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Milton M. Somers Middle School

Q: Is Milton M. Somers Middle School a good school?

Milton M. Somers Middle School ranks 130 th of 339 Maryland middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

130^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 339 Maryland Middle Schools

Better than 62% of Maryland middle schools

Summary

Milton M. Somers Middle School in La Plata, MD, serves 671 students in grades 6-8 within the Charles County Public Schools district, and has earned a consistent 3-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past eight years.

One of the school's standout strengths is its exceptional performance in English Language Arts (ELA). In the 2025-2026 school year, 55.5% of all students were proficient in ELA, significantly outpacing the district average of 45.6% and the state average of 51.7%. This makes Somers a clear leader in literacy compared to nearby schools like Mattawoman Middle School (41.1% proficient) and John Hanson Middle School (40.6% proficient). However, the school presents a "math paradox": while overall math proficiency (17.3%) lags behind the state average (27.1%), it excels in advanced coursework. For instance, 54.5% of students taking the Geometry end-of-course exam were proficient, far exceeding the state average of 27.5% and the district average of 55.4%. This suggests that while the general math curriculum may need improvement, the school is highly effective at accelerating its top-tier math students.

Another positive indicator is the school's lower chronic absenteeism rate of 20.8%, which is below the district average of 26.6% and notably better than nearby schools like General Smallwood Middle School (35.2%) and Benjamin Stoddert Middle School (29.2%). This suggests a supportive environment that keeps students engaged. Interestingly, the closest school to Somers is Phoenix International School of the Arts, which has a similar free/reduced lunch rate (42%) but ranks much lower overall (2 stars) and has very low math scores (4.4% proficient). This comparison highlights that Somers' success, particularly in ELA, is likely due to specific, effective school-level practices rather than just location or demographics.

671

Students ?

13.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$19,744

Per pupil spending ?

43.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

300 Willow Lane
La Plata, MD 20646-0166

(301) 934-4663

District: Charles County Public Schools

Feeder schools for Milton M. Somers Middle School:

Elementary:	Arthur Middleton Elementary School
	Mary B. Neal Elementary School
	Mary H. Matula Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

African American:

49.3%

White:

28.2%

Hispanic:

10.7%

See top rated Maryland middle schools

Compare Milton M. Somers Middle School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 72nd percentile in 2016 → 62nd in 2026

Strengths

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Charles County Public Schools

✓Above the Maryland median (62nd percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 10 percentile points since 2016

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school34%

District avg29%

Maryland avg37%

130^th of 339

Maryland public middle schools ?

Top 38%▼ down 10 pts since 2016

From top 28% (2016) to top 38% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Maryland Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 9Middle Schools in the Charles County Public Schools

20^th of 25Charles County Public Schools among Maryland districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2026	57.4	130 of 339	61.7%	★★★☆☆
2025	58.5	126 of 337	62.6%	★★★☆☆
2024	44.5	147 of 328	55.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	49.4	130 of 322	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	61.8	118 of 333	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2021	56.9	109 of 303	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2019	51.8	139 of 316	56.0%	★★★☆☆
2018	61.4	118 of 328	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2017	71.0	84 of 317	73.5%	★★★★☆
2016	68.0	88 of 314	72.0%	★★★★☆
2015	66.8	93 of 315	70.5%	★★★★☆
2014	81.8	59 of 339	82.6%	★★★★☆
2013	76.5	72 of 316	77.2%	★★★★☆
2012	77.8	68 of 314	78.3%	★★★★☆
2011	81.9	48 of 309	84.5%	★★★★☆
2010	80.1	59 of 324	81.8%	★★★★☆
2009	78.3	61 of 301	79.7%	★★★★☆
2008	77.8	67 of 283	76.3%	★★★★☆
2007	26.6	196 of 264	25.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	37.6	159 of 254	37.4%	★★☆☆☆
2005	40.7	157 of 255	38.4%	★★☆☆☆
2004	30.8	182 of 252	27.8%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	52.2	115 of 259	55.6%	★★★☆☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	71.2	25 of 116	78.4%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	55.2	115 of 303	62.0%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	68.7	42 of 207	79.7%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	37.9	186 of 273	31.9%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	55.3	110 of 288	61.8%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	29.6	95 of 136	30.1%	★★☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	35.3	88 of 120	26.7%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	46.8	115 of 210	45.2%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Hispanic (2021)80th percentile+16 vs school

Asian (2021)78th percentile+14 vs school

Female (2021)62nd percentile~ school

Male (2021)62nd percentile~ school

African American (2021)56th percentile-8 vs school

White (2021)45th percentile-19 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2021)32nd percentile-32 vs school

Multi-racial (2021)30th percentile-34 vs school

Special Education (2021)27th percentile-37 vs school

By subject vs Maryland (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts56%+4 vs state

Science28%-3 vs state

Mathematics17%-10 vs state

Algebra I15%-6 vs state

3.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a parent
Sunday, September 19, 2021

The most diverse of all middle schools in Charles county! I have had one child go through middle school there and loved his experience and made great friends. Teachers are phenomenal! I have another there now and enjoying her experience thus far. She likes all her teachers and administrators are more involved this year with all children versus a select few. Only downfall is that the school is about 350 kids over capacity, but the county just approved a redistricting plan that goes in effect next fall (school year 22-23) that moves over 300 kids out of our zone! The school will only get better from here with reduced class sizes! Can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring! Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, February 9, 2017

This school has great academics, but a handful of teachers including some of the front desk ladies are some of the most racist and rude teachers/staff there is. I am a white woman that has a biracial daughter, and my step son is black. One of the teachers that my daughter takes a class in obviously does not like her for unknown reasons. I've been sent home with letters that has some highly disrespectful low blow terms used referring to my child and behavior. I've confronted the teacher directly and she claims she did not mean it in such way...I guess her attitude changed when she met me in person and saw I was a white woman which is still very disgusting. The teacher has only met my children's father who is my husband, who is a black man. My son has been moved in seclusion for "disruptive behavior", and it's been this way for a week, and I'm just finding out yesterday. I have left a message on the teachers phone, and still waiting on a call. I've also sent an email, which has yet to be responded to. Next, I will go to the principal, and then to the Board. We're new to the area, and this is the only middle school in our zone for our children to attend. Close Quote

Schools Near Milton M. Somers Middle School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				MCAP Mathematics (2026)				MCAP English Language Arts (2026)				MCAP Algebra I (2026)	MCAP Geometry (2026)	MCAP Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MCAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MCAP Mathematics All Grades	MCAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts All Grades	MCAP Algebra I End of Course	MCAP Geometry End of Course	MCAP Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Milton M. Somers Middle School	Public	6-8	300 Willow Lane	La Plata	20646	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 934-4663	671	49	13.6	43.2%	189 (28.2%)	331 (49.3%)	72 (10.7%)	33 (4.9%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.3%)	43 (6.4%)	57.4	130^th of 339 public middle schools	61.7%		58.5	126^th of 337 public middle schools	62.6%	4	21.3	20.1	4.9	17.3	61.2	56.7	49.0	55.5	14.8		27.9	$19,744	$706	$19,038
Phoenix International School of the Arts	Public, Charter	6-8	95 Catalpa Dr	La Plata	20646	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(301) 202-4159	243	15	16.2	42.0%	10 (4.1%)	191 (78.6%)	18 (7.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	22 (9.1%)	30	225^th of 339 public middle schools	33.6%		20	279^th of 337 public middle schools	17.2%	54	3.4	7.5	0.0	4.4	43.7	42.5	41.3	42.5	7.7		16.3	$18,265	$418	$17,847
Benjamin Stoddert Middle School	Public	6-8	2040 Saint Thomas Dr	Waldorf	20602	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 645-1334	920	54	17.0	59.8%	34 (3.7%)	595 (64.7%)	209 (22.7%)	18 (2.0%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	62 (6.7%)	26.5	241^st of 339 public middle schools	28.9%		23.3	256^th of 337 public middle schools	24.0%	15	8.1	7.2	4.2	10.5	37.5	39.0	33.1	36.3	43.0		12.8	$15,552	$545	$15,007
Theodore G. Davis Middle School	Public	6-8	2495 Davis Road	Waldorf	20603	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 753-2082	999	65	15.3	46.7%	49 (4.9%)	696 (69.7%)	115 (11.5%)	56 (5.6%)	4 (0.4%)	2 (0.2%)	77 (7.7%)	55.2	138^th of 339 public middle schools	59.3%		50.2	152^nd of 337 public middle schools	54.9%	14	19.9	21.1	6.0	21.1	55.7	54.5	59.7	56.6	54.2		19.1	$15,169	$672	$14,496
John Hanson Middle School	Public	6-8	3165 John Hanson Dr	Waldorf	20601	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 645-4520	727	59	12.3	56.8%	73 (10.0%)	435 (59.8%)	130 (17.9%)	13 (1.8%)	7 (1.0%)	2 (0.3%)	67 (9.2%)	33.2	212^th of 339 public middle schools	37.5%		32.5	212^th of 337 public middle schools	37.1%		18.3	10.2	0.0	13.1	42.5	45.4	33.9	40.6	26.0		13.0	$17,563	$771	$16,792
Matthew Henson Middle School	Public	6-8	3535 Livingston Rd	Indian Head	20640	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 375-8550	701	38	18.4	48.5%	81 (11.6%)	440 (62.8%)	98 (14.0%)	19 (2.7%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	61 (8.7%)	38.8	195^th of 339 public middle schools	42.5%		30.6	220^th of 337 public middle schools	34.7%	25	13.5	11.4	0.7	10.8	52.5	51.4	37.8	47.2	16.7		16.3	$17,015	$518	$16,497
Mattawoman Middle School	Public	6-8	10145 Berry Rd	Waldorf	20603	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 645-7708	862	49	17.5	54.2%	31 (3.6%)	614 (71.2%)	117 (13.6%)	41 (4.8%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	56 (6.5%)	32.4	219^th of 339 public middle schools	35.4%		29.4	225^th of 337 public middle schools	33.2%	6	9.3	12.0	1.8	11.1	32.0	47.8	43.1	41.1	23.3		14.8	$15,536	$760	$14,776
General Smallwood Middle School	Public	6-8	4990 Indian Head Hwy	Indian Head	20640	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 743-5422	500	36	13.8	59.8%	143 (28.6%)	235 (47.0%)	71 (14.2%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	48 (9.6%)	34.6	208^th of 339 public middle schools	38.6%		37.2	195^th of 337 public middle schools	42.1%	13	13.0	11.3	2.2	16.6	43.2	42.9	40.5	42.1	65.2		17.7	$20,543	$602	$19,940
Piccowaxen Middle School	Public	6-8	12834 Rock Point Rd	Newburg	20664	Charles County	Charles County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 934-1977	578	43	13.4	33.2%	345 (59.7%)	114 (19.7%)	49 (8.5%)	12 (2.1%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	56 (9.7%)	66.6	106^th of 339 public middle schools	68.7%		62.7	116^th of 337 public middle schools	65.6%	10	25.9	23.6	0.0	20.8	62.0	59.9	59.5	60.4	20.6	76.9	37.7	$18,498	$398	$18,100
Gwynn Park Middle	Public	6-8	8000 Dyson Rd	Brandywine	20613	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 372-0120	702	39	18.0	56.1%	27 (3.8%)	537 (76.5%)	110 (15.7%)	6 (0.9%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (3.0%)	27.6	237^th of 339 public middle schools	30.1%		26.2	239^th of 337 public middle schools	29.1%	2	2.9	9.2	3.7	5.7	40.2	41.0	36.0	39.1	10.8		12.2	$18,265	$1,018	$17,247

Frequently Asked Questions about Milton M. Somers Middle School

What is the racial makeup of Milton M. Somers Middle School?

Students at Milton M. Somers Middle School are 49% African American, 28% White, 11% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 5% Asian.

What district is Milton M. Somers Middle School in?

Charles County Public Schools

Is Milton M. Somers Middle School a good school?

Milton M. Somers Middle School ranks 130^th of 339 Maryland middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Milton M. Somers Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 671 students attended Milton M. Somers Middle School.

Rate Milton M. Somers Middle School!

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Latest Maryland data All new data »

2025–26 MCAP test scoresNewJul 28, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance data, dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 MCAP test scoresAug 26, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maryland State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.