Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

James M. Bennett High

Q: Is James M. Bennett High a good school?

James M. Bennett High ranks 138 th of 227 Maryland high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 9-12

138^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 227 Maryland High Schools

Better than 39% of Maryland high schools

Summary

James M. Bennett High in Salisbury, MD, is a large public high school serving 1,474 students in grades 9-12 within the Wicomico County Public Schools district, where over half of students (54.27%) are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The school shows a notable strength in English Language Arts (ELA), with 48.1% of students proficient, which is higher than the district average (41.5%) and significantly better than Wicomico High (32.8%), though it still trails the state average (51.7%). However, math performance is a critical weakness, with only 14.3% of students proficient—a rate that, while better than Wicomico High (3.2%) and Parkside High (7.5%), is far below the district (24.9%) and state (27.1%) averages, and Algebra I proficiency is alarmingly low at just 4.1%.

Chronic absenteeism is a severe and persistent problem at Bennett, with a rate of 31.3% in 2024-2025, the highest among standard comprehensive high schools in its district and more than double that of top-performing schools in neighboring Worcester County Public Schools, such as Pocomoke High (13.9%) and Snow Hill High (14.7%). The graduation rate of 85.0% is below the district average of 87.2% and lower than Parkside High (89.6%) and Mardela Middle & High (93.1%). Interestingly, Bennett exhibits a "split personality" in math: while foundational Algebra I scores are very low, 57.1% of students in advanced Algebra II are proficient, the highest among in-district peers and well above the state average (27.1%), suggesting a strong program for advanced students but a struggle for the general student body.

Comparing Bennett to nearby schools reveals stark contrasts. Worcester County Public Schools spend significantly more per student (e.g., Pocomoke High: $29,411; Snow Hill High: $30,738) compared to Bennett ($17,555), and this higher spending correlates with better outcomes in both math and ELA proficiency and graduation rates. However, Mardela Middle & High achieves top-tier results with spending similar to Bennett ($18,754), showing that effective strategies can overcome resource gaps. The Wicomico County Evening High, an alternative school with high per-student spending ($30,127) and a low student-teacher ratio, has the lowest graduation rate (70.5%) and highest chronic absenteeism (55.7%), highlighting the challenges of serving at-risk populations despite intensive investment.

1,474

Students ?

15.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

$17,555

Per pupil spending ?

54.3%

Free/discounted lunch ?

300 E College Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21804

(410) 677-5141

District: Wicomico County Public Schools

Feeder schools for James M. Bennett High:

Elementary:	Fruitland Intermediate
	Fruitland Primary
	Pemberton Elementary
	Pinehurst Elementary
	More...
	Prince Street School
	Westside Intermediate
	Westside Primary
Middle:	Salisbury Middle

Racial breakdown:

African American:

36.8%

White:

35.0%

Hispanic:

15.7%

See top rated Maryland high schools

Compare James M. Bennett High to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 49th percentile in 2014 → 39th in 2026

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Maryland average (25% vs 38% meeting standards)

!Ranking has slipped — down 10 percentile points since 2014

!Algebra I scores 17 pts below the Maryland average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school25%

District avg32%

Maryland avg38%

138^th of 227

Maryland public high schools ?

Bottom 39%▼ down 6 pts since 2016

From bottom 45% (2016) to bottom 39% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Maryland High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 4High Schools in the Wicomico County Public Schools

16^th of 25Wicomico 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	31.7	138 of 227	39.2%	★★☆☆☆
2025	26.3	147 of 220	33.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	26.6	126 of 146	13.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	36.6	121 of 225	46.2%	★★☆☆☆
2019	24.7	118 of 138	14.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	27.6	137 of 197	30.5%	★★☆☆☆
2017	34.3	113 of 180	37.2%	★★☆☆☆
2016	45.7	127 of 233	45.5%	★★☆☆☆
2015	48.2	129 of 233	44.6%	★★☆☆☆
2014	65.1	118 of 231	48.9%	★★☆☆☆
2013	37.6	128 of 185	30.8%	★★☆☆☆
2012	25.5	147 of 187	21.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	19.3	156 of 183	14.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	46.7	150 of 220	31.8%	★★☆☆☆
2009	46.1	145 of 213	31.9%	★★☆☆☆
2008	51.5	136 of 214	36.4%	★★☆☆☆
2007	48.9	118 of 209	43.5%	★★☆☆☆
2006	50.9	110 of 204	46.1%	★★☆☆☆
2005	55.2	81 of 204	60.3%	★★★☆☆
2004	43.5	112 of 201	44.3%	★★☆☆☆

By subject vs Maryland (2025-2026) ?

Algebra II57%+30 vs state

English Language Arts48%-4 vs state

Geometry47%+3 vs state

Mathematics14%-13 vs state

Algebra I4%-17 vs state

3.0

3 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★0

4★2

3★0

2★0

1★1

Rate James M. Bennett High

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a student
Friday, January 24, 2020

They have all the bathrooms locked other than that its fine Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, October 3, 2015

My daughter graduated JMB 2010 and my son is currently a junior. As a parent, I believe JMB is a fantastic school. Despite the building improvements, the teachers, coaches, counselors and staff have always made the difference. They are always available and willing to help.

Students and many other parents seem to think the teachers are the sole contributors to the students' education. This is not true. Effort is required from all involved: parents/guardians, teachers, community and students.

We all need to work on this especially in our changing social environment. There is, was and unfortunately always will be drugs! Unlike when I was in high school, there now exists cell phones, internet, xbox and play station. These can be used in good and bad ways.

I believe there are many significant factors in the home. My kids have a home environment which is a rarity nowadays - both parents are present in the same house everyday. I prepare dinner and pack lunch. I'm definitely NOT a "Leave it to Beaver" mom, but I keep a clean home, do the shopping and cooking. I have my own business and my husband works full time. My kids may not act like they have any sense, but here's the important thing -

THEY ARE LISTENING AND WATCHING.

I try to set a good example. My home is not a perfect scenario, but I put forth the effort to make improvements. I don't particularly like packing lunch, walking the dogs, making the bed and exercising before 7:30 a.m.

I do these things for many reasons and one of those reasons is because my kids are LISTENING AND WATCHING.

All of us have room for improvement. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, October 21, 2014

If it wasnt state law for my child to attend, I would allow a drunk donkey teach him. he would learn more. Close Quote

Schools Near James M. Bennett High

Load more schools when map is moved

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 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	MCAP Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
James M. Bennett High	Public	9-12	300 E College Avenue	Salisbury	21804	Wicomico County	Wicomico County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 677-5141	1,474	95	15.5	54.3%	516 (35.0%)	543 (36.8%)	232 (15.7%)	64 (4.3%)	10 (0.7%)	5 (0.3%)	101 (6.9%)	31.7	138^th of 227 public high schools	39.2%		26.3	147^th of 220 public high schools	33.2%	9				14.3				48.1	48.1	4.1	57.1	47.3		$17,555	$1,437	$16,119
Parkside High	Public	9-12	1015 Beaglin Park Dr	Salisbury	21804	Wicomico County	Wicomico County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 677-5143	1,272	108	11.7	53.2%	574 (45.1%)	416 (32.7%)	148 (11.6%)	40 (3.1%)	12 (0.9%)	1 (0.1%)	80 (6.3%)	27.6	151^st of 227 public high schools	33.5%		24.9	152^nd of 220 public high schools	30.9%	1				7.5				47.9	47.9	2.1	33.3	21.0		$17,630	$1,377	$16,253
Wicomico County Evening High	Public	9-12	916 S. Schumaker Dr	Salisbury	21804	Wicomico County	Wicomico County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 677-4537	35	11	3.1	42.9%	17 (48.6%)	11 (31.4%)	5 (14.3%)	1 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (2.9%)								(n/a)														$30,127	$946	$29,181
Wicomico High	Public	9-12	201 Long Avenue	Salisbury	21804	Wicomico County	Wicomico County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 677-5146	1,304	92	14.1	66.4%	234 (17.9%)	656 (50.3%)	255 (19.6%)	34 (2.6%)	8 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	113 (8.7%)	15.6	197^th of 227 public high schools	13.2%		17.6	183^rd of 220 public high schools	16.8%	14				3.2				32.8	32.8	1.9		17.9		$17,924	$1,518	$16,407
Mardela Middle & High	Public	6-12	24940 Delmar Rd	Mardela Springs	21837	Wicomico County	Wicomico County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 677-5142	742	52	14.2	44.9%	553 (74.5%)	78 (10.5%)	42 (5.7%)	10 (1.3%)	3 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	56 (7.5%)	60.7	43^rd of 227 public high schools	81.1%		52.6	66^th of 220 public high schools	70.0%	23	32.3	32.6	17.6	31.7	71.0	58.1	64.9	64.9	64.9	35.3		44.4	30.2	$18,754	$1,645	$17,109
Washington Academy and High School	Public	8-12	10902 Old Princess Anne Rd	Princess Anne	21853	Somerset County	Somerset County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 651-0480	619	44	14.2	76.9%	134 (21.6%)	369 (59.6%)	64 (10.3%)	12 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	39 (6.3%)	19.7	171^st of 227 public high schools	24.7%		21.3	163^rd of 220 public high schools	25.9%	8			4.6	6.4			27.9	35.5	31.7	7.7			14.6	$23,352	$3,753	$19,599
Worcester Technical High School	Public	9-12	6290 Worcester Hwy	Newark	21841	Worcester County	Worcester County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 632-5050	0	26	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Snow Hill High	Public	9-12	305 S Church St	Snow Hill	21863	Worcester County	Worcester County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 632-5270	368	32	11.5	54.3%	196 (53.3%)	98 (26.6%)	30 (8.2%)	5 (1.4%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	37 (10.1%)	58.4	50^th of 227 public high schools	78.0%		52.7	64^th of 220 public high schools	70.9%	14				25.9				70.9	70.9	25.9				$30,738	$2,953	$27,785
Somerset County Technical High School	Public	9-12	79894 Tawes Campus Road	Westover	21871	Somerset County	Somerset County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 651-2285	0	15	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Pocomoke High	Public	9-12	1817 Old Virginia Rd	Pocomoke City	21851	Worcester County	Worcester County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 632-5180	374	33	11.3	67.1%	144 (38.5%)	174 (46.5%)	19 (5.1%)	8 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (7.8%)	48.7	74^th of 227 public high schools	67.4%		37.3	116^th of 220 public high schools	47.3%	42				19.2				63.0	63.0	19.2				$29,411	$2,721	$26,690

Frequently Asked Questions about James M. Bennett High

What is the racial makeup of James M. Bennett High?

Students at James M. Bennett High are 37% African American, 35% White, 16% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

Is James M. Bennett High a good school?

James M. Bennett High ranks 138^th of 227 Maryland high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What district is James M. Bennett High in?

Wicomico County Public Schools

How many students attend James M. Bennett High?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,474 students attended James M. Bennett High.

What schools feed into James M. Bennett High?

James M. Bennett High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Fruitland Intermediate
Elementary : Fruitland Primary
Elementary : Pemberton Elementary
Elementary : Pinehurst Elementary
Elementary : Prince Street School
Elementary : Westside Intermediate
Elementary : Westside Primary
Middle : Salisbury Middle

Rate James M. Bennett High!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

MDMaryland High School Rankings

MDMaryland District Rankings

Schools in Salisbury, MD

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for James M. Bennett High!

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.