Benjamin Stoddert Middle

Benjamin Stoddert Middle in Temple Hills, MD, is a public school serving 628 students in grades 6-8 within the Prince George's County Public Schools district, where nearly all students (94.75%) come from economically disadvantaged households.

Academically, the school faces significant challenges, particularly in mathematics, where only 3% of students were proficient in the 2025-2026 school year—the lowest rate among nearby schools and far below the district average of 13.7% and state average of 27.1%. This is a persistent issue, with proficiency rates hovering around 1-3% in recent years. In contrast, English Language Arts (ELA) performance is a relative bright spot, with 24.9% of students proficient, though still well below the state average of 51.7%. The school also struggles with chronic absenteeism, which, while improving to 27.3% in 2024-2025, had previously exceeded 39% for three consecutive years. This rate is notably higher than at nearby schools like Walker Mill Middle and Kenmoor Middle, though comparable to G. James Gholson Middle and Thurgood Marshall Middle.

Despite relatively high per-pupil spending of $20,396—more than Walker Mill Middle ($17,956) and similar to Kenmoor Middle ($21,329), which achieve better results—the school has not seen corresponding academic gains. There is a notable gender achievement gap, with male students performing in the 2nd percentile statewide compared to female students at the 17th percentile. On a positive note, the school's state ranking has inched up from the 8th to the 10th percentile over the last two years, and chronic absenteeism has dropped significantly, suggesting some progress. However, the school remains in the bottom tier of Maryland middle schools, with urgent needs to improve math instruction and address absenteeism, especially among male students.