Summary:
Fallston, Maryland is home to a single elementary school, Youths Benefit Elementary, which serves students from Kindergarten through 5th grade within the Harford County Public Schools district. This school stands out as a high-performing institution, consistently ranking in the top 15-16% of all elementary schools in Maryland and earning a 4-star rating. With an enrollment of 1,151 students, it is a large school that dramatically outperforms both its district and the state in every subject and grade level tested.
Key metrics highlight the school's exceptional academic environment. In the 2025-2026 school year, 56.7% of students were proficient in mathematics, compared to just 27.1% statewide, while 75.2% were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) versus 51.7% statewide. The school also boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of 13.1%, significantly better than the district average of 18.5%. However, a notable trend is a sharp decline in math proficiency by grade level, dropping from 69% in 3rd grade to 38.9% in 5th grade, and a similar dip in 5th grade ELA scores (67.6%) compared to 3rd (77.2%) and 4th (80.6%) grades. The student-teacher ratio is 18.3:1, and spending per student was $14,192 in the 2023-2024 school year.
An interesting takeaway is that Youths Benefit Elementary serves a relatively affluent population, with only 13.64% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. This demographic factor likely contributes to its high test scores and top-tier state ranking, as the school faces fewer socioeconomic challenges than many others in Maryland. While the school excels overall, the significant drop in math proficiency from 3rd to 5th grade is a critical area for parents to investigate, as it may indicate a need for targeted support in upper elementary math. Overall, this is a standout school with strong academic performance and low absenteeism, making it a compelling choice for families in the area.
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