Howard County - Need advice about schools, safety (Baltimore, Columbia: apartments, townhomes)

[piccola]

I have tried to search and read a bunch of the related posts, so sorry for another "where should I move" post, but if anyone has some experience/knowledge, I'd really appreciate some insight.

We are looking at moving to Howard County - choosing mainly between Columbia, North Laurel, and Ellicott City. We are interested in schools and safety. We'd like to be an environment that is friendly and open-minded.

Can you make any suggestions, or tell me any schools/areas in particular to stay away from?

Thanks!!!

[Gabrielle]

Centennial High School is the best high school in Ellicott City and one of the best in the Howard County School District. Another good high school is River Hill.

[marylandtax]

I don't know your definition of good/bad schools. If it is based on test scores go here:
Howard County Public School System

When picking a neighborhood, use this link for Howard County School Boundary lines.
Howard County Public School System

[scrappygirl26]

I would also recommend Ellicott City Schools over Columbia & Laurel. Columbia used to be a nice place but they are having some issues in quite a few of the neighborhoods right now that will probably be worse in the years to come. I can only image how they are impacting or will impact the schools.

[newhart]

My kids go to Ellicott City schools and we've been very happy with them. I think any of the northern and western county schools will be fine, as well as those in the Maple Lawn/Clarksville areas.

[effulgent7]

Almost all of Howard County's schools are good, especially compared to some neighboring school districts. It does depend a little on what level you are looking at- elementary, middle or high? I teach in Howard County and would work/live in any of those 3 areas.

Also, Don't discount all Columbia schools because some are better than others. Atholton is a great school, whereas Oakland Mills is generally considered not to be, for example. I find the ratings at the greatschools.net site to be pretty accurate based on my experiences. But as always, take all school reviews by us humans with a grain or two of salt.

[piccola]

Originally Posted by scrappygirl26

I would also recommend Ellicott City Schools over Columbia & Laurel. Columbia used to be a nice place but they are having some issues in quite a few of the neighborhoods right now that will probably be worse in the years to come. I can only image how they are impacting or will impact the schools.

Are there particular neighborhoods that we should be aware of that would require more scrutiny/research?

One of the houses we are thinking about is zoned for Bellows Spring, Mayfield Middle, and Long Reach High -- does anyone have experience with these schools?

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your help.

[newhart]

Are there particular neighborhoods that we should be aware of that would require more scrutiny/research?

You mentioned North Laurel in an earlier post. The Whiskey Bottom are is not considered safe at all. Some older sections of Columbia, particularly areas with a lot of older townhomes and apartments (parts of Oakland Mills, Owen Brown, Long Reach, Wilde Lake) have sketchy reputations. Within Columbia, the neighborhoods of Dorsey Hall, Clemens Crossing, Kings Contrivance and River Hill are generally considered pretty safe.

One of the houses we are thinking about is zoned for Bellows Spring, Mayfield Middle, and Long Reach High -- does anyone have experience with these schools?

There was an article in today's Baltimore Sun that touched on overcrowding in schools that serve some of the older neighborhoods, and plans for additions and redistricting. It mentioned Bellows Spring as one school that was going to be very overcrowded, or is already. Don't remember if it was the Sun or the Post, and I can't find it online for either of them. It said that they haven't redistricted for a few years, but they were going to have to start again.

Maybe you should talk to some parents in the neighborhood you looking at to get an idea of their opinions of the schools. Parents' feelings towards their schools is a personal thing and I think sometimes posters here are reluctant to say much about individual schools. The school system website has a lot of information about all of the schools, such as demographic data and test scores. It's a great resource. Under each school profile, you can see figures for enrollment, for free/reduced lunches, limited English proficiency, and PTA members, which can give you a good idea of how involved parents are in a school, especially for the elementary schools. Here is the profile information for the three schools you mentioned.

Bellows Spring
Mayfield Woods
Long Reach

For comparison, profile information for every school can be found on the website here:
Howard County Public School System

[scubagirl007]

This page has the fact sheets for the high schools: Howard County Public School System

[piccola]

Thanks again, everyone!