Stephen Decatur Middle

Stephen Decatur Middle in Berlin, MD, is a high-performing public school serving 665 students in grades 7 and 8, part of the top-ranked Worcester County Public Schools district. This school stands out as an academic powerhouse, earning a 5-star rating and ranking 4th out of 339 middle schools statewide—placing it in the 99th percentile. Its test scores far exceed those of nearby schools: in mathematics, 64.7% of students are proficient compared to 47.1% at Berlin Intermediate and 46.5% at Snow Hill Middle, while the state average is just 27.1%. In English Language Arts, 83.1% of students are proficient, well above the state average of 51.7% and outperforming Pittsville Elementary & Middle (53.2%).

One of the most impressive findings is the school's exceptional performance with economically disadvantaged students, nearly half of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch. Despite this, these students rank in the 93rd percentile statewide, showing the school's programs are highly effective at closing opportunity gaps. Additionally, Stephen Decatur achieves these top-tier results while spending less per student ($19,407) than nearby schools like Snow Hill Middle ($25,293) and Pittsville Elementary & Middle ($22,947), pointing to efficient resource use and strong instructional practices. The school also boasts a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.7:1, contributing to its success.

However, the school faces challenges. Chronic absenteeism stands at 20.0%, higher than the district average (17.1%) and significantly above Snow Hill Middle (12.9%) and Berlin Intermediate (14.2%). While this rate has improved from a peak of 37.0% in 2021-2022, it remains a concern. Additionally, the school has room for growth in supporting special education students, who ranked in the 41st percentile. Overall, Stephen Decatur Middle is a standout institution that delivers elite academic results with notable efficiency, making it a compelling choice for families seeking a high-quality middle school experience.