Summary:
In zip code 20675 (Pomfret, MD), there is a single elementary school, Dr. James Craik Elementary School, serving grades PK through 5 with 520 students.
Dr. James Craik Elementary School is a standout performer within the Charles County Public Schools district, which is ranked in the 20th percentile statewide. Despite the district's low 1-star rating, the school consistently earns a 3-star rating and outperforms the district average in every academic subject and grade level. For example, in 2025-2026, the school's all-grades math proficiency (32.7%) was nearly double the district average (17%), and its 5th-grade science proficiency (37.1%) was significantly higher than the district's 23.4%. The school also benefits from a low student-teacher ratio of 13.3:1 and high per-student spending of $19,177. A key differentiator is its chronic absenteeism rate of 16.9%, which is nearly 10 percentage points lower than the district average of 26.6%, indicating strong student attendance and engagement.
However, the school faces notable challenges. Its state ranking has declined over three years, dropping from the 69th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 54th percentile in 2025-2026, a loss of 131 places. This decline occurs despite high spending, suggesting other schools are improving faster. Additionally, there is a clear performance gap between subjects: English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency (47.4%) is much stronger than math proficiency (32.7%), with 5th-grade ELA proficiency (49.4%) nearly double the 5th-grade math proficiency (27%). While the school is a bright spot in a struggling district, these trends warrant attention to maintain its competitive edge.
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