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Frederick Douglass High

Q: Is Frederick Douglass High a good school?

Frederick Douglass High ranks 120 th of 227 Maryland high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public, Magnet Grades 9-12

120^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 227 Maryland High Schools

Better than 47% of Maryland high schools

Summary

Frederick Douglass High in Upper Marlboro, MD, is a large public high school serving 1,183 students in grades 9-12 within the Prince George's County Public Schools district, where nearly 45% of students are economically disadvantaged.

This school presents a fascinating paradox: it is a standout in English Language Arts (ELA) but struggles significantly in math. In the most recent school year, an impressive 63.1% of students were proficient in ELA, far exceeding the district average of 38.9% and even the state average of 51.7%. This makes it one of the top performers in its district, outperforming nearby schools like Suitland High and Crossland High. However, only 5.8% of students were proficient in math, a rate well below the district (13.7%) and state (27.1%) averages. This stark contrast suggests the school has developed highly effective literacy instruction but has not yet found a formula for math success. Despite this challenge, the school boasts a high graduation rate of around 92%, significantly higher than the district average of 78.9% and many of its peers, such as Surrattsville High.

Frederick Douglass also stands out for its lower rate of economic disadvantage compared to nearby schools. While schools like International High @ Largo and Crossland have nearly 95% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, Frederick Douglass's rate is 44.7%. This factor likely contributes to its higher ELA scores and graduation rates. The school's recent ranking history has been volatile, jumping from the bottom 7% of Maryland schools in 2019 to the top 18% in 2025, before settling near the middle in 2026. This suggests a school in transition, with the potential for sustained excellence if it can replicate its ELA success in math and address a chronic absenteeism rate of 27.7%.

1,183

Students ?

19.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,173

Per pupil spending ?

44.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

8000 Croom Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-9748

(301) 952-2400

District: Prince George's County Public Schools

Feeder schools for Frederick Douglass High:

Elementary:	Mattaponi Elementary
	Rosaryville Elementary

Racial breakdown:

African American:

83.9%

Hispanic:

10.7%

Two or more races:

1.9%

See top rated Maryland high schools

Compare Frederick Douglass High to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Recently slipping — 82nd percentile in 2025 → 47th in 2026

Strengths

✓92% graduate within 4 years

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Prince George's County Public Schools

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Maryland average (22% vs 38% meeting standards)

!Ranking has slipped from its 82nd-percentile peak (2025) to 47th (2026)

!Mathematics scores 21 pts below the Maryland average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school22%

District avg24%

Maryland avg38%

120^th of 227

Maryland public high schools ?

Bottom 47%▲ up 9 pts since 2016

From bottom 39% (2016) to bottom 47% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Maryland High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

5^th of 25High Schools in the Prince George's County Public Schools

22^nd of 25Prince George's 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	37.7	120 of 227	47.1%	★★☆☆☆
2025	59.1	40 of 220	81.8%	★★★★☆
2023	41.4	77 of 127	39.4%	★★☆☆☆
2022	44.4	91 of 225	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	14.5	129 of 138	6.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	30.8	120 of 197	39.1%	★★☆☆☆
2017	28.3	126 of 180	30.0%	★★☆☆☆
2016	40.6	143 of 233	38.6%	★★☆☆☆
2015	39.0	153 of 233	34.3%	★★☆☆☆
2014	37.7	169 of 231	26.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	14.6	166 of 185	10.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	10.4	175 of 187	6.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2011	6.0	176 of 183	3.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2010	40.5	161 of 220	26.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	30.3	170 of 213	20.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	36.4	158 of 214	26.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2007	31.0	152 of 209	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	20.5	158 of 204	22.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2005	15.9	169 of 204	17.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2004	30.1	170 of 201	15.4%	★☆☆☆☆

By subject vs Maryland (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts63%+11 vs state

Mathematics6%-21 vs state

Algebra I6%-15 vs state

4.7

3 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★2

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a teacher
Tuesday, August 15, 2017

I have worked at this school for over 14 years. In the past 6 years we have really seen an increase in academic programs which offer college credit. Our IB Programme is competitive with IB around the globe. If IB Diploma Programme students reach the required composite score they can earn 36 college credits. We are also now offering the Pathways to Technology program. Through P-Tech students can earn and associates degree from PGCC at the same time they graduate from high school. The pathways we offer in P-Tech our Hospitality Services Management and Health Services Management. Our focus on character building and community service is very evident in our numerous community service projects throughout the year. Our leadership team is working hard to improve college and career readiness. The size of the school is ideal because it is big enough to offer a variety of extra curricular activities but not so big that students feel overwhelmed. The staff works very hard to provide lessons with a global focus. There are plenty of opportunities for success for our students both in and outside of the classroom with the support of our staff and parent involvement. Our athletic programs are also quite competitive. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, March 21, 2016

My daughter attended FDHS in her 9th grade year. I only have positive things to say.
She is a upcoming Senior. I' m grateful to be part of the great PTSA. The Admins, staff, and students are awesome. Our Principal Scott is coming up on his 3 year and he is very hands on with our kids and very visible in the classroom, hallways,and afterschool activities. FDHS has an outstanding curriculum classes. We are an IB World School. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, March 20, 2016

The staff is committed to helping students. Close Quote

Schools Near Frederick Douglass High

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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)	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 All Grades	MCAP English Language Arts 10th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts All Grades	MCAP Algebra I End of Course	MCAP Algebra II End of Course	MCAP Geometry End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Frederick Douglass High	Public, Magnet	9-12	8000 Croom Rd	Upper Marlboro	20772	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 952-2400	1,183	62	19.0	44.7%	18 (1.5%)	992 (83.9%)	127 (10.7%)	11 (0.9%)	9 (0.8%)	3 (0.3%)	22 (1.9%)	37.7	120^th of 227 public high schools	47.1%		59.1	40^th of 220 public high schools	81.8%	80	5.8	63.1	63.1	5.8			$18,173	$982	$17,190
Dr. Henry A. Wise Junior High	Public	9-12	12650 Brooke Ln	Upper Marlboro	20772	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 780-2100	2,291	121	18.9	57.9%	44 (1.9%)	1,703 (74.3%)	497 (21.7%)	9 (0.4%)	10 (0.4%)	3 (0.1%)	24 (1.0%)	30.3	142^nd of 227 public high schools	37.4%		26.7	145^th of 220 public high schools	34.1%	3	7.4	54.0	54.0	7.4			$17,819	$1,031	$16,788
Surrattsville High	Public	9-12	6101 Garden Dr	Clinton	20735	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 599-2453	875	53	16.5	64.7%	14 (1.6%)	570 (65.1%)	268 (30.6%)	8 (0.9%)	3 (0.3%)	5 (0.6%)	7 (0.8%)	16.3	191^st of 227 public high schools	15.9%		17.1	185^th of 220 public high schools	15.9%	6	1.2	35.6	35.6	1.2			$21,995	$1,249	$20,747
Gwynn Park High	Public, Magnet	9-12	13800 Brandywine Rd	Brandywine	20613	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 372-0140	1,147	67	17.1	47.7%	26 (2.3%)	865 (75.4%)	199 (17.3%)	20 (1.7%)	1 (0.1%)	8 (0.7%)	28 (2.4%)	26.3	155^th of 227 public high schools	31.7%		19.9	168^th of 220 public high schools	23.6%	13	8.7	46.4	46.4	8.7			$18,660	$1,061	$17,599
International High school @ Largo	Public	9-12	505 Largo Rd	Upper Marlboro	20772	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(301) 702-3810	354	32	11.2	94.9%	6 (1.7%)	18 (5.1%)	281 (79.4%)	49 (13.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11.5	210^th of 227 public high schools	7.5%		8.3	217^th of 220 public high schools	1.4%	7	3.7	15.0	15.0	3.7			$24,041	$2,095	$21,946
Largo High	Public, Magnet	9-12	505 Largo Rd	Upper Marlboro	20774	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 808-8880	1,159	76	15.2	64.4%	12 (1.0%)	930 (80.2%)	198 (17.1%)	8 (0.7%)	4 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	6 (0.5%)	26.4	154^th of 227 public high schools	32.2%		28.9	139^th of 220 public high schools	36.8%	15	2.0	51.4	51.4	2.0			$20,217	$1,172	$19,046
Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC	Public, Magnet	9-12	301 Largo Rd	Largo	20774	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 546-7247	462	25	18.4	50.2%	13 (2.8%)	317 (68.6%)	81 (17.5%)	43 (9.3%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.4%)	5 (1.1%)	90.7	3^rd of 227 public high schools	98.7%		85.6	4^th of 220 public high schools	98.2%	1	61.5	100.0	100.0	60.8	62.5		$21,076	$868	$20,207
Crossland High	Public, Magnet	9-12	6901 Temple Hill Rd	Temple Hills	20748	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 449-4800	1,094	88	12.4	94.9%	14 (1.3%)	779 (71.2%)	285 (26.1%)	4 (0.4%)	4 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	7 (0.6%)	27.2	152^nd of 227 public high schools	33.0%		26.2	148^th of 220 public high schools	32.7%	4	4.6	53.6	53.6	4.6			$22,173	$1,063	$21,110
Suitland High	Public, Magnet	9-12	5200 Silver Hill Rd	Suitland	20746	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 817-0500	1,847	116	15.9	94.7%	24 (1.3%)	1,475 (79.9%)	326 (17.7%)	7 (0.4%)	2 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	11 (0.6%)	22.4	169^th of 227 public high schools	25.6%		16.9	186^th of 220 public high schools	15.5%	17	12.3	33.5	33.5	12.3			$21,395	$1,122	$20,273
Central High	Public, Magnet	9-12	200 Cabin Branch Rd	Capitol Heights	20743	Prince George's County	Prince George's County Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(301) 499-7080	754	54	14.0	71.0%	7 (0.9%)	515 (68.3%)	225 (29.8%)	2 (0.3%)	3 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	16.7	185^th of 227 public high schools	18.5%		13.4	204^th of 220 public high schools	7.3%	19	7.3	24.3	24.3	5.9	9.2	17.6	$22,522	$1,308	$21,215

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick Douglass High

What district is Frederick Douglass High in?

Prince George's County Public Schools

Is Frederick Douglass High a good school?

Frederick Douglass High ranks 120^th of 227 Maryland high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Frederick Douglass High?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,183 students attended Frederick Douglass High.

What schools feed into Frederick Douglass High?

Frederick Douglass High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Mattaponi Elementary
Elementary : Rosaryville Elementary

What is the racial makeup of Frederick Douglass High?

Students at Frederick Douglass High are 84% African American, 11% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races, 2% White.

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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.