Summary:
In zip code 20664, there is a single elementary school, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, serving grades PK through 5 in Newburg, Maryland, within the Charles County Public Schools district.
Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School is a standout academic performer, consistently earning a 3-star state ranking for three consecutive years and placing in the 62nd percentile statewide. Its test scores significantly outpace both the district and state averages, with 33.7% proficiency in math (compared to the district's 17.0%), 53.6% in English Language Arts (above the state's 51.7%), and 43.5% in 5th-grade science (nearly double the district's 23.4%). This is particularly notable because the Charles County Public Schools district is ranked 20th out of 25 in Maryland, making this school a clear "bright spot" within a struggling district. The school serves 428 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.2 and spends $21,137 per student, which is a high level of funding that appears to support strong outcomes.
Despite its academic success, the school has a high chronic absenteeism rate of 28.4%, slightly above the district average, which is a concern. However, the fact that test scores remain strong suggests effective interventions for attending students. The school also serves a community with moderate economic need, as nearly 40% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Grade-level trends show a particularly strong and stable literacy program across all grades, while math proficiency dips in 4th and 5th grades, indicating a potential area for targeted support. Overall, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School offers a high-quality education that far exceeds its district's typical performance.
Thank you for your feedback!