Best Schools in Baltimore: A Home Buyer’s Guide

When buying a home, schools play a pivotal role in your decision-making process. Whether you have children now or are planning for the future, proximity to high-quality educational institutions significantly impacts not only your family’s experience but also your home’s long-term value.

Baltimore offers a diverse range of educational options, from top-rated public schools to prestigious private institutions and innovative charter schools. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of Baltimore’s schools while also highlighting neighborhoods that align with your educational preferences.

Before diving in, don’t miss out on our FREE guide, “Discover the 15 Essential Steps to a Smooth, Stress-Free Home Buying Journey in Baltimore” to ensure your home-buying experience is seamless and well-informed.

Why Schools Matter When Buying a Home in Baltimore

Education and Real Estate: The Perfect Partnership

When families choose a home, they’re not just buying four walls and a roof—they’re investing in their future. Schools are often the cornerstone of that investment. Baltimore neighborhoods with high-performing schools tend to see stronger property values, quicker sales, and higher demand.

Living near good schools benefits your children academically, socially, and developmentally. But even if you don’t have school-aged children, buying in a sought-after school district ensures your property retains its value and appeals to future buyers.

Schools Drive Neighborhood Desirability

Top-rated schools often attract like-minded families, creating a sense of community that enhances your neighborhood’s appeal. As schools improve, the surrounding area often experiences growth, with better amenities, safer streets, and a vibrant local culture.

Baltimore’s Educational Landscape: A Quick Overview

Baltimore has a rich educational ecosystem that includes:

Public Schools: Run by Baltimore City Public Schools, offering options like neighborhood schools and magnet programs.
Private Schools: Known for rigorous academics, small class sizes, and extracurricular enrichment.
Charter Schools: Innovative institutions often focusing on specialized curricula like STEM or sustainability.
Magnet Programs: Designed for students with specific interests, from the arts to engineering.

Top Public Schools in Baltimore

Baltimore is home to several standout public schools that are highly sought after by families.

1. Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

Location: North Baltimore
Highlights: A perennial favorite, Roland Park combines academic excellence with a robust arts and extracurricular program. Its engaged parent community further strengthens the school’s offerings.
Nearby Neighborhoods: Roland Park, Hampden, and Guilford.

2. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly)

Location: Central Baltimore
Highlights: Poly focuses on STEM fields, offering advanced courses that prepare students for competitive universities and careers in engineering, math, and science.
Nearby Neighborhoods: Mount Vernon and Charles Village.

3. Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School

Location: Federal Hill
Highlights: Known for its small class sizes and dedicated teachers, this school provides a strong sense of community along with excellent academic programs.
Nearby Neighborhoods: Federal Hill and Locust Point.

Top Private Schools in Baltimore

Private schools in Baltimore offer diverse curriculums, specialized programs, and excellent extracurricular opportunities.

1. Bryn Mawr School

Type: All-girls school
Highlights: An institution that emphasizes leadership, innovation, and a challenging academic environment tailored to young women.

2. Gilman School

Type: All-boys school
Highlights: Focused on character-building, Gilman combines rigorous academics with athletics and arts programs to create well-rounded graduates.

3. The Park School of Baltimore

Type: Coeducational
Highlights: Known for its progressive education model, Park encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning.

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right School

Tip 1: Define Your Priorities

Are you looking for schools with a strong arts program, advanced placement courses, or specialized STEM offerings? Define your priorities early in the process.

Tip 2: Visit Schools Personally

A school tour can provide insight into the campus culture, teacher engagement, and overall environment.

Tip 3: Consult an Expert Realtor

A knowledgeable local realtor can help match you with neighborhoods offering the schools that best suit your needs.

My Personal Story: Why I’m Passionate About Homeownership

I know firsthand the transformative power of homeownership. My family immigrated to the U.S. when I was just four years old. We struggled financially and were often ridiculed for our accents, food, and clothing. Despite these challenges, my parents never gave up on their dream.

Through education and hard work, my mom earned her master’s degree, and we went from renting an apartment to renting a townhouse and finally owning a home in an upper-middle-class neighborhood. That home changed everything. It gave us stability, access to excellent schools, and opportunities that shaped our futures.

This experience is why I’m passionate about helping families find homes in neighborhoods with great schools. I believe homeownership is a path to financial independence, generational wealth, and a brighter future for families.

Benefits of Working with an Expert Realtor

Buying a home near top schools in Baltimore can be competitive and challenging. Here’s how I can help:

Neighborhood Knowledge: I’ll guide you to the right communities, considering both school ratings and your family’s needs.
Market Expertise: With my insights into the Baltimore real estate market, you’ll find the best home within your budget.
Streamlined Process: I’ll handle the complexities of the buying process, saving you time and stress.

By the way, my name is Inyang Jarnagin, with eXp Realty, your Baltimore and DMV go-to realtor. If you’d like to know more about buying, selling, or relocating to the Baltimore area, check the description below. You can book a call, text, or email me—whatever works best for you!