Bester Elementary

📖 Academic Overview & Key Context

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland, Bester Elementary is a regular public school serving students from grades Pre-K–5. The school operates within the Washington County Public Schools in Washington County. With a current reported enrollment of 490 students, it provides a smaller, close-knit learning environment designed to support academic and personal growth.

In terms of academic staffing and instructional attention, Bester Elementary maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.3:1. This favorable ratio is lower than the typical national public school average of approximately 16:1, offering opportunities for individualized guidance and collaborative classroom engagement. The campus educational team includes approximately 43.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and certified instructional personnel.

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of Hagerstown, the student body at Bester Elementary represents diverse backgrounds. The most represented ethnic demographics include Black or African American (30.4%), White (28.8%), Hispanic (21.6%). With no single demographic group constituting an overwhelming majority, the school fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment where students learn alongside peers from varied cultural traditions.

Through federal and state educational initiatives, Bester Elementary participates in community support programs including the National School Lunch Program, with approximately 415 students (84.7%) eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This participation helps ensure equitable access to essential learning resources, nutritional support, and student welfare services.