For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 4,608 students in Dorchester County, MD (there are 2 private schools, serving 126 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Dorchester County, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dorchester County, MD are South Dorchester School, Warwick Elementary School and Vienna Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dorchester County, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Dorchester County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dorchester County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Dorchester School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3485 Golden Hill Road
Church Creek, MD 21622
(410) 901-6934
Church Creek, MD 21622
(410) 901-6934
Gr: PK-8 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Warwick Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 Main Street
Secretary, MD 21664
(410) 943-3588
Secretary, MD 21664
(410) 943-3588
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Vienna Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4905 Ocean Gateway
Vienna, MD 21869
(410) 943-3775
Vienna, MD 21869
(410) 943-3775
Gr: PK-5 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #44.
North Dorchester High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5875 Cloverdale Road
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-4511
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-4511
Gr: 9-12 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Hurlock Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 Charles St.
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-3303
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-3303
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Cambridge-south Dorchester High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2475 Cambridge Beltway
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-9224
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-9224
Gr: 9-12 | 811 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
North Dorchester Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5745 Cloverdale Road
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-3322
Hurlock, MD 21643
(410) 943-3322
Gr: 6-8 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #88.
Maple Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5225 Egypt Rd.
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-8577
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-8577
Gr: PK-5 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Sandy Hill Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1503 Glasgow Road
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-7978
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-7978
Gr: PK-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1010.
Mace's Lane Middle School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1101 Mace's Lane
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-2111
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-2111
Gr: 6-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #1111.
Choptank Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1103 Mace's Lane
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-4950
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-4950
Gr: PK-5 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Dorchester County Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
2465 Cambridge Bypass
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 901-6950
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 901-6950
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Center
Alternative School
1405 Glasgow Road
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 221-5268
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 221-5268
Gr: PK-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dorchester County, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in Dorchester County, MD include South Dorchester School, Warwick Elementary School and Vienna Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dorchester County?
13 public schools are located in Dorchester County.
What percentage of students in Dorchester County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Dorchester County are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Dorchester County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dorchester County include: North Dorchester High School vs. Cambridge-south Dorchester High School, Cambridge-south Dorchester High School vs. North Dorchester High School, South Dorchester School vs. Vienna Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.