, 63.3% of Bellows Spring students were proficient or better, compared to 63% in the district and 48.4% statewide. The school's performance is particularly strong in 4th grade ELA, where 73.1% of students were proficient or better, significantly higher than the district (61.8%) and state (49.3%) averages.

Compared to nearby schools, Bellows Spring Elementary's academic performance is generally stronger, particularly in Mathematics and ELA. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, Bellows Spring's Mathematics proficiency rate of 56.9% was significantly higher than the rates at Hanover Hills Elementary (24.9%) and Ducketts Lane Elementary (22%). However, some nearby schools, such as Worthington Elementary and Ilchester Elementary, also demonstrate exceptional academic performance, with proficiency rates in the 70-80% range for both Mathematics and ELA.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

8125 Old Stockbridge Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21043

(410) 313-5057

District: Howard County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
173^rd of 859 Maryland Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $17,088

Student/teacher ratio: 12.5

Number of students: 799

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

35.0%

African American:

28.4%

White:

19.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 25.7%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Bellows Spring Elementary ranks better than 79.9% of elementary schools in Maryland. It also ranks 22^nd among 42 ranked elementary schools in the Howard County Public Schools District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 79.11. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Bellows Spring Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (35%), African American (28.4%), White (19%). (See more...)

Compare Details 25.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Bellows Spring Elementary is 12.5, which is the 12^th best among 42 elementary schools in the Howard County Public Schools District. (See more...)

Compare Bellows Spring Elementary employs 63.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Bellows Spring Elementary is $17,088. 28 elementary schools in the Howard County Public Schools District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Bellows Spring Elementary was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Howard County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Howard County Public Schools 2^nd of 25 Maryland school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Bellows Spring Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile
2004	4.89	762^nd	803	5.1%
2005	5.76	763^rd	805	5.2%
2006	10.90	731^st	804	9.1%
2007	15.47	715^th	818	12.6%
2008	77.47	175^th	838	79.1%
2009	80.62	122^nd	850	85.6%
2010	81.58	104^th	855	87.8%
2011	75.88	165^th	853	80.7%
2012	73.26	209^th	857	75.6%
2013	77.57	158^th	847	81.3%
2014	79.23	157^th	867	81.9%
2015	80.19	167^th	859	80.6%
2016	82.59	152^nd	845	82.0%
2017	84.25	141^st	847	83.4%
2018	79.91	172^nd	857	79.9%
2019	80.67	160^th	853	81.2%
2021	77.70	131^st	802	83.7%
2022	82.17	151^st	862	82.5%
2023	72.99	219^th	855	74.4%
2024	79.11	173^rd	859	79.9%

See the entire list of Maryland Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	68.54	66^th	546	87.9%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	80.64	112^th	796	85.9%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	68.30	175^th	788	77.8%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	39.77	86^th	128	32.8%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	59.33	115^th	504	77.2%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	66.00	157^th	528	70.3%

See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Maryland State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Maryland State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Wednesday, May 1, 2019

BSES is an awesome school. I appreciate the diversity, unity and community involvement BSES has taught my kids. The school has sponsored movie night, school plays, and talent shows. It’s an exciting elementary school. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, October 9, 2009

Excellent communication between school and parents. Wonderful teachers. Challenging and meaningful homework assignments. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Bellows Spring Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2004	441	123	91	32	2	n/a	n/a	0	689
2005	426	133	139	38	2	n/a	n/a	0	738
2006	425	131	107	54	2	n/a	n/a	0	719
2007	398	143	131	55	2	n/a	n/a	0	729
2008	389	143	153	39	1	n/a	n/a	0	725
2009	421	145	162	37	0	n/a	n/a	0	765
2010	440	159	179	42	2	n/a	n/a	0	822
2011	395	156	169	78	0	0	55	0	853
2012	385	177	180	87	1	0	55	0	885
2013	398	188	200	96	2	0	60	0	944
2014	281	135	136	66	3	0	47	0	668
2015	282	165	142	85	4	1	51	0	730
2016	278	162	154	78	5	2	55	0	734
2017	258	171	172	86	4	2	46	0	739
2018	241	202	225	100	3	2	49	0	822
2019	218	202	236	91	6	1	49	0	803
2020	202	198	231	90	4	0	51	0	776
2021	154	187	221	65	6	1	42	0	676
2022	154	208	247	76	8	0	54	0	747
2023	152	227	280	88	6	0	45	1	799

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Bellows Spring Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2004	689	48.0	14.4	9.7
2005	738	48.0	15.4	10.6
2006	719	51.0	14.1	13.1
2007	729	53.5	13.6	13.2
2008	725	54.0	13.4	10.9
2009	765	53.0	14.4	10.3
2010	822	55.5	14.8	11.4
2011	853	58.0	14.7	11.7
2012	885	59.5	14.8	14.2
2013	944	63.5	14.8	15.4
2014	668	54.5	12.2	15.3
2015	730	53.0	13.7	13.2
2016	734	56.0	13.1	13.8
2017	739	60.5	12.2	13.8
2018	822	61.5	13.3	13
2019	803	63.5	12.6	12.5
2020	776	66.0	11.7	13.5
2021	676	58.2	11.6	14.9
2022	747	58.8	12.7	15.5
2023	799	63.9	12.5	25.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Bellows Spring Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2004	689	48.0	14.4	9.7
2005	738	48.0	15.4	10.6
2006	719	51.0	14.1	13.1
2007	729	53.5	13.6	13.2
2008	725	54.0	13.4	10.9
2009	765	53.0	14.4	10.3
2010	822	55.5	14.8	11.4
2011	853	58.0	14.7	11.7
2012	885	59.5	14.8	14.2
2013	944	63.5	14.8	15.4
2014	668	54.5	12.2	15.3
2015	730	53.0	13.7	13.2
2016	734	56.0	13.1	13.8
2017	739	60.5	12.2	13.8
2018	822	61.5	13.3	13
2019	803	63.5	12.6	12.5
2020	776	66.0	11.7	13.5
2021	676	58.2	11.6	14.9
2022	747	58.8	12.7	15.5
2023	799	63.9	12.5	25.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Bellows Spring Elementary

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$481 (3.4%)	$13,669 (96.6%)	$14,151
2020	$562 (3.5%)	$15,385 (96.5%)	$15,947
2021	$863 (4.4%)	$18,773 (95.6%)	$19,637
2022	$1,121 (6.4%)	$16,507 (93.6%)	$17,629
2023	$767 (4.5%)	$16,321 (95.5%)	$17,088

Data source: Maryland Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Bellows Spring Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 160^th of 853 Elementary schools	Ranks 219^th of 855 Elementary schools	6.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	803	799	0.5%
African American	202	227	12.4%
American Indian	6	6
Asian	236	280	18.6%
Hispanic	91	88	3.3%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	218	152	30.3%
Two or More Races	49	45	8.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	12.5%	25.7%	13.2%

Schools Near Bellows Spring Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCAP Mathematics (2024)				MCAP English Language Arts (2024)				MCAP Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCAP Mathematics 3rd Grade	MCAP Mathematics 4th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MCAP Mathematics All Grades	MCAP English Language Arts 3rd Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 4th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts All Grades	MCAP Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Bellows Spring Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	8125 Old Stockbridge Dr	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-5057	799	64	12.5	25.7%	152 (19.0%)	227 (28.4%)	88 (11.0%)	280 (35.0%)	6 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (5.6%)	79.1	173^rd of 859 public elementary schools	79.9%		73	219^th of 855 public elementary schools	74.4%	46	58.3	66.4	45.0	56.9	58.7	73.1	57.8	63.3	28.4	$17,088	$767	$16,321
Waterloo Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	5940 Waterloo Rd	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-5014	612	48	12.6	31.7%	200 (32.7%)	182 (29.7%)	88 (14.4%)	95 (15.5%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	45 (7.4%)	85.4	115^th of 859 public elementary schools	86.6%		83	139^th of 855 public elementary schools	83.7%	24	65.3	59.8	44.4	57.0	79.0	72.6	66.7	73.0	33.0	$18,965	$940	$18,025
Rockburn Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	6145 Montgomery Rd	Elkridge	21075	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-5030	651	46	14.0	10.3%	284 (43.6%)	74 (11.4%)	41 (6.3%)	200 (30.7%)	3 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	49 (7.5%)	92.2	59^th of 859 public elementary schools	93.1%		89.5	90^th of 855 public elementary schools	89.5%	31	78.6	62.9	57.7	66.3	79.6	73.8	68.3	73.9	46.2	$17,156	$700	$16,456
Deep Run Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	6925 Old Waterloo Rd	Elkridge	21075	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 313-5000	723	61	11.7	59.8%	131 (18.1%)	122 (16.9%)	360 (49.8%)	80 (11.1%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	25 (3.5%)	44.6	422^nd of 859 public elementary schools	50.9%		40.6	454^th of 855 public elementary schools	46.9%	32	47.2	34.5	28.1	35.6	42.0	48.6	37.2	42.5	12.4	$20,497	$1,640	$18,857
Ilchester Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	4981 Ilchester Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2524	537	43	12.5	12.7%	247 (46.0%)	61 (11.4%)	36 (6.7%)	150 (27.9%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	40 (7.4%)	90.1	79^th of 859 public elementary schools	90.8%		93.2	55^th of 855 public elementary schools	93.6%	24	70.0	70.3	61.2	66.5	71.1	54.7	74.8	68.5	49.0	$19,653	$1,060	$18,593
Phelps Luck Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	5370 Oldstone Ct	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 313-6886	746	60	12.4	49.6%	170 (22.8%)	198 (26.5%)	248 (33.2%)	80 (10.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	50 (6.7%)	48.4	390^th of 859 public elementary schools	54.6%		40.3	457^th of 855 public elementary schools	46.5%	67	51.5	25.2	31.6	35.5	49.5	43.4	34.8	41.7	24.6	$17,948	$1,331	$16,617
Jeffers Hill Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	6001 Tamar Dr	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-6872	408	32	12.5	45.8%	77 (18.9%)	164 (40.2%)	94 (23.0%)	45 (11.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (6.6%)	53.5	343^rd of 859 public elementary schools	60.1%		45.1	407^th of 855 public elementary schools	52.4%	64	31.9	35.4	30.5	32.6	43.3	61.5	52.5	52.4	23.3	$19,277	$666	$18,611
Ducketts Lane Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	6501 Ducketts Ln	Elkridge	21075	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(410) 313-5050	617	54	11.3	62.6%	88 (14.3%)	228 (37.0%)	177 (28.7%)	80 (13.0%)	3 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	40 (6.5%)	35.5	487^th of 859 public elementary schools	43.3%		37.8	478^th of 855 public elementary schools	44.1%	9	34.1	19.4	11.8	22.0	47.1	47.8	42.7	45.8	8.1	$20,907	$1,560	$19,346
Worthington Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	4570 Roundhill Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2825	436	33	13.0	11.0%	182 (41.7%)	30 (6.9%)	27 (6.2%)	160 (36.7%)	5 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (7.3%)	97.7	10^th of 859 public elementary schools	98.8%		98.2	8^th of 855 public elementary schools	99.1%	2	77.8	86.6	68.5	77.3	82.0	97.0	80.8	86.6	59.7	$18,945	$685	$18,260
Hanover Hills Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	7030 Banbury Drive	Hanover	21076	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-8066	864	68	12.7	41.2%	105 (12.2%)	344 (39.8%)	142 (16.4%)	194 (22.5%)	6 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	73 (8.4%)	34.1	496^th of 859 public elementary schools	42.3%		29.5	552^nd of 855 public elementary schools	35.4%	56	41.7	17.0	16.8	24.9	44.3	34.6	34.7	37.7	17.4	$17,828	$771	$17,057

Frequently Asked Questions about Bellows Spring Elementary

How many students attend Bellows Spring Elementary?

In the 2022-23 school year, 799 students attended Bellows Spring Elementary.

What is the racial makeup of Bellows Spring Elementary?

Students at Bellows Spring Elementary are 35% Asian, 28% African American, 19% White, 11% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races.

What district is Bellows Spring Elementary in?

Howard County Public Schools

Is Bellows Spring Elementary a good school?

Bellows Spring Elementary ranks 173^rd of 859 Maryland elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maryland State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.