PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — For the first time ever, an elementary school in Prince George’s County is taking the top spot on the state’s Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP ) assessment for performance. The build a pathway to college and career readiness by the end of high school.
Glenarden Woods Elementary School took the top spot among hundreds of schools across the state.
“855 elementary schools — 855 — and Glenarden Woods is ranked number one," said principal Brian Baudoin.
Inside these four walls , diversity is at the forefront. 90% of the student population is made up of African American or Latinx students.
"It’s something that experts say a school that’s 90% diverse shouldn’t be able to do," Baudoin said.
"I feel like my cousins are a little jealous because every time I tell them they're like, 'no why do you have to tell me again'," said third grader Ella Yimer.
Parents are equally proud of the school's achievement.
"I have been convincing her since our children were born that this was the best school in the state. When they tested number one — better than Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County — it just validated what I’ve been saying all along," said parent Jason Zeigler.
Zeigler, who used to attend Glenarden Woods himself, now has two children enrolled. His wife, Jana Zeigler, admits she had some reservations before sending her kids here.
"I came from a private school and our kids were actually in private school before attending Glenarden Woods and they were also homeschooled. You hear a lot of the negative things that go on in public schools," said Jana Zeigler.
Glenarden Woods is a TAG center, which means every single student who attends has been identified as talented and gifted.
"It kind of feels amazing to hear that we’re the number one school in Prince George’s County," said Yimer.
Third-grade student Emery Wilson said she likes to remind her older brother, who also went to Glenarden Woods, about her school's new ranking.
"Every time I tell him my school is ranked number one in the county and yours is not, he always gets mad," said Wilson.
Principal Baudoin added he is grateful the school and community get to celebrate this accomplishment.
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