CRELLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Crellin Elementary is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Garrett County Public Schools school district, located in Oakland, MD with about 134 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 9 teachers, Crellin Elementary has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Crellin Elementary, located in Oakland, Maryland, is a unique and highly regarded institution within the Garrett County Public Schools system. Situated in a rural mountain setting, the school is widely recognized for its innovative "outdoor classroom" approach, which integrates the natural environment into the daily curriculum. By leveraging its surrounding woods, gardens, and wetlands, Crellin fosters a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience that emphasizes environmental stewardship, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.

The school is frequently cited for its strong sense of community and its commitment to character development. Because of its small size and personalized attention, Crellin has developed a reputation for high academic standards and student engagement, often outperforming regional averages. It serves as a model for place-based education, successfully blending traditional academic rigor with creative, nature-focused initiatives that prepare students to be both environmentally conscious and academically prepared for future success.

For more information, contact Crellin Elementary at (301) 334-4704 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.