Serving 461 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bester Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 461 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MD
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bester Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Bester Elementary School's student population of 461 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
461 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Cultivating learning communities that spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and inspire success.
School Rankings
Bester Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bester Elementary School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1032 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
21%
23%
Black
27%
33%
White
32%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
20%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bester Elementary School's ranking?
Bester Elementary School is ranked #1032 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Bester Elementary School often compared to?
Bester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cascade Elementary School, Boonsboro Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
How many students attend Bester Elementary School?
461 students attend Bester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Bester Elementary School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, and 20% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bester Elementary School?
Bester Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Bester Elementary School offer ?
Bester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bester Elementary School part of?
Bester Elementary School is part of Washington County School District.
School Reviews
Review Bester Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
