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Bonnie Branch Middle

Q: Is Bonnie Branch Middle a good school?

Bonnie Branch Middle ranks 90 th of 339 Maryland middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

90^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 339 Maryland Middle Schools

Better than 73% of Maryland middle schools

Summary

Bonnie Branch Middle in Ellicott City, MD, serves 739 students in grades 6-8 and is part of the highly-regarded Howard County Public Schools district, consistently earning a 4-star rating for its reliable, above-average academic performance.

Bonnie Branch is a standout destination for advanced math students, with exceptional results in Algebra I and Geometry that far exceed state averages and even outperform nearby top schools like Ellicott Mills Middle. However, this strength coexists with a significant challenge: grade-level math proficiency is notably low, with only 6.8% of 8th graders meeting standards—the lowest among comparable Howard County middle schools. English Language Arts (ELA) performance is strong overall but inconsistent by grade, with 7th graders excelling while 6th and 8th graders lag behind district peers. The school has made impressive progress in reducing chronic absenteeism from a post-pandemic peak of 19.2% to 15.3%, now below the district average, signaling a strengthening school culture.

While the school performs well for many student groups, there are notable equity gaps, particularly for Hispanic and Special Education students, who score significantly lower than their peers. Spending per student ($18,541) and the student-teacher ratio (14:1) are typical for the district. Compared to the nearby star school, Ellicott Mills Middle, Bonnie Branch has a higher rate of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch (29.2% vs. 14.6%) and lower overall proficiency in math and ELA, yet it rivals or exceeds that school in advanced math outcomes. For parents, Bonnie Branch offers a powerful math acceleration program for high achievers but may require extra support for students needing grade-level math or consistent ELA instruction.

739

Students ?

14.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,541

Per pupil spending ?

29.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

4979 Ilchester Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043

(410) 313-2580

District: Howard County Public Schools

Students who attend Bonnie Branch Middle usually attend:

High:

Howard High

Feeder schools for Bonnie Branch Middle:

Elementary:	Ilchester Elementary
	Phelps Luck Elementary

Racial breakdown:

White:

34.5%

African American:

23.1%

Asian:

19.4%

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Compare Bonnie Branch Middle to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 69th percentile in 2016 → 73rd in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Maryland average (51% vs 37% meeting standards)

✓Above the Maryland median (73rd percentile)

Worth a look

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

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school51%

District avg53%

Maryland avg37%

90^th of 339

Maryland public middle schools ?

Top 27%▲ up 4 pts since 2016

From top 31% (2016) to top 27% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Maryland Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

12^th of 20Middle Schools in the Howard County Public Schools

4^th of 25Howard 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	72.2	90 of 339	73.5%	★★★★☆
2025	78.5	66 of 337	80.4%	★★★★☆
2024	67.7	83 of 328	74.7%	★★★★☆
2023	72.0	70 of 322	78.3%	★★★★☆
2022	81.5	59 of 333	82.3%	★★★★☆
2021	86.4	30 of 303	90.1%	★★★★★
2019	75.0	75 of 316	76.3%	★★★★☆
2018	73.9	83 of 328	74.7%	★★★★☆
2017	71.2	83 of 317	73.8%	★★★★☆
2016	65.6	97 of 314	69.1%	★★★☆☆
2015	72.5	74 of 315	76.5%	★★★★☆
2014	79.0	74 of 339	78.2%	★★★★☆
2013	75.7	79 of 316	75.0%	★★★★☆
2012	80.1	62 of 314	80.3%	★★★★☆
2011	81.2	54 of 309	82.5%	★★★★☆
2010	77.5	72 of 324	77.8%	★★★★☆
2009	76.2	75 of 301	75.1%	★★★★☆
2008	77.6	69 of 283	75.6%	★★★★☆
2007	11.6	234 of 264	11.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	9.5	228 of 254	10.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2005	11.7	226 of 255	11.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2004	10.5	224 of 252	11.1%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	72.3	44 of 259	83.0%	★★★★☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	51.4	57 of 116	50.9%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	82.6	40 of 303	86.8%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	36.3	129 of 207	37.7%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	58.8	82 of 273	70.0%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	86.2	25 of 288	91.3%	★★★★★

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	74.0	25 of 136	81.6%	★★★★☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	46.5	62 of 120	48.3%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Maryland percentile	Rating
2021	84.6	24 of 210	88.6%	★★★★☆

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)

Male (2021)91st percentile~ school

White (2021)89th percentile~ school

Female (2021)87th percentile-3 vs school

African American (2021)83rd percentile-7 vs school

Multi-racial (2021)82nd percentile-8 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2021)70th percentile-20 vs school

Asian (2021)51st percentile-39 vs school

Special Education (2021)48th percentile-42 vs school

Hispanic (2021)38th percentile-52 vs school

By subject vs Maryland (2025-2026) ?

Geometry78%+34 vs state

Algebra I65%+44 vs state

English Language Arts62%+10 vs state

Mathematics39%+12 vs state

Science39%+8 vs state

1.0

2 ratings

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3★0

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Schools Near Bonnie Branch Middle

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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 Algebra II (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 Algebra II 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
Bonnie Branch Middle	Public	6-8	4979 Ilchester Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2580	739	53	14.0	29.2%	255 (34.5%)	171 (23.1%)	125 (16.9%)	143 (19.4%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (5.7%)	72.2	90^th of 339 public middle schools	73.5%		78.5	66^th of 337 public middle schools	80.4%	24	36.8	21.7	6.8	39.1	53.5	69.0	61.0	61.8	65.4		78.5	39.1	$18,541	$842	$17,699
Ellicott Mills Middle	Public	6-8	4445 Montgomery Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2839	698	49	14.3	14.6%	197 (28.2%)	111 (15.9%)	39 (5.6%)	300 (43.0%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	49 (7.0%)	93.8	17^th of 339 public middle schools	95.0%		91.7	28^th of 337 public middle schools	91.7%	11	54.8	43.0	13.4	54.3	78.6	80.2	80.4	79.8	72.0	100.0	66.3	64.3	$17,633	$822	$16,811
Mayfield Woods Middle	Public	6-8	7950 Redbarn Way	Elkridge	21075	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-5022	731	57	12.7	40.1%	157 (21.5%)	196 (26.8%)	238 (32.6%)	100 (13.7%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (5.2%)	51.9	150^th of 339 public middle schools	55.8%		56.1	134^th of 337 public middle schools	60.2%	16	25.8	12.8	5.6	23.2	45.9	57.1	43.9	48.9	42.7		63.9	30.9	$20,765	$896	$19,869
Elkridge Landing Middle	Public	6-8	7085 Montgomery Rd	Elkridge	21075	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-5040	686	51	13.3	31.0%	233 (34.0%)	171 (24.9%)	76 (11.1%)	153 (22.3%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	50 (7.3%)	80.3	65^th of 339 public middle schools	80.8%		76.9	71^st of 337 public middle schools	78.9%	6	45.1	23.5	22.5	44.6	67.7	65.1	58.6	63.9	85.7		69.0	39.7	$19,549	$779	$18,770
Catonsville Middle	Public	6-8	2301 Edmondson Ave	Catonsville	21228	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 887-0803	818	47	17.4	36.6%	397 (48.5%)	143 (17.5%)	78 (9.5%)	155 (18.9%)	2 (0.2%)	3 (0.4%)	39 (4.8%)	59.1	123^rd of 339 public middle schools	63.7%		67.2	103^rd of 337 public middle schools	69.4%	20	25.6	6.0	1.0	20.1	50.2	65.7	49.6	55.3	30.5		26.8	39.8	$17,283	$1,238	$16,046
Dunloggin Middle	Public	6-8	9129 Northfield Rd	Ellicott City	21042	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2831	623	45	13.9	25.4%	185 (29.7%)	141 (22.6%)	56 (9.0%)	207 (33.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (5.5%)	86.4	43^rd of 339 public middle schools	87.3%		84.4	51^st of 337 public middle schools	84.9%	8	47.3	41.1	18.5	46.7	70.8	76.2	66.3	70.8	58.6		64.3	38.8	$17,730	$784	$16,947
Arbutus Middle	Public	6-8	5525 Shelbourne Rd	Baltimore	21227	Baltimore County	Baltimore County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 887-1402	974	60	16.1	54.6%	400 (41.1%)	175 (18.0%)	95 (9.8%)	229 (23.5%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	72 (7.4%)	49.7	162^nd of 339 public middle schools	52.2%		51.7	147^th of 337 public middle schools	56.4%	15	24.0	5.1	2.4	14.9	53.5	47.7	49.2	50.2	12.2		30.8	30.5	$16,403	$1,299	$15,104
Thomas Viaduct Middle	Public	6-8	7000 Banbury Drive	Hanover	21076	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-8711	758	58	13.1	47.5%	80 (10.6%)	335 (44.2%)	163 (21.5%)	129 (17.0%)	3 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	48 (6.3%)	36.3	199^th of 339 public middle schools	41.3%		42.7	181^st of 337 public middle schools	46.3%	18	16.7	6.1	2.4	14.6	40.9	41.2	48.4	43.5	40.2		35.7	18.7	$19,005	$1,002	$18,003
Oakland Mills Middle	Public	6-8	9540 Kilimanjaro Rd	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-6937	415	35	11.8	48.4%	87 (21.0%)	135 (32.5%)	133 (32.0%)	26 (6.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	32 (7.7%)	53.5	145^th of 339 public middle schools	57.2%		56.4	132^nd of 337 public middle schools	60.8%	13	23.7	8.6	21.6	26.0	40.5	54.0	51.2	48.6	53.3		61.9	29.5	$24,494	$1,060	$23,433
Lake Elkhorn Middle	Public	6-8	6680 Cradlerock Way	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-7600	569	47	12.2	49.0%	89 (15.6%)	272 (47.8%)	129 (22.7%)	32 (5.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	44 (7.7%)	44.9	173^rd of 339 public middle schools	49.0%		48.1	162^nd of 337 public middle schools	51.9%	11	23.5	8.0	5.0	19.3	47.8	48.9	49.4	48.7	48.4		54.2	20.1	$20,282	$1,058	$19,224

Frequently Asked Questions about Bonnie Branch Middle

What is the racial makeup of Bonnie Branch Middle?

Students at Bonnie Branch Middle are 35% White, 23% African American, 19% Asian, 17% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races.

How many students attend Bonnie Branch Middle?

In the 2024-25 school year, 739 students attended Bonnie Branch Middle.

Is Bonnie Branch Middle a good school?

Bonnie Branch Middle ranks 90^th of 339 Maryland middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What district is Bonnie Branch Middle in?

Howard County Public Schools

What high school do graduates of Bonnie Branch Middle attend?

Students who attend Bonnie Branch Middle usually go on to attend Howard High

Rate Bonnie Branch Middle!

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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.