Summary:
Union Bridge, Maryland, is home to a single high school, Francis Scott Key High, which serves grades 9 through 12 as part of the highly-ranked Carroll County Public Schools district.
This school presents a fascinating paradox for parents. On one hand, it excels in English Language Arts (ELA), with a 67% proficiency rate that nearly matches the district's elite 67.5% and far exceeds the state average of 51.7%. On the other hand, it struggles significantly in mathematics, where only 15.5% of students are proficient—a stark contrast to the district's 41.9% and the state's 27.1%. This "two-school" dynamic is the most critical takeaway. Additionally, chronic absenteeism is a major concern at 31.2%, which is 60% higher than the district average of 19.5%, and the dropout rate of 5.5% is notably above the district's 3.2%. Despite these challenges, the school's state ranking has shown recent improvement, jumping from the 58th percentile to the 72nd percentile in one year, earning a 4-star rating.
For parents, the key metrics to watch are the math proficiency and attendance rates. The school's per-student spending of $17,520 is substantial, suggesting resources are available but may need to be better targeted toward math instruction and reducing absenteeism. The graduation rate remains strong at 93.2%, and the school benefits from being in a top-tier district, but it is clearly an outlier within that system. The data strongly suggests that while Francis Scott Key High provides a solid foundation in reading and writing, families should investigate the school's specific math support programs and attendance initiatives to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
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