Bester Elementary vs E. Russell Hicks Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Maryland, United States, 2.3 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bester Elementary
Hagerstown · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
490 students
E. Russell Hicks Middle
Hagerstown · Public middle · Grades 6–8
841 students
| Measure | Bester Elementary Hagerstown, Maryland | E. Russell Hicks Middle Hagerstown, Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 21 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #730 of 879 | #118 of 225 |
| National rank | #44200 of 50,301 | #9100 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Middle |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 490 | 841 |
| Enrollment | 490 | 841 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 84.7% | 68.8% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 18% | 48% |
| Math proficiency | 11% | 35% |
| city | Hagerstown | Hagerstown |
| state | Maryland | Maryland |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •E. Russell Hicks Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (43.3 vs 21.0).
- •E. Russell Hicks Middle does better on math proficiency (35% vs 11%).
- •E. Russell Hicks Middle does better on reading proficiency (48% vs 18%).
- •E. Russell Hicks Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (68.8% vs 84.7%).
- •Bester Elementary does better on students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.8).
- •E. Russell Hicks Middle is the larger school with 841 students compared with 490.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bester Elementary better than E. Russell Hicks Middle?
On the Success Index (US), E. Russell Hicks Middle ranks higher (43.3 vs 21.0 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Bester Elementary and E. Russell Hicks Middle?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Hagerstown and Hagerstown in Maryland.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Bester Elementary: 490. E. Russell Hicks Middle: 841. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Bester Elementary and E. Russell Hicks Middle rank in Maryland?
Bester Elementary is 730th of 879 and E. Russell Hicks Middle is 118th of 225 among elementary schools in Maryland on the 2025 Success Index (US).